Cross Country ski weekend in Val Ferret, Italy

This weekend is based in the town of Val Ferret near Courmayeur, where you'll be able to enjoy superb views of Monte Bianco (or Mont Blanc!), the tallest mountain in Western Europe. You may be pushed during the days, but during the nights you are free to enjoy a true Italian experience at the Val Ferret comfortable hotel.

The weekend itself is designed to give the perfect introduction for those who are new to cross country skiing, as well as helping refresh the skills of those who haven't been on the snow for a while. You'll get to try both skating and classic ski-styles, keeping yourself fit while exploring this beautiful corner of Europe.

Think of this as the perfect combination between alpine adventure and Italian comfort!

Minimum numbers: The trip requires a minimum of 4 clients to run and we will take a maximum of 8 clients.

Day 1:
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 valley at the head of the Aosta Valley, near Courmayeur, which 'takes you away from it all' instantly.

Day 2:
Introductory day in Val Ferret
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 beautiful groomed tracks in the Val Ferret. 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 then to Arp Nouvaz. The pistes which are always tracked and groomed, have many detours where we can lengthen or shorten our journeys.

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 is famous for the Gran Paradiso, Italy's highest peak. With it's typical stone-house village and eighteenth-century chapel, the area 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. We will return to La Palud to our accommodation and for our evening meal.

Day 4:
Val Ferret & Skating Opportunity
Our final days activity will be back in Val Ferret where you will have the opportunity to try the art of 'skating', a different method of cross country skiing. Alternatively you can enjoy 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. Our final afternoon takes us to enjoy 'aprés ski' in the chic ski town of Courmayeur. 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 - ask for further details on how to arrange a guide.

What's not included

• Travel insurance
• Lunch and drinks
• Ski hire (around €35 for the three days)
• Ski passes (around €18 in total)