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Ice Climbing in Cogne

Explore one of the top ice climbings spots in Europe!

Located in the Aosta Valley, in Italy, Cogne has become one of the Alps’ most famous ice climbing spots. Two small valleys — Valnontey and Lillaz — make up this white paradise, featuring more than 150 frozen waterfalls. There are ice climbing routes of all levels of difficulty, from beginner to advanced. Select one of our trips below and discover this incredible area! Explore-Share only promotes mountain trips led by certified guides. 
 
 
 
 
 

Top ice climbing trips | Cogne:

 
 
 

What people are saying about these trips

Mohammed Khudhari

5.00

March, 2023

Cogne 3-day guided ice climbing tour

The course and and the climbing exceeded my expectations. The guide (Paolo) made the experience informative, fun and absolutely safe. 10/10 I would do it again!

Bassel Zebian

5.00

January, 2023

Ice climbing guided tour in Aosta Valley

A truly excellent service and experience

Potato Hills

5.00

February, 2020

6-day Ice climbing course in Cogne, Advanced level

Amazing trip, great hotel and the food was unbelievable. The guiding was very thorough and professional and I took a lot away from it. Conditions weren't great but we definitely made the most of it

Anna Pilch

5.00

February, 2019

Ice climbing in Cogne, Aosta Valley

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Benjamin Klein

5.00

February, 2019

Guided Ice climbing in the Alps

Had a great time with Jessy. On the first day we did nice beginner stuff for my wife and I. On the second day, we did a large icefall of harder difficulty with just me, which was great.

Matthieu

5.00

March, 2017

Ice climbing in Cogne, Aosta Valley

The couple of days spent in Cogne were just incredible. If you like the mountain and want to try something else in winter than skiing or snowboarding, ice climbing is definitively for you. During our time there, we enjoyed the beautiful sceneries of the Aosta valley, visit the small villages, enjoy the cuisine and most importantly learn the basics of Ice Climbing. The sport is really physical and requires to be a bit of a daredevil but the satisfaction of reaching the top of a frozen waterfall give you feeling that surpasses any of those challenges. During our trip, we were accompanied by our guide, Andrea. His knowledge of the mountain and his friendliness were the “Cherry on the topping”. Besides teaching us the different techniques linked to ice climbing, we also discussed other mountaineering activities which was delightful for Pierre-Henri and myself since we want to get more involved in that area. During our stay, we started to practice on easier routes in the Lillaz park. This first day allowed us to grasp the general techniques and already test our strength and our “fear” of hights. The next day we headed towards the Grand Paradis national park and we walked for about an hour through the snow to reach the icefalls. The view on the way was breathtaking. The icefall we climbed was definitively more impressive than the first one we had done, much steeper, taller and technical. That being said, getting to the top was an amazing feeling. We were so trilled after our ice climbing experience that we are already looking through the “Explore-Share” site to find our next adventure which will more than likely be summiting either Mount Rosa or Mount Elbrus.

Pierre Henry

5.00

February, 2017

Ice climbing in Cogne, Aosta Valley

All went very well ! We have been very satisfied about the ice climbing experience offered by Andrea. It is an experience I will probably never forget and I hope I can go on an "adventure" with Andrea in the future !

Marzia

5.00

December, 2016

Ice climbing guided tour in Aosta Valley

We had been ice-climbing for two days in Aosta Valley together with Peakshunter (Elis was our alpine guide). Great experience! We had the possibility to see beautiful places and try a multi-pitch with a very friendly and professional guide! High recommended if you want to experience a special adventure

Fausta Bo

5.00

December, 2016

Ice climbing guided tour in Aosta Valley

Conosco personalmente alcune delle persone che fanno parte del team e devo dire che sono ottime persone sia dal lato professionale che umano. Consiglio a chiunque di appoggiarsi a questo team.

Jess

5.00

February, 2016

Cogne Ice Climbing introduction course

I had one of the most incredible days in Cogne with Isabelle and the other girls. She was very professional but made everything real fun and enjoyable. She allowed a dream to come true for me as I have wanted to ice climb for quite a while now. It was a beautiful spot and allowed us to try ice and mixed climbing and also dry tooling, which I wasn't expecting. It was an incredible day and I have so much to thank Isa for!

Sophie

5.00

February, 2016

Cogne Ice Climbing introduction course

I spent an amazing day in Cogne with Isabelle and the other girls. We shared the drive together from Chamonix to Cogne. All the girls were new or almost new to ice climbing and we were pretty excited when we arrived at the icefall. We first received good technical advices and soon after we climbed several routes on the icefall. we could also experiment some mixed climbing and dry-tooling. Isa was a great guide and shared her knowledge with enthusiasm, fun and feminine sweetness :) I recommend her!

Davide

5.00

February, 2015

Ice climbing in Cogne, Aosta Valley

Cogne was a great experience! I'm a more advanced climber but for my girlfriend it was the first time one ice, and she loved it! Andrea is patient and knowledgeable, for sure one of the best guides I ever had. bonus point: After the climb we all went to a restaurant in town, food quality was top notch! If it's your first time in the region, I'll suggest you "polenta concia", which is your typical polenta with local cheese and onions!


 

There are many reasons for choosing Ice Climbing in Cogne

The area offers great introductory climbs for those new to the sport, as well as routes sure to challenge even the most experienced of climbers.

 

Good to know:

Country Code

+39

Currency

Euro

Language

Italian

Best time to climb

January or February

What’s the weather like?

During ice climbing season, you can expect cold, freezing temperatures

How long should I stay?

As long as you’d like! If you’d like to combine your ice climbing experience with other outdoor adventures, Cogne is also a short drive from Chamonix, Courmayeur, and other great sites in the Aosta Valley

More info about Ice Climbing in Cogne:

Nestled in the beautiful Aosta Valley, Cogne lies in the heart of the Italian Alps. Along with the two smaller valleys of Valnontey and Lillaz, Cogne has become known as one of the top ice climbing spots in Europe due to the sheer number of frozen waterfalls in the area. This means that there are great climbing options for all levels. If you’re a new climber looking for your introduction into the sport, it’s a great place to take a beginning ice climbing course. Or, if you’re an expert looking to take your ice climbing skills to the next level, explore the toughest climbs in the area with a local guide

 

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