Cogne. Image courtesy of https://aosta-valley.co.uk/

Helicopter tourists to Cogne – Tourism Minister

News Travel & Tourism

Last week, the mountain resort of Cogne was cut-off following heavy rain which caused landslides. The Italian Tourism Minister has said they government would helicopter tourists to the resort to save the season.

Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché said yesterday, the government would take tourists to the flood and-mudslide-blocked Aosta mountain resort of Cogne by helicopter.

Santanché, who visited Aosta to take stock of the damage after the flood, said “It is an idea that will do Aosta Valley good, and the community of Cogne.

“We have called the project ‘Cogne gives wings’.

“Rather than putting people out of work, closing hotels, closing the community, we will work to get tourists to Aosta, pick them up by helicopter, and bring them to Cogne.

“They will of course have to stay for an appropriate period, at least four days in a hotel or 15 days in a second home.”

Where is Cogne?

The town of Cogne was an important old mining centre and is in the heart of the Gran Paradiso Park and is often regarded as its “capital.” With a current population of around 1,500 inhabitants, Cogne has a rich historical, cultural, and traditional heritage, celebrated regularly through feasts and exhibitions.

As you approach from the central valley, the expansive Sant’Orso meadow greets you -lush and green in summer, transforming into a pristine white wonderland in winter. This large, sunny basin is shielded by dense forests at the convergence of tributary valleys, offering breathtaking views that can be enjoyed on various footpaths or from a horse-drawn sleigh through the snow.

In addition to Alpine skiing, Cogne offers opportunities for ice climbing, particularly in Lillaz and Valnontey, which feature over 130 waterfalls. The area is home to more than 1,000 mountain-dwelling species, including ibex, wild goats, marmots, and royal eagles. The Paradisia Botanical Garden, located within Italy’s oldest national park, is a must-visit, featuring a rock exhibition, a lichen collection, and a butterfly garden.

Nearby, the Roman bridge Pont d’Aël spans 60 meters above the Cogne valley floor and is also worth visiting. For serious hikers, multi-day treks with overnight stays in huts provide an excellent way to explore this spectacular alpine environment, surrounded by dramatic peaks over 3,000 meters high.

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