Gran Paradiso Hike

Gran Paradiso Hike

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7 Days From

$1366

Gran Paradiso Hike

7 Days Starting in Bourg St Maurice, France and ending in Bourg Saint Maurice, France

Visiting: Bourg St Maurice, Gran Paradiso National Park, Valgrisenche, Gran Paradiso, Aosta Valley, Bourg Saint Maurice

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

GPA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

8 - 14

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Mountain Biking

From: $1366

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the Gran Paradiso Adventure, a breathtaking trek through Italy's first national park, spanning the stunning alpine landscapes of France and Italy. This journey offers the chance to spot ibex and chamois, while staying in atmospheric mountain refuges that provide superb views and hearty cuisine. Share your walking days with like-minded travelers as you traverse the flanks of the Grande Rousse, ascend the snow-covered Col du Bassac, and explore the historic Rifugio Vittorio Emmanuele II. With luggage transfers by mule and the guidance of an experienced mountain guide, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Alps.

Highlights

  • Trek through stunning alpine scenery in Italy’s first national park

  • View ibex and chamois as you walk

  • Cross border into Italy via the Col du Mont to arrive in the Gran Paradiso National Park

  • A stunning traverse of the flanks of the Grande Rousse to Refuge Bezzi

  • Ascend permanently snow-covered Col du Bassac, descend to refuge Benevolo

  • Descend to the historic Rifugio Vittorio Emmanuele II

  • Optional climb of Gran Paradiso peak on the last morning (subject to weather conditions and fitness)

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Meet Bourg St Maurice, Transfer To Ste Foy En Tarentaise, Ascend To The Refuge (4Hrs)

Location: Bourg St Maurice

Accommodation Name: Refuge de l'Archeboc

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

After meeting in Bourg St Maurice (at 10:30am), the last major town before the Alps in the Tarentaise Valley, we transfer to Ste Foy en Tarentaise, a pretty ski town in the heart of the French Alps. It is close to here that we begin our hike up the Tarentaise Valley past verdant green pastures and grazing animals to our overnight refuge, Refuge de l'Archeboc (2030m/6660ft). The refuge is set amongst the pastures with lovely views to the surrounding peaks. Shower available (depending on current energy source it may be cold showers only). (+600m/1969ft)

Day 2 : Cross Border Into Italy Via The Col Du Mont To Arrive In The Gran Paradiso Np (6Hrs)

Location: Gran Paradiso National Park

Accommodation Name: Refuge de l'Epée

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we ascend the Col du Mont (2636m/8648ft), marking our departure from the Vanoise National Park (and France) and into the Gran Paradiso National Park and Italy. The ascent is sustained yet the views from the pass are breathtaking to Pointe d’Archeboc (3272m/10,734ft) in the south and Becca du Lac (3405m/11,171ft) in the north. Long descent followed by a short ascent to the refuge for overnight accommodation. Overnight Refuge de l'Epée (2370m/7776ft). Shower available. (+1200m/3937ft, -850m/2789ft)

Day 3 : A Stunning Traverse Of The Flanks Of The Grande Rousse To Refuge Bezzi (5Hrs)

Location: Valgrisenche

Accommodation Name: Refuge Bezzi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A great day trekking in Italy with views of the stunning Grande Rousse (3607m/11,834ft) which resembles a leaning Matterhorn. The hike from the refuge takes you through marshlands and farmlands, to woods of Larch trees beneath which you may find the pink alpenrose and some bilberry shrubs. Keep your eyes peeled for the local herd of Ibex. Soon you reach a trail junction at 1850m/6099ft from which you head south along the Dora di Valgrisenche (small river) to ascend to Refuge Bezzi (solar heated free showers, 2284m/7493ft). (+798m/2617ft, -1340m/4395ft)

Day 4 : Ascend Permanently Snow Covered Col Du Bassac, Descend To Refuge Benevolo (5.5Hrs)

Location: Gran Paradiso

Accommodation Name: Refuge Benevolo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A rewarding day today if the weather is good. Ascending a rocky path awash with wildflowers and with small waterfalls on the side of the trail. On the ascent to the pass you may need to cross small streams. The valley opens out as you near the pass and there are stunning views of the alps to the north including the distant Mont Blanc. Soon you reach the narrow saddle of Col Bassac Déré (3082m/10,112ft) with its awesome view of the Ghiacciaio di Glairettaz which is an enormous expanse of ice filling the valley, to the west the Grande Sassière and to the east the sweeping view from the Gran Paradiso to the Grivola in the northeast. It is possible to ascend further up to the Becca della Traversère (3337m/10,948ft) depending on weather conditions and group fitness. Descending switchbacks and past the Lago Goletta, you continue down through a rocky landscape with possible sightings of Ibex. Cross a small stone bridge before you ascend to the refuge Benevolo (2285m/7497ft). (+750m/2460ft, -1350m/4430ft)

Day 5 : A Sustained Ascent To Col Basei Or Col Rosset And Descent To Rifugio Savoya (5-6Hrs)

Location: Aosta Valley

Accommodation Name: Rifugio Savoya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The morning is the best time to view the towering Granta Parei (or Great Wall) which is lit up with the sun. There are two options for our hike today. Either a challenging route via the Col Basei (3176m/10,420ft) or a less challenging route via the Col Rosset (3023m/9918ft). Both options offer superb alpine views of tumbling glaciers and snowy peaks. Just after passing by Lago Leytaz, the two trails converge and you descend further to reach Rifugio Savoya (2534m/8314ft). Shower available. This evening you may be offered to try the 'grolla' or friendship cup which is passed around the group until all the drink is finished - an Aosta tradition. (+700m/2297ft, -500m/1640ft or +738m/2420ft, -491m/1607ft)

Day 6 : Descend To The Historic Rifugio Vittorio Emmanuele Ii (2732M) (5Hrs)

Location: Gran Paradiso National Park

Accommodation Name: Rifugio Vittorio Emmanuele II

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descend along the valley of Piano del Nivolet dominated by Mont Taou Blanc and Punta Basei where small glaciers and snowy peaks are the norm. Entering a new valley you ascend to Gran Collet Pass (2832m/9291ft) which has views of Gran Paradiso and on the descent from the pass, clear views of Ciarforon, Tresenta and the glistening metal roof of Rifugio Vittorio Emmanuele II. From Pont you ascend from the valley floor up a wide landscape to the Rifugio. The distinctive barrel shaped Rifugio Vittorio Emmanuelle II was established in 1884 and the original small hut is still used as an annex (2735m/8973ft). On the surrounding ridges you may spot ibex while chamois will almost certainly be grazing on nearby pastures.
Shower available.(+700m/2297ft, -500m/1640ft)

Day 7 : Descend To Roadhead Then Transfer To Bourg Saint Maurice (4Hrs), Trip Concludes

Location: Bourg Saint Maurice

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

On the last day of our trek, we follow an undulating trail through a rocky valley (with more descents than ascents), crossing over alpine streams to a wooden bridge. We may detour to Rifugio Chabod (2750m/9022ft), before continuing our descent past chamois and ibex and through larch forest to the Alpe de Lavassey farm at 2194m/7198ft. The final stage is through farm land to the roadhead at Pont (Valsavarenche) at around 1:30-2pm. From here the group is transferred back to Bourg Saint Maurice where the trip concludes around 5pm. (+300m/984ft, -900m/2953ft)** Option (to be confirmed during the week and dependent on weather conditions and your fitness: climb Gran Paradiso peak 4061m from Victor Emmanuelle hut. This is an excursion at high altitude, for experienced hikers, however there are no particular technical difficulties. Price: 550€ / per guide for 1-4 maximum participants + pack 17€/pers (harness, rope, ice axe etc) - payable locally (subject to change).Approx 4hrs climbing, +1,326 m / -2,101 m

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties

  • 6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges in dormitory style accommodation. Alternatively you can upgrade to 2 nights dorm, 2 nights double room and 2 nights quad - supplement applies.

  • Luggage transfer by mule, 1 piece maximum 6kg nett (not including the supplied duffle bag) - additional luggage storage available, fees apply, must be pre booked

  • Transfer to Bourg St Maurice on Day 7 at the end of your hike

  • Experienced certified mountain guide

  • Travel to and from Bourg St Maurice

  • Drinks and snacks (trail mix, protein bars etc)

  • Travel insurance - mandatory. Please note if you choose the optional Gran Paradiso climb on Day 7 which uses guides and ropes, you will need mountaineering insurance either supplementary to your standard travel insurance or as part of a mountaineering tr

  • Transfers not noted as included

  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

show more

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Bourg St Maurice

    Travel to and from Bourg St Maurice is not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory.

    As this trip uses guides and ropes, you will need mountaineering insurance either supplementary to your standard travel insurance or as part of a mountaineering travel insurance policy.

  • Items of a Personal Nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

Accommodation

6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels. Accommodation is on a full board basis starting from lunch on day 1 and finishing at lunch on day 7. The mountain huts that you stay in are dormitory style mixed sex rooms with shared bathrooms and usually with showers.

Grading

This trip is graded moderate to challenging and includes daily hikes of up to 6 hours with ascents of up to 1200m in a day (average of 800m). There are some stages during the hike with steep uphill, descents, and at times sections of the trail will require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only. Some passes are permanently snow covered and the snow may be quite deep which makes the trip more challenging. There is also a glacier crossing. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. distances walked range from 12 to 15 km each day.
As with all our moderate to challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.

What You Carry

As the hikes are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc

Mode of Transport

Travel to and from Bourg St Maurice is included, with transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage. Luggage transfer by mule is provided, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 7kg.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the Gran Paradiso Adventure?

    The accommodation consists of 6 nights in mountain refuges or gîte-hostels. The mountain huts are dormitory-style mixed-sex rooms with shared bathrooms and usually with showers. There is also an option to upgrade to 2 nights in a dorm, 2 nights in a double room, and 2 nights in a quad room for an additional supplement.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts typically consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunch is picnic-style, and dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses featuring regional specialties. Drinks are not included.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the trek?

    Yes, luggage transfer is provided by mule, with a maximum of 1 piece of luggage per person weighing up to 7kg.

  • What kind of guide will be leading the trek?

    An experienced certified mountain guide will be leading the trek.

  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. Since this trip involves guides and ropes, you will need mountaineering insurance either supplementary to your standard travel insurance or as part of a mountaineering travel insurance policy. The tour operator can advise on a few options.

  • What happens if I need to skip a stage during the trek?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage during the trek.

  • Is there an option to climb the Gran Paradiso peak?

    Yes, there is an optional climb of the Gran Paradiso peak on the last morning, subject to weather conditions and fitness. This is an excursion at high altitude suitable for beginners, with no particular technical difficulties. The cost is 500€ per guide for up to 4 participants, plus 14€ per person for equipment (harness, rope, etc.), payable locally.

  • What should I carry during the daily walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.

  • What level of fitness is required for this trek?

    This trip is graded moderate to challenging and includes daily walks of up to 6 hours with ascents of up to 1200m in a day. It is suitable for experienced walkers only, and participants should have a good level of fitness. Regular aerobic exercise and walking with a pack are recommended as preparation.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

K. McCourt(Blackrock, Ireland)  

Gran Paradiso Hike

11 Jul 2023

This was a great and convivial trek from start to finish. Our happy band saw ibex, marmots, foxes, choughs, carpets of wild flowers and ice-blue alpine lakes. The final night in the Vittorio Emanuele II hut, below the peak of Gran Paradiso, was spent in the company of real mountaineers, including a Nepalese Sherpa, and we woke to spectacular views. Our guide was knowledgeable, attentive to the few English speakers, maintained a steady unhurried pace in challenging terrain and was ready to meet any difficulty thrown up by trail or weather.

R. Hyman(Edge Hill, Australia)  

Gran Paradiso Hike

27 Sep 2022

Superb walk, mostly through the Italian Alps. The 7 day walk called "Gran Paradiso" is located in the Aosta region of Italy, though started from Bourg St Maurice in France. The Italian refugio's each had a character of their own, however all were warm and friendly with good evening meals. The trekking required a reasonable level of fitness and the advertised rating was "moderate to challenging" which I felt was realistic. One of my challenges were the high set bunk beds which was my least favourite aspect & difficult to pre-book single supplement on these trips.

L. Pettingill(VIC, Australia)  

Gran Paradiso Hike

04 Aug 2017

The walk was difficult, the guide was excellent, the country was magnificent. The accommodation in mountain refugios was somewhat dependent on the refuge, some better than others, we paid the supplement for double room where available, it mostly was and this assisted extra sleep. The meals were good.

S. Grover(VIC, Australia)  

Gran Paradiso Hike

10 Sep 2016

This was a magical trip. It was above our expectations in terms of the scenery. Snow covered mountains, glaciers, lakes and wildlife were part of each day's walking. While walking up col's was hard work, each time we reached the top, the views were outstanding and worth every bit of effort. Refuges were a very welcome sight at the end of each day and to have a shower each night, was a real bonus. Thank you for such an incredible experience.

A. Dumesa(Riga, Latvia)  

Gran Paradiso Hike

20 Sep 2024

That was a fantastic, vibrant and unforgettable trip. Rushing rivers, sparkling waterfalls, snowy peaks and blue skies. The Gran Paradiso region is rich in forests, the slopes were strewn with blueberries and raspberries. There were both flat, easy areas, as well as steep piles of stones, so the difficulty level 4/5 - is very realistic. Nice authentic accommodation places, always great lunches and dinners. Just breakfast could be more rich. And we were lucky with our great guide Matthieu - always friendly, helpful, joking and sharing good mood with everyone.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.