Italian Ski Weekends
Val Ferret
Join us for a wonderful weekend of cross country skiing in Italy. These holidays are a perfect introduction to cross country skiing, as well as being ideal for those wanting to refresh their skills. Perhaps you are a downhill skier looking for something different, you enjoy the gym, hill walking, or are a runner or cyclist but feel the effect of the winter blues? Well why not try cross country skiing to maintain and build that fitness level during the winter months.
Based in the beautiful Val Ferret near Courmayeur, we get to enjoy stunning views of the Italian side of the highest mountain in Western Europe - Mont Blanc, or Monte Bianco. With our hotel situated at an altitude of 1580m we have snow on our doorstep throughout the season. Think cross country, cappucino, and comfort!
- Learn or improve your basic cross country skiing skills
- Ski in remote valleys surrounded by stunning alpine peaks
- Enjoy true Italian hospitality with good food high on the agenda!
Download PDF version of this pageDepartures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISW 1 | Thu 20 January 11 | Mon 24 January 11 | £595 or 715 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
| ISW 2 | Thu 17 February 11 | Mon 21 February 11 | £595 or 715 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
| ISW 3 | Thu 10 March 11 | Mon 14 March 11 | £595 or 715 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
This weekend is designed to give you the chance to learn the art of cross country skiing and you can use it as a means of 'cross training' for your other sports. We try both skating and classic ski-styles. Arguably the most aerobic of sports, this low impact exercise, is a great way to improve your fitness - at all levels!
Day 1 Arrival in Aosta Valley
We meet you at your hotel the evening you arrive to brief you on the days ahead and answer any questions. Val Ferret is a charming remote valley at the head of the Aosta Valley, near Courmayeur, which 'takes you away from it all' instantly. No hustle and bustle, no mechanical ski lifts in sight just kilometres of perfectly groomed tracks and fantastic mountain views! You will be staying at Planpincieux (1580m), where the ski tracks begin.
Day 2 Introductory Day in Val Ferret
Wake up and enjoy the mountain ambiance amidst the wonderful forests and magnificent stretches of snow. The ski tracks wind along the entire valley, up to the village of Lavachey and, for the bravest, to Arp Nouvaz. The pistes which are always tracked and groomed, have many detours where we can lengthen or shorten our journeys. Our morning will be spent fitting our skis and taking time to find our 'ski-legs' and have a look at technique. After a fantastic Italian lunch and thick hot chocolate(!) we re-visit those newly learned skills and develop them further. We finish the day with a journey, exploring the groomed tracks in the Val Ferret.
Day 3 Cogne
Today we will be taking a drive along the Aosta Valley to the valley of Cogne, in the Gran Paradiso National Park. This picturesque location, famous for the Gran Paradiso - Italy's highest peak solely on Italian soil. With its typical stone-house village and eighteenth-century chapel, is steeped in history. This excellent venue is where many regional and national competitions take place and where we can explore upto 45km of trails. Like Val Ferret, we have plenty of options for varying lengths of excursions and terrain to practice our skills while enjoying the mountain and woodland scenery. On our way back to our hotel we will have an opportunity to enjoy 'aprés ski' in the chic ski town of Courmayeur. We will return to Val Ferret to our accommodation for our evening meal.
Day 4 Val Ferret
Our final days activity will be back in Val Ferret where you will have the opportunity to learn the art of 'skating', a different method of cross country skiing, or you can enjoy re-exploring the trails and having time to practice your 'classic' skills. We will aim to have lunch in Lavachey where the cakes really cannot be avoided!
In the afternoon choose from either more skating or switch back to your classics and enjoy a last journey in this well hidden part of the Alps. If you are feeling fit we can ski the entire 20 kilometres up and along the valley, as far as Arp Nouvaz enjoying views of the 4,000m peaks of the Grand Jorasses and Mont Dolent. Choose from departing this evening or tomorrow.
Day 5 Departure Day
Today is departure day. However, if you would like to extend your long weekend you might like to try snowshoeing to the wonderful Bonatti Refuge which sits high above Val Ferret.
Accommodation
For these weekends we stay in the Hotel Belvedere at Planpincieux (or the Astoria in Palud) situated next to the cross country ski tracks. We have chosen this hotel because it is a true Italian experience. The hotel is rustic and full of character and the dining room provides great entertainment. While you eat there are many artefacts and antiques on the walls to muse over. All the food is prepared on the premises and the bread alone is to die for!
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 & transfer, lunch & drinks, ski hire and ski passes, any uplifts which may be used as an alternative in bad snow conditions.
Minumum Numbers
This trip requires a minimum of 4 clients to run. We will take a maximum of 8 clients.
Insurance
Please note that 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 obviously dependant 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 at all necessary. Upon booking a full list of the necessary suitable clothing will be provided.
Val Ferret is in the Aosta Valley, near Courmayeur and only 30 mins from Chamonix, in France. You can choose to fly either to Geneva, Turin or Milan. Each airport provides either public transport, car hire or transfer services to Courmayeur. You may wish to consider a transfer to Chamonix from Geneva where by prior arrangement your instructor maybe able to meet you and assist in a transfer to the Aosta Valley. For further details please feel free to contact us.
Planpincieux is equipped for most skiers needs, with a great selection of restaurants for lunch, ski storage service, locker rooms, showers and ski patrol. Courmayeur is easily reached by bus for all other facilities which you might require.
