First high-altitude hike in the Gran Paradiso massif
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration3 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationGrand Paradis / Aosta Valley
-
AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions10.74 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This 3-day self-guided hike offers a gradual and breathtaking immersion into the heart of the Italian Alps , in the iconic Gran Paradiso massif. From the very first steps, the contrast is striking: the forest suddenly opens onto vast alpine landscapes , where light , silence , and jagged peaks dominate the scenery. A suspended moment, often pivotal, where the hike takes on a whole new dimension.
The route is harmoniously balanced, traversing varied terrain, from high-altitude trails and rocky areas to sweeping panoramas of the valley. The stop at Rifugio Chabod , facing the glacier, is a highlight of the trip, as is the stay at Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II , nestled above a green lake and a secluded little stream . These authentic alpine refuges offer a simple yet magnificent setting, perfect for contemplation.
The final descent to Valsavarenche is gentle, winding through flowery meadows and then larch forests . Short and accessible, this hike is also suitable for beginners , while still delivering the emotion , majesty , and wild character of the true Alps.
The highlights
-
A short and accessible hike offering the thrill of the true Italian Alps.
-
A varied route through forests, high-altitude trails, and sweeping alpine panoramas.
-
Nights spent in legendary mountain huts overlooking glaciers and high-altitude lakes
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Enjoy a fully independent stay: you will have access to an emergency number, reachable only between 9am and 7pm.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 394 m
- Average daily descent: 354 m
Management
You will receive access to our trekking app, which serves as a complete digital travel guide for Gran Paradiso. Inside, you will find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your trip.
Program
-
Gradual ascent towards the Rifugio Chabod
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 920 m
- Negative elevation 80 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The hike begins at the Pravieux bus stop, on a wide, comfortable path that crosses open meadows dotted with a few farm buildings. The terrain is initially flat , allowing you to leisurely follow the valley floor and gently approach the surrounding landscape. Gradually, the forest marks the entry into a more mountainous environment and signals the start of the ascent.
In the shade of a light larch forest , the ascent gradually begins with a series of regular switchbacks on a well-marked path, alternating between earth and small pebbles. The effort remains steady and manageable. Higher up, the trees thin out and the landscape opens up onto alpine slopes , a mix of grass, rocks, and more mineral areas, all while maintaining an easy-to-follow route.
As you approach the refuge, the terrain becomes rockier and the slope slightly steeper, but without any particular difficulty. The Rifugio Frédéric Chabod then appears on a clearing. The path leads directly to its terrace, offering a first unobstructed view of the Valsavarenche valley and an ideal setting for a contemplative break.
Day 1 -
Altitude crossing to Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 260 m
- Negative elevation 230 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The hike begins at the Rifugio Frédéric Chabod with a clear path that descends gently before gradually climbing. The route follows alpine terrain , alternating between rocky slabs, scattered stones, and grassy areas, along a wide and easy-to-follow path.
As you gain altitude, the route crosses broad slabs of smooth rock and then a vast , mineral plateau dotted with fields of stones and narrow strips of grass. The path meanders gently through this open space, offering several natural viewpoints overlooking the surrounding ridges, with beautiful vistas of the Nivolet Valley . The going remains easy and non-technical, perfect for enjoying the scenery.
As you approach the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II , the terrain levels out, giving way to a gradual descent onto the plateau. The path overlooks Lago di Moncorvé , whose turquoise waters accompany your final steps. Upon arrival at the refuge, a small, secluded lake appears just above the building, lending a peaceful atmosphere to this high-altitude stage.
Day 2 -
Gradual descent towards the Valsavarenche valley
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The hike begins at the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II, following the same wide path as the outward journey. The route starts with a gentle descent through open alpine terrain, between scattered rocks and tufts of grass, along a well-defined and consistent trail. Gradually, the views open up towards the valley floor.
The route continues with a steady descent over rocky slabs and compacted earth, overlooking Lago di Moncorvé , before reaching softer, grassy terrain. Long traverses then lead to a series of well-maintained switchbacks that guide the hike to the edge of the forest . The path passes near a small waterfall , then enters denser woods, remaining clear and comfortable.
Leaving the forest, the route joins a wider track near the Savara stream and briefly crosses open meadows . The terrain gradually levels out and a wide gravel road leads to the Albergo Gran Paradiso car park , where the bus stop marks the end of this final stage.
Day 3
Note
For a fully independent stay, we recommend that you take out the multi-risk insurance offered when you book.
Accommodation
The Frédéric Chabod Refuge is a mountain refuge located at an altitude of 2,710 meters in the Valsavarenche Valley, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy. It sits at the foot of the imposing northwest face of Gran Paradiso , the classic starting point for climbing this iconic Alpine peak. The refuge offers approximately 85 beds , comfortable rooms, showers, and delicious cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, with spectacular views of the massif. It is accessible in about 2.5 hours on foot from Pravieux and is an ideal stopover for hikers, mountaineers, and lovers of alpine nature.
The Victor Emmanuel II Refuge (Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II) is a historic mountain refuge located at approximately 2,732 meters above sea level in the Valsavarenche Valley , in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy. It is one of the main starting points for climbing Gran Paradiso , the iconic peak of the Italian Alps, as well as for other major alpine routes. Accessible in about two hours' walk from Pont di Valsavarenche , the refuge offers ample accommodation , alpine cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere for mountaineers, hikers, and mountain enthusiasts. It takes its name from King Victor Emmanuel II , who is associated with the history of the massif's conservation.
Access
The hike ends at the Albergo Gran Paradiso, near the main car park in Pont/Valnontey on the road to Valsavarenche. From there, connections to Aosta or the nearby airports are easy.
Go to the starting point
There is no train service to Valsavarenche. The nearest train station is in Aosta. From Aosta, continue by bus or rental car into the valley.
From Aosta, the local SAVDA bus service runs to Valsavarenche several times a day during the summer season. Some services stop directly at Pravieux, while others stop in neighboring villages along the valley road.
Price details
The price includes
- The digital travel guide
- Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
- Half-board accommodation in mountain huts
- Navigation assistance
- Telephone support is available from 9am to 7pm.
The price does not include
- The journey to the place of stay
- Lunches
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Transfers
- The solo supplement (€80)
Options
- 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
- Blankets are provided in the mountain refuge and gîte.
Equipment to bring
- A pair of lightweight sandals for the refuge or a pair of sneakers
- A toiletry bag (earplugs recommended)
- A quick-drying bath towel
- For sleeping in mountain huts or guesthouses: a sleeping bag liner
- A small flashlight (with spare batteries)
- Telescopic walking poles (recommended)
- A 1.5L water bottle or hydration pack
- A pocket knife
- An individual plastic container for lunch salads + cutlery and a cup
- Sunscreen cream (skin and lips) + after-sun lotion
- Toilet paper + small garbage bag
- Optional: camera, binoculars…
Warning: the mountains are unpredictable and unpredictable. We've tried to consider all the different weather conditions they can present. This equipment list will help you adapt comfortably to the mountain's moods!
Clothing to bring
- A cap or a hat
- A pair of sunglasses
- A hat or a headband
- T-shirt (carline type, quick-drying material)
- A warm shirt or a thin fleece
- A warm jacket (fleece type)
- A windproof jacket (like a K-Way or Gore-Tex)
- A closed rain cape with sleeves, without snaps, made of polyamide
- Lightweight canvas trousers
- Windproof trousers (like Kway or Gore Tex),
- Shorts or capri pants
- Socks (100% wool: warm, absorbs and wicks away moisture, prevents foot overheating; synthetic fibers: very good resistance, absorbs and wicks away moisture, but be careful if 100% synthetic as it can cause foot overheating; cotton: absorbs moisture but doesn't wick it away well)
- Trekking shoes: they're a hiker's best friend! They must have three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support (high-tops), and waterproofing.
- Choose shoes with non-slip, cleated soles that are relatively rigid. They need to grip the ground well. Vibram soles have a long-standing reputation; choose them if you have the option.
- A pair of long gaiters
- A pair of gloves
- Spare underwear
- A pair of lightweight canvas trousers and a spare pair of shorts
- Spare socks
