Sport Itineraries: Cogne

Wall ascent: follow the paved road closed to traffic that climbs the Urtier valley or take the path that starts behind the hydroelectric power plant. Follow the road or path to the marked curve (sign for the gym) where you can already see the wall. Follow the path over the stones to the wall base. You can also reach the wall on a scenic path that climbs along the famous waterfalls. 15 minutes using the path, 20 minutes following the road, 30 minutes from the waterfalls.

The Lillaz wall has always been a climbing gym for the Cogne alpine guides who bolted and re-bolted it. Climbing is always on ledges and some routes are ideal for beginner climbers even if bolts on easier climbs are sometimes a bit distant. Routes can be climbed on two cords and abseiled down.
The activity requires technical experience. Alpine guide assistance is recommended.

Descent: Top rope on shorter routes, abseil on longer routes.

Minimum, maximum and average route difficulty from 3b to 5c, average 4c.

60 meter long cord recommended.

It is a beautiful ice structure that is clearly visible from the village of Lillaz. It features a rather fun climb, especially on the second pitch that runs diagonally to the right where you can choose whether to pass between rocks and ice (sometimes you have to break some edges to make a hole) or climb outside the edges (more delicate and exposed).
The following describes the most frequent climb, which is the one on the left. You can often start on the right by going up a fine free-standing followed by a long traverse to the left up to the belay of the classic route. In the latter case, be very careful of the overhanging edges as you will be climbing vertically!

Level: III/5
Length: III/5
First ascent: S. Mazza, E. Marlier 1990
Altitude: 2000 m
Exposure: West
Coordinates: Lon.: 7,40326 Lat.: 45,590409- UTM (ED50) - X: 375533,93 Y: 5049979,18

L1: rather repetitive series of vertical walls, going from left to right. Belay on rock (fix and chain).
L2: diagonally toward the right searching for the best passage between stalactites and edges. Normally, you can go into a sort of tunnel between rocks and ice (easier), otherwise you have to cross outside on the ice stalactites which are always rather smooth (more difficult). When the ice ends, a fix protects a short mixed passage (M4) which allows you to reach the channel at the summit. Belay on the left on rock (fix and chain).

Descent: two solutions. With a long and rather exposed abseil (60 metres) from the S2 or exit onto the summit’s forest and fix a chain to a tree on the waterfall’s right bank; an abseil will take you back to where the backpacks were left, which is normally to the far left of the waterfall’s base.

Text and photos taken from Effimeri barbagli (M. Giglio, 2014), the complete guide to ice climbs in Aosta Valley.

The most classic among the classics in Valnontey ... and much more. It is definitely the busiest trail in the valley. To be avoided at weekends because a long queue is guaranteed! You must keep in mind, however, that even in the presence of several roped parties, it is still possible to climb without jeopardizing the safety of the progression. The ice climb in fact consists of several independent jumps; all you have to do is just wait until the roped parties before you have finished their pitch.
Be cautious in the event of heavy snowfalls or the general instability of the fresh snow. Contrary to what you might think, the cascade is quite exposed to avalanches … especially to the greater ones.
The WI3 technical assessment obviously takes into account the easier route; needless to say that numerous, more difficult versions are also available.
An interesting pillar is formed from time to time just a few metres to the left of the start of the cascade: this is a fascinating alternative to decongest possible crowding on the main route.

The following is a description of the simplest and most direct route that also includes medium/long pitches. There are also other climbing opportunities when the ice allows it, providing for intermediate belays (usually equipped with fixes). Our advice of course is to avoid overcrowding the same belays while trying to be as independent as possible: fortunately, the ice allows considerable route customization.

Level: III/3
Length: 250 m
First ascent: G. C. Grassi, P. Marchisio 1985
Altitude: 1950 m
Exposure: West-North-West
Coordinates: Lon.: 7,32951 Lat.: 45,552873 - UTM (ED50) - X: 369694,56 Y: 5045926,15

L1: the first jump of the ice climb can be tackled at several points. The easiest route involves passing a not so steep icy dihedral on the left, followed by a cross to the right until the end of the jump. 60 metres. There is a belay on the rock to the right (fix). This belay can also be reached by directly passing over two well supported ridges interposed by a large, almost horizontal, mantelshelf which you can rest on.
L2: move to the left and take on a frozen ridge, initially steep then more sloping at the end. Then walk up to a large stony block. 40 m. There is a belay at the upper right of the stony block (fix).
L3: walk several metres to the base of a short frozen ridge that can be easily passed from the centre. Belay on upper left of rock (fix).
Short transfer to the base of the upper part of the ice climb.
L4: the wide icy wall of the upper part allows you to climb everywhere, following at least 4 independent lines. 40-50 metres. In all cases, the belay is located on the top right before the rocky bottleneck (fix).
L5: move to the left into the centre of a narrow gully and climb it up to its end. Belay on rock at the upper right (fix).

Descent: if necessary, it is possible to abseil down from any belay (fix). The most practical solution however is to abseil down from the last jump (2 rappels). From here, walk diagonally to the right (facing downhill) going down into a sort of channel that runs along the right bank of the ice climb. You will end up exactly where the backpacks were left. Be careful in the case of heavy snowfalls, the slopes you descend are short but quite steep. It is recommended that you keep the crampons on during the descent.

Text and photos taken from Effimeri barbagli (M. Giglio, 2014), the complete guide to ice climbs in Aosta Valley.

Not many words are needed to describe this slide; it is simply one of the most famous ice climbs in the world. It was lionized after the first climb, made under very difficult conditions and with little ice. Over the years, it has been repeated regularly and tamed with fixes at the belays on both sides.
A short note on the technical assessment. After thousands of roped parties repeated over the years, there has been a tendency to downsize the difficulty level by one degree. In fact, considering the structure under the best conditions but without signs of passage, it features a first section that is wholly vertical for almost one hundred metres. Obviously, if you split this section into three or more lengths, the physical effort is greatly reduced. Otherwise, a WI6 assessment would be more than appropriate if it is performed in two long pitches.
The story of the first climb is relatively unknown and analysed in depth with some anecdotes written by Elio Bonfanti in his work of 2009, after having taken on the ice climb with F. Conta and F. Damilano on the 20th anniversary of its opening. To recap, the rush to the first climb of Repentance super has certainly helped increase the level of ice climbs in Valle d’Aosta giving rise to an almost competitive movement that brought locals A. Cambiolo and E. Marlier to the ascent of Di fronte al tradimento the day after the first ascent of Repentance …
Unfortunately, still many roped parties only do the first half of the ice climb and abseil down from the end of the most difficult part. It is actually much more rewarding to continue up to the top and finish the climb on the plateau of Money; the last portion of the pitch offers the stark contrast between vertical and horizontal.
The following describes the path on the left bank which is the one normally taken. Bear in mind that you can also climb from the centre or the left (facing upwards), where some belays on the rock are available (old bolts and pitons).

Level: III/6
Length: 250 m
First ascent: F. Conta, F. Damilano, G. C. Grassi, F. 1989
Altitude: 2100 m
Exposure: West North West
Coordinates: Lon.: 7,32693 Lat.: 45,547463 - UTM (ED50) - X: 369480,78 Y: 5045329,38

L1: after the short initial slope, you face a steep vertical wall, generally very rough textured, much like a cauliflower. Sometimes it is the most challenging pitch of the ice climb. 45 metres. Belay on the rock on the right (fix).
L2: climb the entire vertical pillar up to the top with physical and sustained climbing. 55 metres. Belay on the rock right at the end of the vertical section (fix). If you want, you can split this length into two, belaying on rock in a stony ravine at the base of the pillar where the first part of the ice climb ends (fix) ... it goes without saying that the difficulty level is slightly reduced. Sometimes it can be difficult to reach the belay and even more to climb out of it: this is why you should not stop and continue until the end of the vertical section.
L3: easy channel of snow/ice. 25 metres. Belay on rock to the left under a small overhang (fix).
L4: continuation of the channel that bends slightly to the right to get around the icy wall at the base of the final section. 40 metres. Belay on rock on the right (fix).
L5: icy ramp with constant slope, initially the left then to the right, which leads onto the plateau of Money. 55 metres. Belay on a rocky block on the summit’s plateau (fix). In certain years, you can also climb a great column to the right of the path which is normally followed and that leads directly to the summit plateau, with sustained climbing (WI5).

Descent: abseiling down the ice climb using the climb’s anchor points (fix).

Text and photos taken from Effimeri barbagli (M. Giglio, 2014), the complete guide to ice climbs in Aosta Valley.

A true classic of Valeille. Its success is no doubt due to the easy access and continuity of the climb. Thanks to its exposure, it is almost always in good condition. Very crowded.
To the right of the first pitch, depending on the conditions, you can climb an ice and/or mixed variant (some progression fixes in place and a fix belay to the right of the column).
At the top of the ice climb you can climb a variant to the right of the last pitch instead, which appears like a great non-vertical wall which dies out on the slopes above (abseiling down on Abalakov threads).

Level: III/5
Length: 200 m
First ascent: E. Crudo, G. C. Grassi, S. Rossi 1989
Altitude: 1800 m
Exposure: West
Coordinates: Lon.: 7,39329 Lat.: 45,579148 - UTM (ED50) - X: 374731,45 Y: 5048743,57

L1: long pitch with never vertical, constant inclination. 60 metres. Belay on rock to the left of the free-standing (fix).
L2: climb the large free-standing (usually on the left side) with sustained and exposed climbing until it starts to lose verticality. You can stop after 30 metres to the left, before the final narrowing, stopping on some saplings (ropes and maillon) or you can go out onto the snowy slope above that offers a more comfortable belay. 45 metres. Belay on rock to the left (rock pitons with maillon).
L3: go along the entire channel up to the base of the next jump. 50 metres. Belay on rock on the far right of the icy wall (fix).
L4: long pitch to go beyond the upper wall that has a constant slope and only some short vertical sections. 60 metres. Belay on rock on the upper left (fix). You can also divide the length into two pitches of 30 metres each, belaying halfway onto the rock on the right (pitons).

Descent: with four rappels along the ice climb using the climb anchors (fix and pitons).

Text and photos taken from Effimeri barbagli (M. Giglio, 2014), the complete guide to ice climbs in Aosta Valley.

It is a fine ice climb located at the end of a snowy, rather tiring, channel. A classic route that is not extremely difficult but preparatory for grade 4 ice climbs. Only climb with stable snow pack. Usually very crowded.

Level: III/3
Length: 90 m
First ascent: P. Angela, E. Bonfanti, G. C. Grassi 1985
Altitude: 1900 m
Exposure: East
Coordinates: Lon.: 7,38628 Lat.: 45,573478 - UTM (ED50) - X: 374171,85 Y: 5048124,71

L1: slightly sloped icy slab. 30 metres. Belay on rock on the right (fix).
L2: quite compact wall, quick-paced but never vertical. 40 metres. Belay on the upper left rock (fix).
L3: short ice jump to enter the channel where difficulties end. 20 metres. Belay on rock on the right (fix).
With 60 metre ropes, you can join L2 and L3 going up on the left bank; interesting solution in the presence of other roped parties on the other side.

Descent: with two abseils along the ice climb using the climb’s anchors. You arrive directly from S3 to S1 with 60-metre ropes.

Text and photos taken from Effimeri barbagli (M. Giglio, 2014), the complete guide to ice climbs in Aosta Valley.

Just after Moline, in the municipality of Cogne, take route 5 on the left of the road that goes up the slope to Colonna.

You can also continue inside the valley of Liconi (ancient cultivation site outside the iron mine) to reach the ridge leading to Mount Creya. Interesting panorama.

The section between Colonna and Mount Creya is recommended for expert hikers.

From the higher part of Cogne, take the cable car (a fee is due) which reaches 2072 m where the Nature Trail starts, near the bar. It’s an educational itinerary featuring 15 observation points where you can discover many small wonders of the mountain habitat: the woodland and its inhabitants, the man and his territory, the birds of prey living on the cliffs, the green stones and the land morphology, the effects of glaciations, the iron mines and the historical settlements. The Nature Trail is a medium difficult itinerary: one easy part is suitable for everyone until the Belvedere panoramic natural terrace over the Cogne valley, the Gran Paradiso massif and the Mont Blanc, while a more challenging part on the Montseuc ridge (2327 m) is steeper and more difficult with some exposed parts.

From Cogne, cross the Sant'Orso meadow along path 25A towards Grand-Buthier. The same path climbs to the Ors Damon mountain pasture. From here, turn left and, after a stretch of path no. 25, take itinerary no. 25C on the right, which leads first to the National Park guard’s lodge, and then to another bifurcation. Now continue along trail 26 on the left until you come to the pastures of Pousset Dessus and Barme, before reaching Col Pousset and the Gratton bivouac.

The walk begins, entirely on gravel road, at the end of rue Mines de Cogne in front of the restaurant, then crosses fir and larches woods on the left bank of Urtier stream. Just after Champlong village the route crosses the Geosite, an environment totally changed by a huge landslide occurred during the year 2000 flood.  Bicycles are allowed, but they have to run at a walking pace. The walk reaches at the end, just before Lillaz village, the picnic area equipped with tables, benches, barbecues, fountains and toilettes.

From the cable car departure station reach the second wooden bridge, turn left and take path 23 that descends towards Valnontey and, flanked by fir and larch trees, crosses the entire length of Sylvenoire plateau.
Along the walk there is a bar-restaurant, an alpine pasture and a fresh-water spring.
For flower lovers, the surrounding underwood contains examples of the very rare Linnea Borealis.
The path descends to Champlong hamlet and continues to Lillaz crossing Champlong Geosite : a huge landslide occurred during October 2000 flood that today represents an interesting geological area.

From the village of Epinel you turn right along an easy mule-track (no. 23) which takes you to the ruins of the “Mougne” tower. You continue on going under the Cogne-Pila railway line, and then go through a mixture of evergreen woods and pastureland until you reach the hamlet of Gimillan.
Panoramic walk with views over Cogne valley, the Gran Paradiso massif and Grivola.

From Epinel, a hamlet on the road to Cogne, cross the Grand Eyvia stream and take route 27 which goes up to Alpe Pianesse. Just before the houses, near a crossroad take route 27B on the right, which crosses the hillside of Bois de Ronc and leads to Alpe Petit Nomenon, in the municipality of Aymavilles. Now, take route 5 on the right to go up to the pasture of Grand Nomenon and the Gontier bivouac.
Before coming to Alpe Petit Nomenon you will find a section of the trail equipped with ropes and chains.

Leave the car in Epinel, in the municipality of Cogne, then cross the village and take the path that leaves from the last few houses and leads to the dirt road on the left of the village. After a few hundred metres, route 2 goes off to the right to reach the pastures of Teuvre, Chavanis (just after itinerary no. 2 is joined by route 3A on the right from Gimillan) and lastly Arpisson, near which there is a crossroad. Ignore itinerary 3 on the right and take the left-hand trail that goes into Arpisson valley. A few hundred metres later you come to another crossroad. Continue along route 2 (on the right) and go up until you come to Nebbia bivouac, just before the last steep slope up to Col Garin.
Continue on the right of the bivouac to reach Lac Garin in a short time.
Go left of the bivouac to go up to the Pass Garin.

In Gimillian, a hamlet of in Cogne, take the dirt road that leads to Plan de Teppe. From here take route 3, which cuts over the hillside to the valley of Arpisson and the pasture of the same name. At the cabins, take trail 2 on the right, which goes up to a crossroad and here, ignore route 2 on the right and take trail 2A on the left, which brings you to Tsasèche Pass.

Park the car in Gimillan, in the municipality of Cogne. Take route 8 on the right of the village, which goes into the Grauson valley. Along the way you come to the pastures of Tchezeu, Pila, Crouzet and Grauson Desot. When you get to a junction, 20 minutes on the other side of Grauson Desot, continue north (8A) towards Alpe Grauson Dessus (2548 m). Before Grauson Dessus, take the right itinerary 8B at a crossroad, which continues first towards Lago Coronas and then towards the pass, from where you can enjoy the wonderful view over the Matterhorn. The mountain pass connects the Cogne valley with the municipality of Saint-Marcel 11 km from Aosta.

Park the car in Gimillan, in the municipality of Cogne. Take route 8 on the right of the village, which goes into the Grauson valley. Along the way you come to the pastures of Tchezeu, Pila and Crouzet. After t his, leave route 8 on the left and take route 8C on the right which takes you up the hillside to Lake Money.

Park the car in Gimillan, in the municipality of Cogne. Take route no. 8 on the right of the village, which leads to the Alpine pastures in the Grauson valley. Continue amid the high altitude pastures until you come to Alpine pastureland of Pila, Crouzet and Grauson Désot. At a junction that you meet soon after this last place, take route no. 8A to the left which climbs up to the Alpine pastures of Grauson Dessus, passing a junction along the way where the right-hand path, which you ignore, would take you to Lake Coronas. Continuing on along the same route, you come to a high plateau where the first of the Lussert Lakes is located.
To reach the other three lakes, continue climbing past a series of steep rocky crags, which bring you to the hollows where the lakes are situated.

Park the car in Gimillian, in the municipality of Cogne, and on the right of the town take route 8 which goes up to the pastures of Tchezeu, Pila, Crouzet and, ignoring itinerary 8C on the right towards Lac Money, goes to Grauson Désot. When you get to the crossroad after the last cabin, ignore route 8B on the left and continue along route 8 on the right towards Alpe Pralognan and the pastures of Erveilleres ( 2538 m). Finally, go up to the pass in the centre of the valley, with the Doreire lakes and the Tessonet glacier on the left, below Punta Tersiva (3513 m).

Charming itinerary starting off at the north-east of Gimillan village. After crossing the wooden bridge, continue north on the gravel road until the fork on the right where path n.8 starts and gets deeply into the Grauson valley. After passing the Madonna of Révènti oratory, go ahead towards the Tchezeu bridge leading to the left bank. Carry on till the the fork with path n.8F that leads to the waterfalls under the rocky wall.

From Gimillan, in the municipality of Cogne, take the dirt road at the start of the village leading to Plan de Teppe. From here, take route 3 which goes up to a crossroad. Leave this trail on the left, and take the right branch of route 3B, which goes up the Tsaplana side to the summit of the same name, where you can enjoy a unique panorama of the valley of Cogne.

From the square in Lillaz, in the municipality of Cogne, take route AV2 which continues into the Urtier valley. After reaching a group of houses and going past a short section of a penstock, it goes up into a wood, and after crossing a number of meadows, reaches the pasture of Goilles Inferiore. Next, the trail goes over the stream, across a small bridge, and continues on the orographic left bank, climbing up inside the wood. At a fork junction, where the trees become less dense, route 13G leads into valley bathed by the Bardoney, and continues gently to Alpe Bardoney. As you continue along the itinerary, halfway up the valley, ignore the branch of route 13H on the right heading for Col Arolla, until you come to the valley floor and the pass of the same name, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the wild valley of Forzo in the Canavese district.

Hiking itinerary from Llillaz to Bardoney pasture
Itinerary for expert hikers from Bardoney pasture to Col Bardoney

From the square in Lillaz, in the municipality of Cogne, take route AV2 which continues into the Urtier valley. After reaching a group of houses and going past a short section of a penstock, it goes up into a wood, and after crossing a number of meadows, reaches the pasture of Goilles Inferiore. Next, the trail goes over the stream, across a small bridge, and continues on the orographic left bank, climbing up inside the wood. You then come to junction where the trees become less dense. Continue along the same itinerary, ignoring the path (13G) to the right that goes into Bardoney valley, until you come to the P.N.G.P. park guard’s lodge. Continue to further crossroads, where you ignore first route 13D on the right for Col Acque Rosse, then AV2 on the left for Col Finestra, and take routes 13B and 13C on the right. After a short section, take itinerary 13B, on the left at a junction, which takes first over grassy meadows and then along a hunting trail to the snowfield below the pass. The final climb is up a snowfield. Colle dell’Arietta is the most used pass between Cogne and Val Soana and is the pilgrim route to the Sanctuary of San Besso in the municipality of Campiglia.

From the square in Lillaz, in the municipality of Cogne, take route AV2 which continues into the Urtier valley. After reaching a group of houses and going past a short section of a penstock, it goes up into a wood, and after crossing a number of meadows, reaches the pasture of Goilles Inferiore. Next, the trail goes over the stream, across a small bridge, and continues on the orographic left bank, climbing up inside the wood. You then come to junction where the trees become less dense. Continue along the same itinerary, ignoring the path (13G) to the right that goes into Bardoney valley, until you come to the P.N.G.P. park guard’s lodge. Keep going until you come to another crossroad, where, on the right, the 13D takes you to the Acque Rosse valley. The trail finally takes you to the hill of the same name.
The pass is situated along the Punta Nera - Torre di Lavina ridge and connects Cogne valley with Campiglia Soana. In the past it was used for normal communications between Cogne and Canavese.

From the square in Lillaz, in the municipality of Cogne, take route AV2 which continues into the Urtier valley. After reaching a group of houses and going past a short section of a penstock, it goes up into a wood, and after crossing a number of meadows, reaches the pasture of Goilles Inferiore. Next, the trail goes over the stream, across a small bridge, and continues on the orographic left bank, climbing up inside the wood. You then come to junction where the trees become less dense. Continue along the same itinerary, ignoring the path (13G) to the right that goes into Bardoney valley, until you come to the Gran Paradiso National Park guard’s lodge. Continue along the itinerary until you reach more crossroads where you should ignore route 13D for Colle delle Acque Rosse, and route AV2 for Col Finestra, and take itineraries 13B and 13C on the right. After a short section, when you come to a junction, continue in the same direction, along route 13C, until you get to the three lakes and further up to the Miserino Pass.

From the square in Lillaz, in the municipality of Cogne, take route AV2 which continues into the Urtier valley. After reaching a group of houses and going past a short section of a penstock, it goes up into a wood, and after crossing a number of meadows, reaches the pasture of Goilles Inferiore. Next, the trail goes over the stream, across a small bridge, and continues on the orographic left bank, climbing up inside the wood. You then come to junction where the trees become less dense. Continue along the same itinerary, ignoring the path (13G) to the right that goes into Bardoney valley, until you come to the Gran Paradiso National Park guard’s lodge. Continue further and the itinerary leads to further crossroads where, on the right, you ignore route 13D for Colle Acque Rosse, then 13B and 13C for the Miserini lakes. From here, after crossing several brooks, you come to the Sogno Péradza refuge, from where, amid stone terrain, the trail climbs to Col Fenêtre de Champorcher, near which there is an old military shelter.

Starting from the big parking lot at the beginning of Lillaz, cross the bridge and the village on an easy walk on the left bank of Urtier stream until the base of the waterfalls, suitable also with strollers and accessible to disabled people.
Along the itinerary you can visit the Geological Park with information panels written also in Braille language. After the base of the falls the path becomes more challenging and continues on route 13L that goes up steeply, sometimes with steps and reaches the little bridge at 1710 m. There is also the possibility to see Bioulé waterfalls with a 5 minutes walk. The path begins to descend on route 13 that ends in the parking lot where you started.

Leave the car in Valnontey, in the municipality of Cogne, and after crossing the Valnontey, take Alta Via 2 to the Sella refuge. Continue along the same itinerary up to a crossroad with route 18C, to the right of AV2. Take this route and continue until you reach Col de la Rousse.

Leave the car in Valnontey, in the municipality of Cogne, and cross the bridge over the stream and climb up the vast plateau, where the Paradisia botanical gardens are situated. On the left, take the path for the Sella refuge which, after a short flat section, goes into the conifer woods and winds gently upwards. Crossing the stream over to the left takes you to vast pastures which rise then descend again gently, to cross back over the stream. The trail now goes up in long diagonal tracks to reach the basin where the Sella refuge stands along with the park guard’s lodge. From here the trail crosses the flat meadows, then climbs softly in a long diagonal line, until it runs alongside the stream. When you get to a steep slope, the trail heads left, crosses a grassy bank and starts to wind up along a wide stony slope. After crossing the rocky wall, you come to Col Loson.

Leave the car in Valnontey, in the municipality of Cogne, and cross the bridge over the stream and climb up the vast plateau, where the Paradisia botanical gardens are situated. On the left, take the path for the Sella refuge which, after a short flat section, goes into the conifer woods and winds gently upwards. Crossing the stream over to the left takes you to vast pastures which rise then descend again gently, to cross back over the stream. The trail now goes up in long diagonal tracks to reach the basin where the Sella refuge stands along with the park guard’s lodge.

Technical difficulty: easy / medium
Physical difficulty: medium
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of Route: trails and unpaved footpaths – short section of asphalt road
Footpath signposts: 23 – 23A

From Cogne square, cross through the Sant’Orso meadows until you reach Buthier cross, go over the wooden bridge over Valnontey torrent, turn right and begin to descend staying on the left-hand side until you reach the hamlet of Crétaz.

Continue along, staying on the left-hand side, and cross the “Stagno di Les Fontaines” nature area until you reach Epinel sports field.

From here, cross over the wooden bridge, climb up a steep asphalt road, turn right and join the road heading towards Cogne for about 200 metres, then turn left and climb uphill again along a steep asphalt road which leads up to the town after a hairpin turn.

From here, continue to your right along the unpaved country road up to Mougne tower (Tarambel), where a narrower section of flat pathway leads you to the hamlet of Crétaz.

Once in Crétaz, head down to the playground, cross the wooden bridge and begin to climb back up towards Cogne along the same trail you followed at the beginning until you reach your starting point.

Technical difficulty: esy / medium
Physical difficulty: medium
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of Route: unpaved footpaths – short section of asphalt road
Footpath signposts: 23 – 22

From Cogne square, cross through the Sant’Orso meadows until you reach Buthier cross, go over the wooden bridge over Valnontey torrent, turn left and begin to climb uphill on the left-hand side towards Valnontey valley.

The trail steadily climbs uphill, alternating between flat stretches and short uphill sections until you reach the village of Valnontey (1667 m).

From here, continue through the valley, staying on the left until you reach the hamlets of Leutta, Pra-Su-Pia and Fietselin (1722 m), where you cross over a bridge and continue up to the Vermiana mountain pasture (1731 m).

From here, turn back onto the same path until you reach the village of Valnontey, where you cross over the torrent again and follow the trail on the right-hand side, descending towards Cogne along the underpass which crosses the asphalt road; keep heading downhill through the forest until you reach the hamlet of Son-le-Prò (1580 m), where you join the asphalt road and arrive in Cogne.

Warning: cycle at walking pace along the trails, through the S. Orso meadows and on the Cogne-Champong lower footpath; these routes are used by families with pushchairs, the disabled and the elderly.

Technical difficulty: difficult
Physical difficulty: difficult
Bike-friendly: 90%
Type of Route: unpaved farm road (initial asphalt section) – trail – asphalt municipal road
Footpath signposts: 10 – 10D - 8

Undoubtedly the jewel in Cogne Valley’s crown for MTB lovers.
Before the village of Lillaz, take the farm road to your left that leads up to Urtier valley.

Once you’ve passed the village of Les Goilles Dessus, Crêt chapel and the Tsavanis mountain pasture, cross the small bridge on your left and continue along trail No 10D up to the crossroads for Invergneux pass.

From the crossroads, you leave the farm road and the route becomes tougher: more experienced bikers will be able to pedal for certain sections, while for everyone else it’ll be bikes over the shoulder!

Once you reach the pass at 2,908 metres, you descend along Grauson valley until the Pila mountain pasture (waterfalls) (1,916 m); once you’ve passed a short section of forest, you can take a detour to your right where, once you’ve crossed the small bridge, you come to several Alpine huts.

The trail continues with two possible variations towards the village of Gimillan: the first one is easier, passing through Révèntì, the second one involves another climb crossing the Pian della Cretetta.

The descent from the pass to the Pila mountain pasture is more technically difficult and is only recommended for advanced bikers with suitable gear.

From Gimillan you descend along the road towards the regional capital. Once you’ve passed the village of Montroz, you can take a detour to your left down the “old” municipal road that passes the Park’s Visitor Centre.

Once you’ve reached the roundabout, take the first left and pass through the village of Molina (Via Filon Liconi) then join the municipal road leading to Lillaz.

Technical difficulty: medium
Physical difficulty: difficult
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of Route: unpaved farm road (initial asphalt section)
Footpath signposts: 10 – 13

Before the village of Lillaz, take the asphalt farm road to your left that leads up to Urtier valley.

Once you’ve passed the village of Les Goilles Dessus, Crêt chapel and the Tsavanis mountain pasture, continue until you come to the end of the unpaved road arriving at the hamlet of Peradzà where you’ll find Sogno di Berdzé lodge (2580 m).

From here, you descend retracing the same section down to your starting point.

Detour: along the farm road after the Tsavanis mountain pasture: cross the small bridge to your left and continue along the country road until you reach Ponton lake; descend along the same route.

For experts: potential climb (technical) from the lodge up to Fenêtre di Champorcher pass and descent towards Miserin lake, Miserin and Dondena lodges and the village of Champorcher.

Technical difficulty: difficult
Physical difficulty: difficult
Bike-friendly: 90%
Type of Route: Asphalt municipal road – trail – country road
Footpath signposts: 3A – 2 – 2C – 23A – 23

From Cogne, at the roundabout near Molina, you climb along the old municipal road towards Gimillan (1790 m). The first 3.5 km are uphill along an asphalt road.

From the upper part of the village of Gimillan you take trail No 3A which gradually climbs uphill for about 2 km with a wide panoramic view (short initial technical/difficult sections) until you reach the Tsavanis mountain pasture at 1867 m.

The trail descends through a forest, or down a steep, technical descent of about 1 km, towards the village of Epinel (No 2) or the hamlet of Crétaz (No 2C). These are some of the most difficult descents in the region, involving an endless series of narrow hairpin turns and challenging single tracks.

From upper Epinel you take country road No 23 and then join the trail on your right next to Tor de Mougne, which leads into regional road No 47 a few metres from Crétaz petrol station.

From Crétaz to Cogne you follow the municipal road that cuts through the hamlet of Crétaz and leads back to your starting point on the regional road.

Technical difficulty: easy / medium
Physical difficulty: medium
Bike-friendly: 100%
Type of Route: trails and unpaved footpaths – short section of asphalt road
Footpath signposts: 23 – 23D – 15B – 15 – 23B

From Cogne square, take the asphalt road towards the village of Valnontey. After about 1 km, turn left near the hamlet of Son-le-Prò and head down the unpaved footpath which leads into the forest along a short, steep uphill section, cross the bridge over the Alpine skiing slopes (the highest one) and after a series of short climbs you reach Sylvenoire glade (1686 m, with a Bar/Restaurant).

Continue along this flat section through the picturesque plateau and descend towards Champlong. At the final descent, before you reach the meadows, turn right and head down trail No 23D which crosses the Champlong geological site, a giant landslide caused by the floods of 2000, until you reach Valeille bridge (1630 m).

Descend towards Lillaz on the right-hand side and follow the signposts until you reach the falls along an easy stretch of flat unpaved road. Once you’ve returned to the village, cycle along the left-hand side of Urtier torrent towards Champlong and follow the Lillaz–Cogne footpath, continuing at walking pace until you reach the town of Cogne.

Alternatively, once you’ve crossed Champlong bridge and the house on the left and finished a section of the footpath, head uphill to the left along trail 23B; this route crosses through Sylvenoire forest again with a series of short uphill and downhill sections. Cross the bridge again over the Alpine skiing slopes (the lowest one this time) until you come to the hamlet of Son-le-Prò, where you join the road towards Cogne.

First day
From Valnontey, follow along the right side of the valley watershed. You’ll find a fork for the Money bivouac after Valmianaz: keep to the left along an easy mule route that starts to climb in hairpin curves to the plateau where the Money cottages stand. From the shelters, start climbing south-east towards the bivouac. Follow the moraine to the end and skirt around the left side of the rocky ledge to the Money bivouac (2,872 m).

Second day
From the bivouac, hike the Coupé Money glacier - being careful of the crevasses – to the East heading for the pass. The southern ridge of the Punta Patri starts here on the left. Skirt around a few unsafe rock piles to your left to reach the 3,507 meter side. Continue almost flat paying attention to the ledges on the Valeille side to the last part of the ridge with the large stacked blocks that leads to the Southern Peak.

Descent along the ascent route.

The route requires alpine climbing experience. Alpine guide assistance is recommended.

Day one
From the town of Lillaz, follow the signs on the Alta Via n. 2 route for Colle Finestra di Champorcher and the Sogno di Berdzé hut. Hike through the picturesque Urtier valley, heading east, to the hut at altitude 2,526 meters.

Day two
From the hut, you must go back down the Urtier valley along the farm road to the bridge over the stream, just before the Pianas pasture (2406 m). Cross the stream and climb towards the Invergneux pasture (2518 m), continuing towards the Invergneux pass (2905 m) at the base of Punta Tersiva’s south-west ridge.. Climb the wide and gentle rock and stone ridge to the point where it’s best to leave the path to the left to the Tessonet glacier. Easily cross the glacier heading for a short and steeper slope of snow and rock leading to Colletto della Tersiva, open at the base of the North North-West ridge. Climb up the snow-covered ridge with scattered rocks to the top.

Descent down the upward itinerary.

This itinerary requires experience of high mountains and it is recommended that you get a mountain guide to accompany you.

The stretch starts out at Son-le-Prò, goes on the left of the municipal road leading to Valnontey. After ups and downs in the wood, it crosses some wooden bridge, runs along the cross-country trail and comes to Valnontey, right in the heart of the National Park.

You will find a map outlininng the snowshoe routes in the area at the Cogne Tourist Office.

Leave the car in the large parking lot at the beginning of Valnontey, continue on the orographic right-side of the stream until you reach the first wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and continue along the track that goes up on the orographic left, being careful not to step on the cross-country trails. Just beyond the Prà-su-piaz pasture, the path becomes narrower and crosses a bridge again, returning to the right. The route reaches the houses of Vermiana. To come back follow the same route. The itinerary being very popular, it is often possible to cover it on foot.

From the parking lot, briefly climb the road to the bridge that crosses the Valnontey stream: continue until you reach the Hotel “Lou Tsantelet” and signposts indicating the routes along the Alta Via N. 2. Take the easy path the quickly leads to the “Paradisia” Alpine Garden entrance. Walk along the south-east side of the Garden and enter the larch wood. Slowly climb, following the long mule track spirals, enjoying the views of Valnontey below. You’ll reach a fork after walking for about 1 hour: ignore the right fork and continue straight until you reach a beautiful stone bridge over the Grand-Lauson stream. Climb the right-hand side of the valley, still among the trees, until you exit the larch woods. Continue the rather intense climb to the Pascieux houses. Continue along the shoulder to the Grand Lauson mountain pastures and, keeping to the right of the watershed, cross the stream to the characteristic plain where the Vittorio Sella Refuge is located.

An easy ring path without danger and an with an excellent exposure to the sun alternating stretches in the woods to magnificent views. T
he trail starts out in the northern part of the Gimillan village where you find a panel at the beginning of the track. Once arrived at a small chapel continue straight on along the torrent. You reach then a few houses situated in the Pian di Teppe hamlet, you pass them, and then turn left continuing to the hamlet of Serve. A wide path takes you into the woods, then a hairpin bend leads to a clearing in the direction of Gimillan. In a short time, and after enjoying enchanting views on the Gran Paradiso chain and on the Grivola peak you return to the starting point.

From the Cogne village centre follow the municipal road towards Lillaz as far as the little church in Moline. Take on the right the climbing path that crosses the cross-country trail to Lillaz and reach the Alpine Fauna Study Centre house. Cross, on the right, the meadow below the house and enter the wood. After the junction with the cross-country track continue to go up on the left to a junction where the circular route starts. It is possible to follow this itinerary in both directions. If you continue in an anti-clockwise direction, the route reaches a bar-restaurant and then continues near the cross-country trails and crossing the enchanted Sylvenoire plateau. At the turning point, possibility of descending towards Champlong and Lillaz. The way back, completely immersed in the woods, is characterized by ups and downs and curves among stones figures, trees and snow crystals.

Day one:
From the Valnontey parking lot, cross the bridge and climb the summer path to the Sella hut. Climb the wide curves in the woods over the Lauson stream, (you have to remove your skis for this part in the spring) and reach the Toule pastures. Continue climbing on the easy slopes to the left of the stream. Once at the Lauson pasture, climb to the plateau where the Vittorio Sella hut is located.

Day two:
From the hut, head South-West over the easy slopes going around the right of the steeper ones to the Lauson glacier. Here you’ll find a very steep segment that leads to the glacier above. You can take the groove in the middle of the rocks at the end of the rocky Gran Vallon ramparts (this segment is often taken on foot). Climb the ridge of the glacier and follow the long crossing to the left until you’re under the peak. Climb the last metres up the final tower.

Descent down the upward itinerary.

This itinerary requires experience of high mountains and it is recommended that you get a mountain guide to accompany you.

Day one:
From the Valnontey parking lot, cross the bridge and climb the summer path to the Sella hut. Climb the wide turns in the woods to cross the Lauson stream (you must remove your skis for this segment in the spring) to the Toule mountain pastures. Continue climbing on the easy slopes to the left of the stream. Once at the Lauson pasture, climb to the plateau where the Vittorio Sella hut is located.

Day two:
From the hut, continue along the valley floor towards Col Lauson, at altitude 2,950 m. Turn right and climb the steeper slopes to the Rousse glacier. In the valley above, continue on the steep slopes on the right to the Rossa hills, 3,195 m. From the hill with a long and steep slope North, head to the North-East ridge of Punta Rossa. Follow the ridge to the top.

Descent down the upward itinerary.
You can also descend directly down the beautiful valley to Cretaz.

PILA, PANORAMA TO REMEMBER
Pila offers a view over the highest peaks of the Alps, from the Mont Blanc to the Grand Combin, from the Matterhorn to the Monte Rosa. Plus, this town dominates the city of Aosta: a truly stunning position!
The architecture of the ski resort: built during the 1970s, the big complex which includes both houses and hotels was realised by taking inspiration from the architectural and town planning canons of the French Alpine resorts. It was modelled keeping in mind the orography, the landscape, the shapes and the colours of the hamlet.

CAVE DES ONZE COMMUNES, P.D.O. [Protected Designation of Origin] QUALITY
In spring and summer bright and intense green, in autumn browns and reds… It is always a spectacle to cross the Aosta plain, among the vineyards of the most extensive wine-growing.districts in the region. Here illustrious P.D.O.red wines are produced -- Torrette, Fumin, Petit Rouge, Pinot Noir and Gamay -- in addition to a rich range of whites, among them Chardonnay, and grappa. So reserve a spot for a bottle, in the motorcycle hard luggage, and in Aymavilles take a break at Cave des Onze Communes.

COGNE, PEARL OF THE GRAN PARADISO
Lying right In the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, Cogne overlooks the large Sant’Orso meadow, one of the largest Alpine grassland in Europe. It is situated at 1.544 metres of altitude and its highest peak, with its 4.061 metres, is the Gran Paradiso, the only four-thousand-metre peak which is completely in the Italian territory. Once famous for its iron mining industry, today Cogne is a “Pearl of the Alps”, particularly appreciated for having been able to develop a tourism of quality, safeguarding its natural heritage.