On the paths to paradise: in the heart of the Italian Alps
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationGrand Paradis / French Alps
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions46.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a six-day hiking adventure around Gran Paradiso, discovering a pristine mountain range that is the heart of the Italian Alps. This authentic territory offers a complete immersion in wild and unspoiled nature. Marmots and ibex will be our companions for the week as we traverse a diverse landscape: shimmering glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, a spectacular mineral world, and the verdant pastures characteristic of the Italian Alps.
The highlights
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Hiking in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park
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Breathtaking panoramic views of the high Alpine peaks
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Glaciers, high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, flowery alpine meadows and majestic peaks
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 125 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 757 m
- Average daily descent: 559 m
Management
French
This trip is led by a mountain guide specializing in the region, who will share their knowledge and passion for it, as well as provide the technical information necessary for a successful stay. They may need to modify the program to ensure safety, depending on mountain weather conditions or the physical condition of the participants. They have been chosen for their extensive field experience, their specific knowledge of the geographical area and its culture, and their passion for sharing their region.
Program
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Arrival in Chamonix and transfer to Italy for the start of the trek
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 85km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 720 m
- Negative elevation 20 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We met our guide at the Chamonix bus station in the morning. After a presentation of the trek, a briefing on the week ahead, and a check of our equipment, we set off for Italy (1.5 hours) to the Valgrisenche valley, with its charming traditional villages. After leaving our belongings for the day, we began our 10 km trek towards Gran Paradiso. We soon discovered Lake Beauregard before climbing through the forest, among rhododendrons, blueberries, and junipers. We finally reached the alpine pastures and the Refuge de l'Épée, where we spent our first night at the foot of the majestic "Cristo de l'Épée".Day 1 -
Refuge de l'Épée - Lac San Martino - Refuge Brezzi
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 750 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our 11 km hike on a panoramic trail overlooking the Ruitor massif. A break at Lake San Martino allows us to fully appreciate the glacial landscapes that shape this part of the massif. At the end of the day, we reach the charming Brezzi refuge, where we retrieve our luggage for a pleasant and convivial evening.Day 2 -
Brezzi Refuge - Gliairetta Glacier - Benevolo Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we ascend a magnificent glacial valley, overlooking the Gliairetta Glacier, on a 10.2 km route. After crossing the Bassac-Déré pass (3082 m), we descend into a high mountain landscape to Lake Golettaz, where the seracs are reflected in the water. A final descent leads us to the alpine pastures of the Benevolo refuge (2285 m). Depending on conditions and our fitness level, our guide may offer an optional ascent of the Bec de la Traversière (3337 m), providing a 360-degree panoramic view (+250/-250 m and +2 km).Day 3 -
Benevolo Refuge - Col Rosset - Savoia Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 930 m
- Negative elevation 690 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the Benevolo cirque and ascend the Gran Vaudala valley towards the Rosset pass (3023 m), a 10 km route. Reaching this pass is a highlight of our trek: a spectacular view unfolds before us, with a dozen mountain lakes and the Gran Paradiso massif as a backdrop. We then cross the Rosset plateau and its numerous lakes before descending back into the alpine pastures and reaching the Savoia refuge for the night. An alternative route via the Basei pass is possible, allowing you to walk closer to the glaciers.Day 4 -
Gran Paradiso National Park: Savoia Refuge - Victor Emmanuel Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 890 m
- Negative elevation 790 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the high-altitude lakes behind to begin a 16 km hike towards the Grand-Collet pass (2832 m). There, an incredible panorama unfolds before us, with the summit of Gran Paradiso drawing ever closer. After descending into the valley, we make one last push to climb back up the slopes of the massif. To fully immerse ourselves in the legendary atmosphere of this summit, we spend the night at the Victor Emmanuel refuge, a base camp for mountaineers and lovers of unspoiled nature.Day 5 -
Gran Paradiso National Park: Balconies of Gran Paradiso and return to Chamonix
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 90km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final 10km stage, we traverse a superb balcony trail south of Gran Paradiso. After a break at the Chabod refuge (2710m), we begin our descent into the valley, where our trek ends. We then return to Chamonix for a late afternoon departure.Day 6
Note
The itineraries may be modified depending on weather conditions or the participants' fitness level. Ultimately, the guide retains sole discretion over the program and may adapt it according to any unforeseen circumstances.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a mountain guide
- Luggage transport (except on the evenings of days 4 and 5 when luggage transfers are not possible)
- Accommodation in dormitory-style mountain huts
- All half-board meals and picnics
- The transfers included in the program (including the round trip from Chamonix)
The price does not include
- Race food (snacks: cereal bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Showers in some shelters when they are pay-per-use (€3 per token).
- Drinks and personal expenses in the mountain huts
Options
- Booking train tickets : CHF36.59 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Group equipment (compass, altimeter, maps, first aid kit, etc.) is provided by the instructors.
Equipment to bring
- Trekking boots with Vibram soles, offering good ankle support, that you've already worn on a few hikes to break them in. Never start out in brand new shoes, or you'll get blisters...
- Telescopic poles
- A sheet like a sleeping bag
- A small toiletry bag with a quick-drying towel
- A sunscreen cream (for face and lips)
- A headlamp, with batteries and a spare bulb
- 1 water bottle (filter if possible) or 1.5 litre hydration pack
- A pocket knife
- Toilet paper + lighter
- Two to three plastic bags (100 liters) to protect your backpack and belongings in case of rain. Waterproof bags are available and very practical for protecting your things.
- A Tupperware container for lunchtime salads, with a knife, fork and spoon
Clothing to bring
- Cap
- Hat (or cap) for sun protection and/or scarf
- Excellent quality, category 3 sunglasses
- 1 pair of fleece or wool gloves
- Breathable technical underwear
- 2 Breathable technical undershirts (carline, lightweight fleece, etc.) with long sleeves
- 2 breathable short-sleeved t-shirts
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 down jacket/vest
- 1 windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex type jacket
- 1 pair of breathable technical tights
- 1 pair of comfortable hiking pants
- 1 pair of Gore-Tex type windproof trousers
- 1 pair of shorts or capri pants
- 2 pairs of socks, one thin pair and one thicker pair (avoid cotton which causes blisters)
- 1 night outfit
When hiking, the 3-layer system remains the recommended equipment for your comfort and safety:
- a short-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber) or a long-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material
- a fleece fur jacket
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (Gore-tex type)
