Cross-Country Skiing in Italy: Wonders of Gran Paradiso

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, certified BASI ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 3 days of cross country skiing in Gran Paradiso National Park
    • Accommodation in a 3* family-run Hotel du Grand Paradis based on twin-share basis (4 nights, single rooms available for an additional fee)
    • Breakfasts and dinners
    • Transportation between Cogne and Milan Malpensa Airport at the beginning and end of the trip

  What’s not included:

  • • Airfare costs
    • Travel insurance
    • Lunches, personal drinks, and snacks
    • Ski hire and track pass
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  To join this guided Gran Paradiso cross-country skiing trip, you don’t need to be a top athlete, but a basic level of fitness is crucial. The trip is graded as suitable for beginners, making it an excellent choice for individuals who are new to cross-country skiing or seeking to refresh their skills. It caters to active participants looking for an enjoyable and not overly strenuous experience. As the trip progresses, you’ll gradually ski longer distances at a pace that suits your comfort level. You can expect to spend up to 5 hours a day on your feet with a lunch break, coffee stops and regular breaks in between. So, while being in good general health and having a reasonable level of fitness is beneficial, you don’t need to be a seasoned skier or an elite athlete to take part in this adventure.

  To prepare for the trip, we recommend building a weekly exercise routine leading up to your departure. Activities like jogging, circuit training, swimming, or using the elliptic cross-trainer at the gym can help build stamina and prepare you for the adventure. A bit of strength training for the arms can be beneficial to prevent injury during the journey. By following this preparation, you’ll enhance your experience and ensure a more enjoyable time on the Gran Paradiso cross-country skiing trip.

• What if I’ve never cross-country skied before?

  If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing before, don’t worry; this guided Gran Paradiso cross country skiing tour is an excellent opportunity to learn and enjoy this activity!

  It’s specifically designed for beginners with experience of skiing in resorts who are new to cross-country skiing. You’ll receive instruction from a qualified ski instructor who will teach you the basic classic technique, allowing you to move efficiently across flat or slightly undulating terrain. This trip is an ideal starting point for your cross-country skiing journey, and as you gain confidence and experience, you can explore more challenging trips in the future. We encourage newcomers to embrace this adventure, and we’re here to ensure you have a rewarding and enjoyable experience in the breathtaking Gran Paradiso region.

• What do I need to bring?

  For technical cross country gear, you will need to bring:

  • • Classic cross country track skis (fish scales recommended) — can be rented
    • Ski poles specific to classic cross country skiing — can be rented
    • Classic cross country ski boots — can be rented

  Other essential personal items include:

  • • Daypack with side straps to carry your skis (max. 30 L capacity)
    • Waterproof jacket and and waterproof pants (Gore-tex or similar)
    • Socks (normal hiking socks and a couple of pairs of warmer merino wool socks)
    • Underwear
    • Cross country ski pants
    • Thermal base layer trousers (thermal leggings or similar)
    • Base layer moisture-wicking t-shirts
    • Base layer top (long-sleeved merino wool or similar)
    • Mid layer top (fleece jacket is good)
    • Warm jacket (lightweight down jacket)
    • Warm hat (wool or fleece hat)
    • Buff or fleece neckwarmer
    • Gloves (a pair of lighter gloves, an insulated mid-range pair, and a much warmer pair for cold weather)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm
    • Water bottle (Nalgene bottles are recommended)
    • Goggles or cross country ski visor
    • Toiletries (shower gel, toothpaste, etc.)
    • Head torch
    • Plastic bags / dry sacks (to keep essentials dry)
    • Basic first aid kit (containing plasters, blister treatment, painkillers, etc.)

  Optional items:

  • • Headband, buff, and gaiters
    • Camera
    • Casual trainers for the evenings
    • Casual clothes for when you’re not skiing
    • Earplugs
    • Swimwear
    • Boot dryers
    • Travel kettle and flask
• What about ski passes and hiring equipment?

  Ski passes for the three-day period typically come to a total of approximately 30 dollars, and you can conveniently settle this amount directly with the hotel in cash.

  When it comes to equipment rental, you have the option to hire classic cross-country track skis compatible with NNN boots and bindings, typically equipped with skin or fish scales (as opposed to skate skis or waxables). The cost for renting ski and boot packages for the weekend amounts to approximately 60 dollars per person, payable directly to the ski shop (prices are estimates and subject to change). Your guide will be on hand to assist you in collecting your rental gear on the first morning.

  To ensure a seamless process, kindly provide your height, weight, everyday shoe size (excluding any personal boot adjustments), and the measurement of your height up to your armpits as a note during the booking. Please note that renting equipment this way is a hassle-free option, but should you prefer to make arrangements independently, there are numerous ski rental places in Cogne.

• What’s the accommodation like?

  Your accommodation is a 3* family-run Hotel du Grand Paradis in the Italian Alps. Nestled in the heart of Cogne, it offers both comfort and convenience. But that’s not all; your stay here includes access to the hotel’s serene spa — La Baita.

  This oasis of relaxation boasts a range of options, from the invigorating Finnish sauna and the soothing Turkish bath to the refreshing Scottish shower and a tranquil mezzanine relaxation area. For those seeking even more indulgence, massages are available and can be easily arranged through the hotel. Buffet breakfast and dinners are included and you’ll be able to savor both Italian and more international delicacies.

  You will stay in twin rooms with someone you are arriving or with a fellow skier. If you seek more privacy, you can opt for a single room which is available for an additional fee.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the maximum number of participants is 8.
    • The minimum number of participants for this tour to operate si 4.
    • The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

  Cross country skiing in Gran Paradiso National Park can be arranged for private and for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

  If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Cogne, most people fly into Milan Malpensa Airport , which is 3 hours away. Once there, you will meet your guide and fellow cross-country skiers.

  The tour conveniently includes group transportation to Cogne, usually departing from the airport at 4:30 PM. The schedule can be flexible to accommodate the group’s preferences. If you arrive earlier, you have the option to explore the vibrant city of Milan. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transportation from Turin or Geneva if it better suits your plans, though please note that only group transfers from Milan are covered in the tour price.

• Safety measures in Cogne, Italy

  For this cross-country skiing tour in Italy, participants are required to cover all their bases with emergency rescue/medical insurance. With rescue insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more for a price of approximately $15 per person per day (for US citizens).

  We also suggest arranging travel insurance to cover canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!

  • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  • Once the dates are set, you can confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.