Skate Skiing - Italian Long Weekend
Gran Paradiso National Park
An extended weekend in Italy dedicated to learning the art of 'skate skiing'. Developed in the 1980's 'skating' or 'freestyle' as it's known is a form of Nordic or cross country skiing where we ski on groomed trails moving in a similar motion almost to ice skaters or speed skaters but on skis whilst propelling yourself with the help of ski poles.
Enjoy mastering a new technique in stunning surroundings whilst gaining strength and fitness along the way.
These extended weekend trips suit classic track style Nordic skiers or alpine skiers looking for a different snow sport. Once mastered, a 'skate' can easily be fitted into a winter holiday in most resorts for both fun and fitness, but most of all to enjoy the freedom to explore the quieter corners of the mountains and valleys. This trip also suits those wishing to just refresh their skating skills.
- Introduction and tuition in the art of skate skiing
- Enjoy skiing in a quiet alpine valley
- Sample true Italian hospitality and cuisine
- Reduced price option for 'locals' joining on Day 2
Download PDF version of this pageDepartures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKS1 | Wed 18 December 13 | Sun 22 December 13 | £595 | Places available | Make a Booking |
| SKS2 | Wed 8 January 14 | Sun 12 January 14 | £595 | Places available | Make a Booking |
| SKS3 | Wed 5 February 14 | Sun 9 February 14 | £595 | Places available | Make a Booking |
We base these long weekend breaks in the small Italian village and valley of Cogne. This picturesque location is famous for the Gran Paradiso, Italy's highest peak, and offers reliable snow late into the winter season. With it's typical stone-house village and eighteenth-century chapel, the area is steeped in history and tradition. This excellent venue offers reliable snow and hosts many regional and national competitions. Enjoy exploring up to 45km of trails. Here we have plenty of options for varying lengths of excursions and terrain to practice our skills while enjoying the mountain and woodland scenery.
Skating takes place on a wide, evenly prepared track that has been well groomed and pressed. The skis are shorter, stiffer and lighter than classic skis, and are narrower at the tip and tail than in the centre. Neither fishscales skis nor grip wax skis are used. The stiffness, lightweight and gliding nature of the skis makes them good for learning to snowplough with.
Day 1 Arrival to Chamonix, France
We meet in Chamonix, France which is easily accessible from Geneva airport in Switzerland. This makes your journey for the weekend easy to arrange with various airlines from around Europe flying into Geneva. There are then many transfer options to Chamonix, a drive of around 1 hr 15 mins. This evening we meet you at your hotel to brief you on the days ahead and answer any questions.
If you live locally then please ask for a price for this weekend without the two nights accommodation in Chamonix.
Days 2 - 4 Cogne Valley
This morning we travel through the famous Mont Blanc tunnel to Cogne in Italy, a drive of approx 1 hr 30 mins. After fitting our skis and taking time to find our 'ski-legs' we look at technique. We will introduce you to the skating technique at an introductory level learning step-by-step the best and most efficient way to master this graceful sport. Due to our gradual approach, it makes skating very achievable to pick up and is also suitable for those wishing to just refresh their skating skills and knowledge.
Each day we will have a morning skate technique lesson, lunch break, and then an afternoon session with time to journey and put into practice your new skills. The Cogne Valley offers 45 kilmetres of both classic and skate ski trails of varying length and technical standard so we can explore new areas each day for developing and practising our technique.
As we also have access to the groomed trails or 'loipe' then if you find that you'd like to have a 'classic' or 'traditional' track ski then it is also available.
Skating involves various methods and changes in style to enable the skier to transfer weight from ski to ski to travel over a variety of terrain. Learning to skate also helps with other sports that you may already do making it an excellent form of 'cross-training'. It will enhance your balance, co-ordination, aerobic and muscular strength and toning all while enjoying gliding along amongst beautiful views.
Tonight we return to Chamonix, France where you will spend your final evening. If you wish to extend your trip we can easily arrange extra nights in Chamonix which will give you the chance to explore the area, and do some more ski-ing?
Day 5 Departure Day
Today is departure day and the trip package finishes once we've had breakfast.
Accommodation
For these weekends we stay in Valnontey village, just a few km's from Cogne. The cuisine and hospitality is excellent at Hotel La Barme with mountain views from your bedroom window. This family run hotel was converted from an old dairy into today’s charming hotel. The grey weathered timber and stone walls give a rustic appearance. Outside, a large sunny terrace and a little garden offer breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and wild mountain landscape. The small restaurant offers a menu of local Valdôtain fare and a fine selection of local and Italian wines. It is ideally situated right beside the cross country ski tracks.
For your relaxation, the Hotel has a small wellness centre offering Jacuzzi, sauna and massages. They have an underground garage and cross-country-ski and bike rental. Out of respect for the environment heating and hot water are produced by an ecological wood boiler.
Price
Included: The price includes half board accommodation, based on two people sharing in a 2* hotel, transport between ski venues and 3 days of instruction by a fully qualified BASI Nordic Instructor.
Not included: Insurance, flights & transfers, lunch & drinks, ski hire (approximately 35 Euros for the 3 days) and ski passes (approximately 18 Euros in total), and massages offered at the hotel.
Minimum Numbers
This trip requires a minimum of 4 clients to run. We will take a maximum of 8 clients.
Insurance
You must have the appropriate insurance for your chosen activity. You must be covered for helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical costs. With regard to this please be sure you have read the insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.
Further Information
Please note that this itinerary is dependent on the weather and snow conditions at the time. Therefore changes to the itinerary may occur. Previous cross country or alpine ski experience is an advantage but not necessary. Upon booking a full list of the necessary suitable clothing will be provided. Specific skate skis, boots and poles can be hired in resort.
Cogne is in the Aosta Valley, near to the twon of Aosta town itself. Cogne has most facilities including: ski rental, banks, a post office, supermarkets, souvenir shops, downhill skiing resort and sports wear including ski clothing specific for nordic/cross country skiing,
The closest airport to our meeting point in Chamonix, France is Geneva airport in Switzerland. Chamonix can also be accessed by rail from the UK, by taking the Eurostar.
If you are arriving into Geneva you may wish to consider a group transfer to Chamonix which is normally about 25 Euros each way. The transfer takes approx. 1 hr 15 mins. For this we recommend Mountain Drop Offs who will give you their best rate if travelling during peak times. Upon booking quote code 'TAT01'.
Please contact us so that we can help you arrange your specific travel requirements.
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