Ice climbing in Cogne, Aosta Valley

Discover a new vertical playground on adventure ice climbing excursions in Cogne, part of the iconic Aosta Valley.

Lined with long, thick ice walls, Cogne is where serious mountaineers learn to master the fourth element - testing their technique on the unforgiving frozen waterfalls and cascading ramparts of  Valnontey and Valeille. Explore a frozen new world with this popular winter sports activity, in the heart of the Northern Alps.

Location
Cogne is a commune in Aosta Valley, northern Italy. Situated on the border of the Gran Paradiso National Park, Cogne is close to the popular ski resorts of La Thuile and Courmayeur - an hour's drive to the north. The gateway to the Alps, the small town is renowned for its challenging cross-country trails that go through forests and across ridges, as well as ice falls for professional and skilled climbers.

Activity
Suited to total beginners and ice age aficionados alike, ice climbing in Cogne can be organised according to skill level and previous experience. Learning to master a piolet-traction technique with two ice axes and crampons, groups will have the choice to perfect their climbing on small icefalls or tackle the larger frozen waterfalls in Valnontey and Valeille. Using safety ropes and following a lead guide, participants will learn how to effectively ascend an ice face using specialised climbing methods.

Conditions
Ice climbing is a physically demanding activity that requires the competant use of ice axes and crampons. Conditions will be monitored by your guide, but sun exposure, temperature, wind and rain will all affect the surface and integrity of individual ice climbing pitches.