Alpine Trails

Profile: Cogne & Antagnod — Italy, Jul 4 - Jul 19, 2009

The Village

In Italy’s province of Aosta, Cogne is an ancient town, whose lace industry traces back to 1665. From 1929 until 1979, the extraction of iron ore was a principal industry. Today, the mines are no longer in operation. Its development as an Alpine center dates to the second half of the 19th century, and it is now one of Italy’s principal mountain resorts. It owes much of its celebrity to its location on the edge of the Gran Paradiso National Park, formerly the private hunting preserve of King Vittorio Emmanuele. Today, it offers welcoming hotels, fine shops and restaurants and a public transport service which connects it with the surrounding side valleys and their charming hamlets – Gimillan, Lillaz and Valnontey.

The Hikes

Each hamlet offers a wide variety of rewarding hikes:

The pastoral Val Grauson above Gimillan is dotted with lakes. A beautiful path follows a roaring mountain stream into the valley until it branches at an ancient alp.
The Vittorio Sella Hut, named after the famous mountain photographer, lies high above the Valnontey in the heart of the Park, close to the enchanting Lago Lauson. Another jewel in the Valnontey is the Casolari Herbetet – a park rangers hut. It gives exceptional views of the Paradiso massif and the savage Tribulazione Glacier. The waterfalls in the Valnontey are especially impressive. All trails start at our hotel doorstep.
From Lillaz, we climb steeply to the Lago di Loya with its view of the Mont Blanc. After a picnic lunch, we descend into the tranquil Val Bardoney which leads back to Lillaz via the main Urtier valley, past the famous cascades.

The Hotel

For many years, our trekking groups enjoyed the Hotel Herbetet, situated in the breathtaking Valnontey, just a five-minute bus ride from Cogne’s center. It is just a minute’s walk from the famous Paradisia gardens. The hotel was closed throughout 2008 for major renovations and upgrading. It opened again in May, 2009. The Cavagnet family has been catering to our hikers for many years and now – with a full three-star rating – it provides all the comforts we’ve come to expect. We can enjoy the lively village of Cogne while sleeping in the peaceful and quiet heart of the Gran Paradiso massif’s most beautiful side valley.

When You're Not Hiking

An attractive destination for the rest day is Aosta – with its renowned Roman quarter – just a 28 kilometer bus ride away. Many will choose to spend the day in Cogne – people watching, shopping at the attractive stores or sampling one of the fine local restaurants. However, the combination of a visit to the Paradisia botanical gardens and sun-bathing on the hotel patio may keep some even closer to home.

Come Join Us

If you are intrigued by our "small is beautiful" philosophy and would like to receive additional information or make reservations for Cogne, or any of our upcoming trips, please email Sheila Duigan or call her direct at 800-291-8126.

Hiking Program 2009

Soglio (S)	Apr 14 – Apr 25	$3,300
Sils Maria (S)	Jun 19 – Jul 4	$4,900
Antagnod (I) + Cogne (I)	July 4 – July 19	$3,400
Chamonix (F)	Aug 16 – Aug. 27	$4,000
Matschertal (I) + Vent (A)	Aug 29 – Sep 13	$3,400
Sulden (I) + Karthaus (I)	Sep 12 – Sep 27	$3,500
Zermatt (S)	Sep 29 – Oct 11	$3,200
(A) = Austria (F) = France (I) = Italy (S) = Switzerland

Sheila Duigan · Alpine Travel, Inc. · P.O. Box 159 · White Plains, NY 10605 · tel 800-291-8126 · fax 914-747-2266