Since our first trip in 2004 we have ran 5 trips to the Gran Paradiso area. The
walking here is superb though quite tough - 4 to 7 hours per day involving
considerable uphill and downhill sections but generally this is on well made
up, gentle-angled, zig
zagging paths. We offer two trips: an 8 day trip that includes an ascent of Gran Paradiso and the following grand traverse of
this majestic massif in the southern Alps. The Grand Traverse starts in Mont Avic Natural Park before entering the
adjacent Gran Paradiso National Park. The trek is a quieter, tougher and wilder
version of the Tour de Mont Blanc with scenery matching the best the Alps have
to offer. Gran Paradiso itself is accessible to strong mountain walkers with
ski poles (or ice axe) and crampons and it is the easiest 4000m summit in the
Alps (excluding the Breithorn which uses cable cars most of the way). Our route passes through areas free from ski systems and associated tourist
developments and environmental damage. The Gran Paradiso is in fact one of the
most strictly controlled and carefully preserved National Parks in the Alps.
The route includes a variety of terrain with some high passes (up to 3000m),
forested valleys, lakes and alpine pastures rich in wildlife. The area is
particularly renowned for the King Ibex that has proliferated and survived here
since king Vittorio Emanuele created a hunting reserve. At the same time he
also established many excellent paths to allow access to the area and to some
of his hunting lodges (Casa di Caccia). On several of the days you will see
more ibex and chamois than other people during the trek. A system of mountain lodges 'rifugios', manned by welcoming local people offer
accommodation in either small rooms or occasionally in mixed dormitory; only a
sleeping sheets are needed, blankets are provided. The lodges are all clean
and have indoor toilets and wash rooms. Most provide hot showers. Several
nights are spent in simple (* or **) hotels. Gradual acclimatisation and fitness is built up in the first few days of the
trip making an ascent of Gran Paradiso a very reasonable proposition. Most of
the walking is on good mountain paths. Being in a sheltered area of the main
mass of Alps the weather is good and generally snow is only encountered on the
ascent of Gran Paradiso. Most of the 'rifugios' are not accessible by vehicle so overnight gear
including a towel, a change of clothes, sheet sleeping bag, an optional
sleeping mat, crampons, waterproofs and snacks have to be carried. This weight
should not exceed 10kg and will be best carried in a comfortable rucksack. All
meals are provided except those mentioned in the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary and the huts depending on any
change in the local conditions. Grade C/D Enquire or Book | Dates and Prices
Day 1: Transfer from Turin to Mellier
Arrive at Turin airport and transfer by private bus to our guesthouse in the
village of
Mellier, 1350m. Dinner will be provided depending on the flight times. Day 2: Mellier to Rifugio Barbustel
Walk through forests then over a mountain pass (Col du Lac Blanc, 2309m) to the
refuge which is located at 2200m by a lake in the heart of Mont Avic Natural
Park. The park is known for its beautiful lakes set amongst alpine meadows,
forests and gentle mountains. The walk only takes about 4 hours and depending
on the weather after a picnic lunch we can walk around the lakes in the valley
or ascend an easy nearby summit to see the main Alpine Chain with excellent
views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa massif. The refuge is new and offers a
good quality accommodation. Day 3: Rifugio Barbustel to Rirugio Miserin
We follow the main valley past a string of beautiful lakes then cross two cols
(the highest being 2912m) before droping into the upper Ayasse valley where
Rifugio Miserin is located by a lake, 2582m. The exterior of the refuge is
austere standing beside the famous chapel of Notre Dame des Neiges itself a destination for regular pilgrimages. Inside the atmosphere is a total
contrast, warmth, simple but very good facilities and excellent food. The walk
takes about 6 hours, along the way a short detour can be made in to take in the
easy summit of Mt Glacier, 3186m. Day 4: Rifugio Miserin to Ronco Canavese
A short walk past the lake then up open easy slopes leads to a short section of
scree and small outcrops then the Colle de la Rosa, 2957m. The descent on the
other side is initially over exposed, slabby ground; then steep grassy slopes
lead down to the small chapel of San Besso at 2019m. Picnic lunch. Now a good
path leads down to the Campiglia Valley which is followed to our hotel in Ronco
Canavese, 956m, 5-6 hours walking. The last section of the walk involves about
3 kilometers on a tarmac road. The crossing of the pass, particularly in bad weather, is quite demanding and
potentially dangerous, the guide may decide to take an alternative low-level
route to Ronco. 6-7 hours walking. Day 5: Ronco to Talosio
After a short descent to Bosco village we take a path through forests and
alpine meadows up to Colle Crest, 2040m. A gentle descent leads down past a
17th century shrine to a rather basic guesthouse in the village of
Talosio, 1225m, 6 hours walking, picnic lunch. Day 6: Talosio to San Lorenzo
A steep climb from Talosio gains Monte Arzola 2158m. The little used path now
follows a mountain ridge then descends slopes past Lago d'Eugio, 1860m, before
climbing again to about 2200m where it traverses steep slopes round the head of
a valley before dropping down to San Lorenzo, 1045m, 6 hours, picnic lunch.
Night at a small hotel. photo Day 7: San Lorenzo to Rifugio Pocchiola Meneghello
A short walk takes us to San Giacomo village. We continue up a steep woodland
path then over more open slopes and across alpine meadows passing Lago de Balma
(possible swim) and a fine waterfall to reach Lago de Valsoera and the refuge,
2440m, 4-5 hours walk. This is the most basic of the refuges we will use. It
lies at the heart of a magnificent cirque of fine granite peaks. There will be
time to explore the area after lunch at the refugio. photo Day 8: Rifugio Pocchiola Meneghello to Rifugio Pontese
Walk through Alpine meadows then a short grassy path up to the easy Boccetta di
Valsoera pass (2683m). A nearby peak, 2790m, provides a fine viewpoint in good
weather. Descend steeply to the beautifully located Rifugio Pontese (2217m, 3-4
hours walk). This is one of the most welcoming refugios in the whole of the
Alps. After a sumptuous lunch, time can be spent visiting the ancient deserted
mountain village of Muanda di Teleccio and wandering up this grand valley. photo Day 9: Rifugio Pontese to Casa di Caccia
This walk requires an early start. We ascend through alpine pastures, often
passing herds of ibex and chamois, to reach the Colle dei Becchi (2990m)
beneath the elegant granite spires of Becchi della Tribulazione. A long descent
initially, over big boulders, leads to the upper Noaschetta Valley (locally
known as ‘little Tibet‘). Easy downhill walking to 2400m, then a
final uphill
climb leads to the Bocchetta del Ges pass (2692m) before descending to the Casa
di Caccia, one of the former king's hunting lodges, now taken over and
refurbished by the National Park (2222m, 6-7 hours total walking). Much of this
days walking is on excellent paths made for Vittorio Emanuele, the scenery is
magnificent and the area rich in wildlife. Note: This day may be altered slightly - details will be sent out with the trip
information sheet. Day 10: Casa di Caccia to Chalet del Lago
The day starts with a high level traverse with fine views up to the snowy high
peaks of the massif and down into the dramatic Vallone del Roc. Then a gradual
descent takes us down to pine forests beside the Lago di Ceresole Reale. A
short walk through the forests takes us to
the Chalet del Lago, a very well positioned and extremely friendly ** small
hotel renowned locally for its excellent food, 1583m, 5-6 hours walking, dinner
not included. Day 11: Chalet del Lago to Citta di Chivasso
A short section of road leads to a steady climb to Lago Lillet (2765m) then
Colle della Terra (2911m) which offers views south to the fine peaks of the Tre
Levanna on the French frontier. The gentle trail contours to the last hairpins
of the road leading to Col del Nivole and the refugio at 2684m (5 hours). The
refuge has an outstanding library of mountain literature and maps. Day 12: Citta di Chivasso to Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele
We follow the Nivolet valley northwards to the little village of Pont with
superb views of Gran Paradiso. Now a
trail leads north then steeply up east to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele,
(2732m, 5 hours). This is a famous old hut and the most popular base for the
ascent of the Gran Paradiso. Day 13: Ascent of Gran Paradiso and traverse to Rifugio Federico Chabod
An early start rewards us with morning views or even sunrise seen from the
summit - a magnificent panorama. The ascent itself is by an easy, slightly
crevassed glacier with a
short section of airy and exposed rock scrambling to the summit. The upper
sections of the ascent involving being roped together. Crampons
and ski poles or an ice axe are required. Those who do not wish to make the
ascent can enjoy exploring the area around the hut (4-5 hours in ascent, 2-3
hours in descent). After a rest we traverse round to the Rifugio Federico
Chabod. Day 14: Rifugio Federico Chabod to Degioz, Aosta and Turin
We follow the Camino Real to Colle del Gran Neyron (3227m). A steep descent
protected by cables is followed by a long descent to beautiful meadows and
excellent views of Mont Blanc. Many ibex are seen here. Continue descending to
Degioz from where we take a public bus back to Aosta. After a late lunch there
is time to wander around Aosta before taking a public bus back to Turin.
Private transport may be used depending on flight times. photo If the weather is bad the Colle del Gran Neyron can be omitted. Meals at the
airport are not included. In the event of bad weather on day 7 and under very favourable circumstances it
may be possible to attempt Gran Paradiso on day 8. In this case there will be a
surcharge to cover extra guide and transport costs. Included in costs: All transportation, all accommodation, all food (other than that mentioned in
the itinerary), guides. Not included: Drinks, dinner on day 10, personal insurance. Book Now | Dates and Prices | Gran Paradiso 8 day trip | 
