Cogne, Gran Paradiso National Park

The alpine skiing area extends across the wooded slopes of Montseuc and offers 9 km of pistes, 8 of which are covered by programmed snowmaking. The runs face predominantly north and range from 1,534 to approximately 2,270 metres in altitude, with a considerable vertical drop for a ski area of such modest size.

Skiers have eight runs available: two blue, five red and one black. The ski area is therefore particularly enjoyable for intermediate skiers, who will find varied descents, changes in gradient and long stretches through the woods. More advanced skiers can enjoy the black run and the more technical sections, although the limited number of runs means it is not possible to ski for several days without repeating the same descents.

Beginners and children can take their first steps on the snow in the Baby Sant’Orso area, served by a magic carpet and next to a snow park with games and a tubing run. Its separation from the rest of the ski area makes the learning area quiet and suitable for families.

The ski area is served by the distinctive Pulsé Cogne-Montseuc gondola, which departs directly from the village, two fixed-grip two-seater chairlifts and the magic carpet. The lifts are neither recent nor particularly fast: the gondola dates back to 1990, while the two chairlifts were built in 1997 and 2004. Nevertheless, they remain functional for a compact ski area frequented mainly by families and those who want to ski without the crowds of the major resorts.

However, the true focal point of winter sports in Cogne is cross-country skiing. The network comprises around 50 km of trails distributed between the main village, Lillaz, Épinel and Valnontey, with routes suitable for both classic technique and skating. The loops cross the Prato di Sant’Orso, run alongside streams and forests, and venture into the valleys of the Park. Cogne has hosted World Cup competitions and is the venue for the historic MarciaGranParadiso.

The winter offering is completed by snowshoeing and ski mountaineering routes, ice skating and numerous icefalls, which have made Cogne an internationally renowned destination for climbing enthusiasts as well. The Lillaz waterfalls, the Mining Park exhibition centre and the historic centre are also worth a visit, where lace-making and the traditions of the local community have survived.

Cogne is not the ideal choice for those looking for many kilometres of alpine skiing or state-of-the-art lifts. It is instead recommended for families, intermediate skiers and above all those who want to combine their downhill skiing with one of the best Nordic skiing experiences in the Alps, in a natural environment of extraordinary value.