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COGNE

Aosta, Italy

At the head of the valley that overlooks Cogne is the Gran Paradiso (4061m), Italy’s highest peak that sits entirely within its borders. Now a national park, the Gran Paradiso region was a private royal hunting reserve for King Victor Emmanuel, as it held the last ibex, (bouquetin, steinbock) left in the Alps. After 80 years of careful management, the population recovered, and is responsible for the re-introduction of these alpine mascots throughout Europe. Victor Emmanuel III declared the national park in 1922, Italy’s first.

 

The charming village of Cogne sits in a wide valley pointed right at the namesake peak, and has enjoyed a tradition of tourism since the park’s dedication. Prior to that, farming and ore mining were the primary industries of the Cogne Valley, but now it is a hub for alpinism, hiking and biking, and boasts one of Italy’s best Nordic (X-C) skiing centers, having hosted numerous world cup and pother premiere events.

 

We love Cogne for its unpretentious charm, wonderful Slow Food restaurants, easy access to unspoiled nature, and one of our favorite hotels in the Alps, the Hotel Bellevue. Whether in summer or winter, there are myriad experiences to be found in this authentic valley, from visiting the Roman acqueduct to spotting herds of stambecco in the wild. 

  • Gran Paradiso National park, oldest national park in Italy
  • One of Italy’s best Nordic (X-C) skiing centers
  • Over 150 vertiginous icefalls as clear as crystal attract ice climbing aficionados
  • Ibex, eagles and chamois: great chance to spot wild life fauna
  • Authentic villages and unspoiled nature
  • Classic Aostan Slow Food & Wine
  • Beautiful uncrowded hiking throughout the National Park
Cogne
 
 

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WHAT WE DO

Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.


Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need. 

  • "Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
  • "Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
  • "A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
  • "I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
  • "Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
  • “The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
  • "I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
  • "Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH

PROCESS

Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps. 


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