After a little bit of debate we decided that we needed some light relief from the BIG hills so … off to Cogne – the ice climbing mecca of Italy. The temperatures were disturbingly warm and spring is now really in full swing despite the fact it is only February. Cogne is high and next to a glacier and Mark had never been to Italy so why not? Quickly through the tunnel (keeping an eye out for smoking lorries) and out into Italy following the satnav to Cogne. Unfortunately it was +10 deg c – but this was ignored and thankfully the temperature dropped as we climbed into the Gran Paradiso national park. my french is okay but my italian is non-existent (but much better than Mark’s!) so deciphering the parking regulations was a little tricky so we left the car in Valnontey and kept our fingers crossed.
Scenery was stunning – sunny but also with big ice-falls and lots of snow patches and a view up to the Gran Paradiso (I think?).
Looking up toward the Gran Paradiso
I had never been to Cogne before but it was well geared up for climbers and even the footpath signs were friendly:
We weren’t quite sure what to do but as the first sector we came to was the classic ‘Patri’ area we decided to head up for that. I casually remarked that the central direttisima was formed (ie had actually frozen into something climbable this winter) – which was quite a rare thing. Mark decided we should do it as it wasn’t always around (and looked steep and nasty!). Good lead and a superb route!
Gearing up!
wimpyalpinism 
Wow that looks impressive! Splendido! Rachel
Wow! that looks a mean route!!! Scared looking at it from my sofa!!!