italian-alps-grand-paradiso-hiking-tour

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 4
Mon Roadbook App
Mountain Hut with dorms
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3G8
8 days from 880 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • Hike the entire time through Gran Paradiso National Park: no transfer necessary.

  • Enjoy amazing views of Mt. Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Mt. Rose.

  • Experience Italian hospitality to its fullest from one mountain hut to another

  • The "Mon Roadbook" mobile application is available for this tour.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

The mountain itself, Gran Paradiso Peak, rises to a lofty 4061 meters elevation, and is as strikingly beautiful as Mt. Blanc or the Matterhorn, its high-altitude neighbors to the north and northeast. The peak marks the high point of southern half of Aosta Valley and the sub range that bears its name. The area's well-preserved mountain valleys provide access to Europe's very first national park (created in 1922), and a genuine sanctuary (and savior) for the alpine ibex. Marvel in every moment you spend hiking through the park's beautifully stunning terrain carved to perfection by glaciers past and present.

Your choice of lodging + Luggage transfer

Mountain Hut with dorms From mid-June to late September

Mountain Hut with dorms From mid-June to late September

Without luggage transfer From 880 €* Book / Enquire Devis
With luggage transfer From 1210 €* Book / Enquire Devis

Are you looking for a singular experience with family, friends, colleagues, or a club, organized and led by one of our professional mountain guides?

Travel with a guide

* Price based on 4-person group

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Itinerary

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

Level 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails or off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers.

Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 8 days
Luggage transfers : 2 options: with or without luggage transfer
Lodging : Mountain Hut
Guiding : Sans encadrement
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-June to late September

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome in Italy!

Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.

Arrival (on your own) at Pont in the Valsavarenche valley close to Aosta, capital of the Val d'Aoste, a special place in Italy.
Check in your Hotel.

Day 2

Aosta - Valsavarenche - Savoia or Chivasso hut

Ascent : 600 m to 1000 m. Descent : 0 m to 400 m. Hiking : 2 h 30 or 4 h 30.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Transfer from Aosta to the starting point of your hike in Valsavarenche valley. Start the day's hike from the trailhead in Pont, located at the end of the road that leads up Valsavarenche Valley. If you chose the "baggage transfer" option, meet in Pont at 1:30pm with the taxi that will handle transferring your bags.

For today's hike, you have two options:

- The first option and longer hike starts in Pont (1994m), on the trail that climbs to Grand Collet Pass (2832m). During the uphill effort and when you arrive at the pass, enjoy spectacular views of legendary Gran Paradiso Peak. On the other side of the pass, descend into Nivolet Valley to link up with the trail that leads to the Savoia (2533m) and the Chivasso (2600m) huts.

- The second and shorter option starts in Pont (1994m), on a trail that climbs straight to Roley/Arolley Cross (2313m) where you will enjoy breathtaking, up-close, and personal views of legendary Gran Paradiso Peak. From here, continue slowly but surely up the valley along Nivolet Creek until you reach your accommodations for the night.

Day 3

Savoia or Chivasso - Col Rosset pass - Benevolo hut

Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 900 m. Hiking : 4 h 30.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

This morning, Gran Paradiso Peak behind you. Follow the trail (and animal tracks) through the area's serene alpine meadows, with lakes scattered here and there, and then through a snowfield or two until you reach Col Rosset Pass (3023m). This is the week's first mountain pass above 3000m! Enjoy the descent into Val di Rhêmes, as well as dinner and spending the night in the Benevolo Hut (2287 m). If you're lucky, the hut managers will offer you a cup of "Aostan coffee."

Day 4

Benevolo - Bassac Déré pass - Mario Bezzi hut

Ascent : 850 m. Descent : 850 m. Hiking : 4 h 30.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

After leaving the hut, the trail passes through a rocky bottleneck on your way to glacier-formed Golette Lake, which reflects in its waters the seracs and glacier looming above. Make one last effort on the climb to Col Bassac-Déré Pass (3082m) and take full advantage of your high perch to soak in the views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The descent on the other side of the pass takes you right along the edge of the Glairetta Glacier and then to Mario Bezzi Hut (2240m), where you will spend the night.

Day 5

Mario Bezzi - L'Epée hut

Ascent : 750 m. Descent : 650 m. Hiking : 4 h.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
No high-altitude passes to cross today, instead walk along a spectacular balcony traverse above Valgrisenche Valley. Stroll through meadows and pastures, as well as rocky alpine terrain scattered with small lakes and creeks fed by the summer's glacier meltwater. You are now in the heart of where Aosta Valley's world-famous fontina cheese is made. All throughout the day, enjoy views of Ruitor Peak, whose summit offers one of the most spectacular vistas in the Alps. The warm and welcoming Epée Hut (2373m) is the day's final destination.

 


Day 6

L'Epée - Col Fenêtre pass - Breuil - Rhêmes-Notre-Dame

Ascent : 450 m. Descent : 1150 m. Hiking : 4 h 30.
Lodging : guest-house. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Today is second high-alpine day of your trip. With key knowledge of the area and up-to-date information on current conditions, the Epée Hut Manager will serve as an important resource to ensure success for the day's hike. The ascent to Col Fenêtre Pass (2875m) follows a well-marked, well-maintained trail, and the view of Gran Paradiso Peak once at the pass is simply fantastic! The descent to Rhêmes-Notre-Dames (1717m) follows a steeper, more committing, sometimes vertigo-inducing trail. You will lose altitude quickly on your way to Torrent (2170m), which marks the end of the difficult section of hiking for the day. The remaining leisurely stroll takes you to the village of Breuil (1723m).

Please note: if conditions at the beginning or end of the season prove too difficult or hazardous to safely make the descent to Breuil from Col Fenêtre Pass (2875m), from Epée hut, make the roundtrip up to and back from the pass. Then, from the hut, hike down into Valgrisenche Valley and take a local shuttle (at your expense) to Rhêmes-Notre-Dame.

Day 7

Rhêmes-Notre-Dame - Col Entrelor pass - Eaux-Rousses - Pont

Ascent : 1300 m. Descent : 1350 m. Hiking : 6 h 30.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
The longest stage of your trip, enjoy this outstanding traverse through varied terrain and with unforgettable views from beginning to end. Your early-morning start leads out of Rhêmes-Notre-Day and through beautiful pine forests to the alpine pastures of Entrelor (2142m). The trail follows Entrelor Creek for a while, and then slowly but surely climbs to Entrelor Pass, the trip's last high-mountain pass above 3000m elevation! The descent takes you to Noir Lake (2670m), and then towards Djouan Lakes (2516m), with great views of Gran Paradiso Peak all along the way. At this point, your final destination and the end of the trip are near. Traverse along the mountainside to the national park's visitor center, through the pine forest to the village of Eaux-Rousses (166m), and to the end your six-day stroll through Gran Paradiso National Park. Transfer by public bus back to Pont.

Optional: climb Gran Paradiso Peak (4061m)
You have the option of prolonging your trip by two days to climb Gran Paradiso Peak with a high-mountain guide. Enjoy the company, guidance, and instruction of a state-certified high-mountain guide for a group of one to four people. Go to the "Additional Services" section.

Please note: hiking times are approximate.


Day 8

Arrivederci!

Meals not included.
Breakfast at your hotel. End of our services.
Please ask for any excursion opportunity around Aosta and Courmayeur or any transfer back to the Airport or elswhere.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from july to september 2023

Mountain Hut with dorms
Price per person		Without luggage transferWith luggage transfer
Single seasonSingle season
2 people1 shared room900 €1515 €
3 people1 shared room885 €1315 €
4 people1 shared room880 €1210 €
5 people1 shared room875 €1140 €
6 people1 shared room870 €1065 €
  • Single season : From 01 July 2023 to 21 September 2023

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:
- Accommodations as described: 7 nights: 3 nights in hotels and 4 nights in mountain huts / dormitoires.
- Meals: 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners (on your own in Pont).
- Transporting your bags if you choose this option (not available Day 2 and Day 5).
- The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a group of up to 4 persons group.
- Emergency hotline 24/7
- Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).

The price does not include:
- Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
- Dinner Day 1 and Day 7 in Pont.
- Local buses Day 7 between Eaux Rousse and Pont.
- Pack lunches
- Shower in those huts that charge a fee.
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
- Everything not described as "included".
- If you register less 15 days before the start of the trip, the additional "last-minute" fees to process your application in time.
- The optional "climbing Gran Paradiso Peak (4061m)" after the end of your official trip.

Other expenses:
- All picnic lunches (about 10 to 12€ each day)
- Transfers by local shuttle between Valgrisenche and Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (Breuil) if conditions make Col Fenêtre Pass too dangerous to cross on foot.

Currencies

France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

Access

Access

Best international airports to get to Aosta are Geneva and Milano Malpensa.
- From Milano Malpensa you can either take a bus for an about 2h 30 journey to Aosta (about 8€). There are also trains but much slower.
- From Geneva you can also take an international bus (Flixbus) for an about 2 h 45' transfer (about 8€). But it starts from Geneva city centre that you can reach by public transportation or taxi.
- Please check Flixbus online: https://shop.flixbus.fr/

- From either Milano or Geneva, we can also provide a private transer for you. Price on request. 

Once in Aosta get to the Valsavarenche valley by car or local buses (SAVDA).

During your trip

Our team

Self-guided trip

In Aosta valley, local buses are well organised.

- Day 7: Eaux-Rousses - Pont (10 min)

Lodging

Except in Aosta and Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, you'll stay in mountain huts.
- Mountain huts are "simple" and traditionally offer "dormitory" and no double rooms. They aren't reachable by car. 
- 2 nights in hotel - twin/double room in Pont and 1 night in twin/double room in a simple mountain hotel in Rhêmes.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
- Dinners (hot meals) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations.
- You can shop on your own OR we can reserve picnic lunches that your accommodations along the tour will prepare for you. Please confirm with your hosts the night before and pick up your lunch the morning before leaving.

Luggage transfer

Depending on the option you choose: with OR without luggage transfer.
- With baggage transfers included: you will only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them almost every night (except Day 2 in Savoia/Chivasso and Day 5 in l'Epée).

Trails

On self-guided trips, you are responsible for knowing how to read a map and use a compass. The roadbook and "Mont Roadbook app" we provide at the beginning offers a few additional details. For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

Itineraries

The trails
Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over drops. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the viewfinder of your camera!

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.
 
Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

Required before leaving

Health

Some tips for staying healthy:
Tap water is mostly good for drinking all other the Alps. Unless notified as not, you can consider it as drinkable. Even if they are recyclable we request you consider the waste impact of your bottles.
Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it's far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!

During the trek, don't try to overpass your strength and walk too high, too quickly! Keep a regular pace and take time to enjoy the view while walking.
Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best! 

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 4

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least once per week (around 15km to 18km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

What we supply for your trek

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.
 
What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials :
- Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not. 
- Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
- Warm hat.
- Cap.
- Sun glasses.
- Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
- Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
- Warm mid-layer tops.
- A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
- 1x Walking trousers.
- Light gloves.
- Shorts.
- Buff or Snood.
- A natural or synthetic down jacket.
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
- Nightwear and underwear.
- Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in Moutain Huts).
- Sandals or flip flops. 

Essential Accessories :
 - Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in Mountains Huts), etc.
- Toilet roll/tissues.
- Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
- Sun block and lip balm.
- Electrical socket adapter.
- Energy bars/snacks.
- Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
- Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
- Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
- Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
- Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
- Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
- Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
- WATER - please be able to carry 2 litres of water.
- Your sense of humour and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:
- Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras

- Binoculars.
- Book to read or Kindle.
- Notebook and pen.
- Ear plugs.


Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

- 2 litres of water.
- sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
- warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
- water proof layer.
- Lunch
- head torch.
- hand sanitiser/soap and toilet paper.
- your camera.
- any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
- Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

What about gear I want to leave before the trek?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organise the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!


Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Allibert Trekking keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.

During your trip

Additional services : during your trip

Climbing Gran Paradiso Peak (4061m)
You have the option of extending your stay two additional days to climb Gran Paradiso Peak with a high-mountain guide. At the end of your trek (Day 7), continue on your way to the Tetras-Lyre Hut, just a fifteen-minute walk from the parking lot in Pont. You will eat dinner and spend the night there.

Day 1 / Tetras-Lyre Hut - Vittorio-Emanuele II Hut
The climb to Vittorio-Emanuele-II Hut (2735 m) follows a well-marked and well-maintained trail. The hut serves as the main base camp for people climbing the standard route up Gran Paradiso Peak. Enjoy the typical warm, welcoming, and often festive Italian atmosphere at the hut. Meet your guide here. He or she will take the time to explain the gear you will use, in addition to the basic safety and orienteering techniques needed for summer mountaineering. Eat dinner and spend the night in the hut.
Approach hike: 2.5 hours. Vertical gain: 750m.

Day 2 / Vittorio-Emanuele II Hut - summit of Gran Paradiso Peak
Rise before dawn. With as light a pack on your back as possible, start by headlamp on your way to climbing to the summit of Gran Paradiso Peak (4061m)! A line of headlamps will likely light the way up the peak's standard route, which ascends a relatively easy glacier to a saddle just below the summit. From there, a short bit of climbing along a rocky ridge takes to you the summit proper and its legendary statue of the Virgin Mary. Your descent back down to the valley takes the same route and trail. Say goodbye to your guide at the end of the afternoon.
Hiking time: 7 to 9 hours. Vertical gain: 1300m. Vertical drop: 2100m.

Price includes
- Accommodations in a mountain hut (2 nights).
- 2 breakfasts and dinners
- Guide services by a state-certified high-mountain guide (one guide for up to 4 clients).
- All technical safety gear for the climb (harness, crampons, ice axe, and helmet).

Your expenses for both days:
- Picnic lunches and snacks for both days.
- Drinks and tips.