Cogne, Italy, Ice Climbing Meet

31 Jan 2026 to 8 Feb 2026

Cogne – One of the World’s Best Ice Climbing Venues

Located in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park in northern Italy, Cogne offers easy access to dozens of single- and multi-pitch routes across all grades, with generally reliable ice conditions and stable weather.

This meet is suitable for both experienced climbers and those with at least some prior ice or technical winter climbing experience. Ideally, participants will have completed an introductory course with a qualified guide.

That said, climbers will get much more out of the trip if they’re comfortable leading multi-pitch trad routes and have general winter mountaineering experience.

Beyond the ice climbing, the area also offers excellent opportunities for skiing—piste, cross-country, and ski mountaineering.

Some of us may also attempt a summit between 3,000–4,000 metres, which would involve an overnight stay in a winter room of a mountain refuge. These are unmanned but provide shelter, beds, and blankets—offering refuge from snow and wind. This will suit those with winter mountaineering experience and familiarity with snowshoeing or skiing. Possible objectives include:
- Gran Paradiso (4,061m)
- Gran Serra (3,552m)
- Punta Rossa della Grivola (3,630m)

Accommodation
The club has booked 18 spaces at Residence Château Royal, https://www.residencechateauroyal.com/en, located in the centre of Cogne. We’ll be staying in four apartments: three for four people each and one larger flat for six.
Cost: £275 per person for 8 nights.
Accommodation will be allocated in order of booking. Members are welcome to swap among themselves afterwards. Full payment is required on sign-up and accommodation fees are non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel your place, you're welcome to try and find someone to replace you (or if the meet fills up, there may be a waiting list to draw from).

Travel
Fly to Turin or Milan, then hire a car to reach Cogne.

Guidebook
Cogne Selected Climbs – Oxford Alpine Club.

More Info
For a detailed overview of ice climbing in the area, check out:
UKC article – Cogne: Icefall Climbing in the Italian Alps

Coordination
To help you find a climbing partner, share a rental car, and give an overview of everyone’s plans, I will circulate to the attendees a spreadsheet to fill in your itinerary, realistic ice climbing level, and any other relevant info.

Zoom Call – December
I’d also like to propose a Zoom call in December to go over plans, answer any questions, and give everyone a chance to connect before the trip.