The FIS Cross-Country World Cup is back in town!
On 16 and 17 February 2019, Cogne and its fantastic slopes will once again be on every ski lover’s lips.
Join us on Saturday the 16th for the Men’s and Women’s Final Sprint where you’ll have the chance to cheer on local boy Federico “Chicco” Pellegrino, the world champion and Olympic silver medallist. On Sunday the 17th, come out to see the Men’s 15km C and Women’s 10km C.
The whole of Cogne is coming out in full force to ensure the event is a success. And Gran Paradiso Ski School will be up, front and centre, as a member of the organising committee, together with other local stakeholders, commercial and non.
So… don’t make any plans for 16 and 17 February. Instead, come on up to Cogne (Valle d’Aosta) for an unforgettable World Cup!
Skiing is a unique experience, an indescribable feeling, definitely worth trying! The Gran Paradiso Ski School in Cogne (Aosta Valley, Italy) invites snow lovers to revel in the sport in all its forms and manifestations. Our Alpine and Nordic ski instructors, our Snowboard and Telemark instructors are looking forward to sharing with you the sheer joy of sliding or zipping along the snow in a unique and unspoiled area. Take in the evocative and unique surroundings of Cogne. Lose yourself in our intro video!
After participating in Alpine Skiing competitions for many years, I decided to end my “career” by becoming a ski instructor. I am still in love with this sport and even though I study in Turin, I love skiing and being able to bring the young and old closer to this fantastic world. Speaks: I first saw snow when I started to walk and I haven’t been able to stop “melting” since. Just the sight of this wonderful frozen element fills my heart with joy and a yearning for fun! Speaks: Snowboarding Coordinator. Cross-country skiing instructor, coach at Gran Paradiso Ski Club, fan of all winter sports. In the winter I spend my days and nights on the snow; in the summer I hike across the mountains. I’m looking forward to meeting you on the slopes, where we will have a fantastic time with the chamois and Alpine ibex of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Speaks: Hi, I’m Leonardo. I learnt how to ski when I was 4 years old and after 15 years of competitions I decided to become a ski instructor to be able to instill my passion and knowledge of this wonderful sport to others! Beginners or experts alike, we’ll have fun together! Speaks: My name is Giuseppe but my friends call me Pippo. I am a sportsman at heart. Skiing in winter, mountain biking in the summer, running in autumn. Teaching others to ski is for me a way of sharing my great passion for sport and the outdoors. I look forward to welcoming you to the spectacular Valley of Cogne! Speaks: President/Director of the Ski School. Whatever your objective, whatever your level, I will help you to improve your skiing in a friendly and relaxing environment. My aim is to make sure you complete each slope with a smile and that you’re ready to take on the next one for yet another fantastic experience. Speaks: Hi, my name is Marco and I’m a ski instructor. What about you? In 2014, after years of Alpine and Freestyle Skiing Competitions, I became an instructor and not long afterwards, a federally-certified ski coach (Level 2). Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, no worries, we’ll have a ball together!
Speaks: My parents first put me on skis when I was 2 and I haven’t taken them off since! Skiing is a 360º distraction, a way of escaping the chaos of the city, a way of changing gear and getting to know the world from a different perspective. The greatest challenge for me is to have my skiers feel the thrilling sensations that only a pair of skis can evoke. Speaks: Excursions with friends and family or a form of physical training and exercise in the midst of a spectacular natural landscape. I am grateful to those who put me on cross-country skis when I was still a wee thing. I now wish to share the secrets and the beauty of this sport with you! Speaks: My snowboarding career began at the age of 10, in the small town of Cogne, where I learnt to appreciate and love this sport, thanks in part to my legendary grandfather Ernesto who gave me my first snowboard. In the years that followed, I decided to take on the world of competitions and this helped me to grow at competitive level and to go so far as to participate in European boardercross competitions. I soon became a team member of ASIVA (Winter Sports Association of Aosta Valley) and a member of the Italian National Skiing B Team. My career has rewarded me with some amazing thrills and sensations and has taught me what sacrifice, dedication and commitment mean. That is why I decided to become an Instructor and thereafter a federally-certified coach (Level 2) to share my passion and whatever I have learnt over the years with the athletes of tomorrow. . Speaks: I learnt to ski at this school. I improved my skills at Cogne’s Ski Club and I then travelled around, quite far even, but this is the best place to ski. My legs breathe freely in these woods and my heart skis along these slopes all year round! I’m ready to teach you how to do the same! Speaks: I was born on 15 December 1983 and I have been cross-country skiing since I was 3. Speaks: Sport has been a huge part of my life since I was a child, that’s why I decided to make a career out of it. I became a ski instructor and graduated in Sports Science. I grew up in the meadows of Sant’Orso and I do my best to share my passion with others! Speaks: Hi, I’m Caterina. I became a ski instructor in 2015 and a Level 2 Coach in 2017. Even though I live on the coast, I’ve always had a burning passion for skiing. Are you a beginner or an experienced skier? Who cares! We’ll have tons of fun together! Speaks: Ski school collaborator. You can do amazing things with skis: you can slide; you can snow plough or wedge; you can parallel turn, on- and off-piste; you can go ski mountaineering. With just one ski you can make porridge (or ‘polenta’ up here in the north of Italy) or row across a lake. If you’re interested in any one of these fun activities, give me a shout. Speaks: Enzo Jorrioz: ski instructor in Pila, Italy, since 1975; moved to Cogne in 1983; a sports lover for as long as I can remember, especially snow sports. Passionate skier, but an even more passionate instructor. I love teaching children, because I think sport is a way of learning some of life’s most important lessons: you learn to play with others, you learn the most important basic rules for your own personal growth… but most of all, you have fun! Speaks: Come and ski with an indisputably successful instructor: a 20-year old passion, competitions in 5 different countries, thousands of 5am wake-up calls, but most importantly, voted world’s best teacher in 2017 by a 5-year old during his first skiing lesson… what more could anyone want?! I’ll be waiting for you on the slopes for some adventurous and fun lessons! Speaks: Still today, I can remember the feeling of my first turns (not necessarily successful ones) and that feeling of being in control, after hours with my first instructors. If you like the mountains and find skiing fascinating, then why not give it a try?! It’s really worth it! Speaks:
Choose Gran Paradiso Ski School
FUN AND PROFESSIONALISM COMBINED
Discover the charm of Cogne
COME AND SKI WITH US IN A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN
What people are saying about us
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE RAVE REVIEWS
Luciano D'Amico
Fun instructors, highly-qualified, they know how to captivate the attention of children and adults alike. You’ll have such an amazing time, you’re bound to want to do it again.
Elisa Boschiazzo
We come to Cogne every February to enjoy the last snow and do a bit of downhill skiing.
The ski instructors, who are well-trained, great fun and highly professional, made us fall in love with this sport. We can’t wait to be back.
Edoardo Cofferati
I’ve been coming to Cogne for years now, mainly to ski! The school’s ski instructors are committed to helping us learn, have fun and make me passionate about both cross-country and downhill skiing. I can’t wait to be back!
The Best Choice
Cogne:
thrills and chills
Your instructor
See you on the slopes!
I have tried every type of equipment that exists to slide down our mountains, but it is with a snowboard that I am best able to express myself. I will do everything in my power to convey this passion to you too!
My motto is “Always happy to make you happy!” 
After being a member of the ski club for many years, I joined the Regional Committee and then signed up with the Army Sports Centre and the Draft National Team in 2001.
I’ve been an instructor since 2007. That same year, I started coaching the members of the Gran Paradiso Ski Club in Cogne.
I have always been passionate about cross-country skiing and I find it immensely satisfying to be able to teach others.
I look forward to seeing you out on the slopes, where we’re sure to have some amazing times together.
An advanced ski mountaineering course that will let you discover the evocative and unique surroundings of Cogne. A Mountain Guide will take part in each lesson to illustrate all the technicalities and the safety measures needed. Come and discover this
An advanced ski mountaineering course that will let you discover the evocative and unique surroundings of Cogne. A Mountain Guide will take part in each lesson to illustrate all the technicalities and the safety measures needed. Come and discover this amazing winter discipline!
ABOUT THE COURSE
- 4 lessons, 4 hours long each; in January, February, March and April.
- Cost: 370 Euros, including the insurance coverage Aosta Valley Card.
Beginners’ Course for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 5. They will be introduced to the world of snow and sliding through specific exercises and group games.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Runs from Saturday 22 December to Saturday 16 March.
Hours:
Beginners’ Course for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 5. They will be introduced to the world of snow and sliding through specific exercises and group games.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Runs from Saturday 22 December to Saturday 16 March. Hours: 13:00-14:00. Cost: 100 Euros (10% discount for the second child). Meeting point: ski stadium.
The perfect course for those interested in the splendid world of Alpine Skiing. Our ski instructors, assisted by Alpine guides, will help you to discover the simple and advanced techniques for going uphill and downhill, both on- and off-piste. Special
The perfect course for those interested in the splendid world of Alpine Skiing. Our ski instructors, assisted by Alpine guides, will help you to discover the simple and advanced techniques for going uphill and downhill, both on- and off-piste. Special attention will be paid to the use of vital safety equipment, including avalanche transceivers (or beacons), shovels and probes. At the end of the course, two spectacular excursions will allow you to discover the most breath-taking corners and views of the valley of Cogne and other locations.
ABOUT THE COURSE
- From Saturday 12 January to Saturday 16 March.
- 5 lessons, 3 hours each.
- Hours: 9:00-12:00.
- Cost: 370 Euros.
An advanced course suitable for all children and teenagers looking to become competent skiers. The aim of the course is to teach them the techniques of on- and off-piste Alpine Skiing, including the safety measures needed on the slopes
An advanced course suitable for all children and teenagers looking to become competent skiers. The aim of the course is to teach them the techniques of on- and off-piste Alpine Skiing, including the safety measures needed on the slopes and mountains in general.
The course, comprising 2-hour lessons, will be held throughout the Winter season. At the end of the course, on Saturday 24 March, the final competition will be held, followed by a party, during which prizes and Gran-Paradiso-Ski-School-sponsored gadget gifts will be handed out to all participants.
Included in the registration fee is the Aosta Valley Card, which provides holders with insurance coverage and reimburses them for the cost of the course, ski pass and any skiing accidents.
With the Aosta Valley Card, users will be able to enjoy special rates at some of the Region’s best attractions (Forte di Bard, Skyway, Terme di Pré-St–Didier.
Go to www.aostavalleycard.it for more information.
ABOUT THE COURSE
- Runs from Saturday 22 December to Sunday 17 March.
- Every day during the Christmas and Carnival holidays.
- 39 lessons.
- Cost: 550 Euros (10% discount for the second child) including the insurance coverage Aosta Valley Card.
- Hours: 14:30 – 16:30, Saturdays and during Christmas and Carnival holidays.
- Sundays: 11:00 – 13:00.
An easy course for beginners, suitable for all children and teenagers who want to have fun in the snow and learn how to ski. The course will be held every Sunday during the 2018-2019 Winter season. The aim of
An easy course for beginners, suitable for all children and teenagers who want to have fun in the snow and learn how to ski. The course will be held every Sunday during the 2018-2019 Winter season. The aim of the course is to get the participants excited about the beautiful world of skiing, without forgetting the safety rules needed out on the slopes and mountains. At the end of the course, on Saturday 24 March, the final competition will be held, followed by a party, during which prizes and Gran-Paradiso-Ski-School-sponsored gadget gifts will be handed out to all participants.
Included in the registration fee is the Aosta Valley Card, which provides holders with insurance coverage and reimburses them for the cost of the course, ski pass and any skiing accidents.
With the Aosta Valley Card, users will be able to enjoy special rates at some of the Region’s best attractions (Forte di Bard, Skyway, Terme di Pré-St–Didier.
Go to www.aostavalleycard.it for more information.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Runs from Sunday 23 December to Sunday 17 March.
13 lessons.
Cost: 260 Euros (10% discount for the second child) including the insurance coverage Aosta Valley Card.
Hours: 11-13.
Seasonal Nordic Skiing Courses aim to bring snow lovers closer to the amazing world of cross-country skiing.
The 2-hour lessons will be held on Wednesdays or Saturdays.
During the lessons, all the movements and styles of Nordic Skiing will be studied,
Seasonal Nordic Skiing Courses aim to bring snow lovers closer to the amazing world of cross-country skiing.
The 2-hour lessons will be held on Wednesdays or Saturdays.
During the lessons, all the movements and styles of Nordic Skiing will be studied, starting with the classic techniques.
At the end of the course, on Saturday 23 March, the final competition will be held, followed by a party, during which prizes and Gran-Paradiso-Ski-School-sponsored gadget gifts will be handed out to all participants.
ABOUT THE COURSE
- Runs from Saturday 15 December to Saturday 16 March.
- 13 lessons – 225 Euros (10% discount for the second child).
- Hours: 13:00 – 15:00.
OR
- Runs from Wednesday 26 December to Wednesday 20 March.
- 13 lessons – 225 Euros (10% discount for the second child).
- Hours: 14:00 – 16:00.
On the day of the Mini Marciagranparadiso and of the World Cup (both on Saturday), the course will not take place. Those lessons will be run on Saturday 15 December and Monday 4 March.
A fresh, modern take on a course designed for all those who want to be a part of the magnificent and enthralling world of snowboarding. Our instructors will teach you some of the most spectacular and mind-blowing snowboarding techniques
A fresh, modern take on a course designed for all those who want to be a part of the magnificent and enthralling world of snowboarding. Our instructors will teach you some of the most spectacular and mind-blowing snowboarding techniques and styles on-piste, off-piste and in the box areas. At the end of the course, on Saturday 24 March, the final competition will be held, followed by a party, during which prizes and Gran-Paradiso-Ski-School-sponsored gadget gifts will be handed out to all participants.
Included in the registration fee is the Aosta Valley Card, which provides holders with insurance coverage and reimburses them for the cost of the course, ski pass and any skiing accidents.
With the Aosta Valley Card, users will be able to enjoy special rates at some of the Region’s best attractions (Forte di Bard, Skyway, Terme di Pré-St–Didier.
Go to www.aostavalleycard.it for more information.
ABOUT THE COURSE
- Runs from Sunday 24 December to Sunday 18 March.
- 13 lessons.
- Cost: 245 Euros (210 Euros for the second child).
- Hours: 11-13.
A multi-disciplinary course that offers a 360° skiing experience: Nordic Skiing to learn the basics of sliding, to acquire balance and gain familiarity with the equipment; Alpine Skiing for just the right amount of adrenaline and fun. One of
A multi-disciplinary course that offers a 360° skiing experience: Nordic Skiing to learn the basics of sliding, to acquire balance and gain familiarity with the equipment; Alpine Skiing for just the right amount of adrenaline and fun. One of the two can be replaced with Snowboarding.
ABOUT THE COURSE
- Runs from Saturday 15 December to Sunday 17 March.
- On Saturdays: Nordic skiing; on Sundays: alpine skiing.
- Hours: 13:00-15:00 for Nordic skiing and 11:00-13:00 for alpine skiing.
- Cost: 400 Euros (10% discount for the second child).
Instructors teach:
ALPINE SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 13:30 to 16:30.
NORDIC SKIING
FROM 09:00 to 17:00.
Children under 14 must wear a helmet when Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding.
Lesson times do not include queuing at the ticket office, entering the snow park or accessing the Nordic ski slopes. We recommend you arrive 10 minutes early.
A single lesson is 50 minutes and must be paid for when booking.
Lessons will be reimbursed if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.
