Hut-to-Hut Trekking in the Gran Paradiso
A long-weekender among the wilderness of the Italian Alps featuring remote trails, high passes and glittering glaciers
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with experienced, expert, English-speaking mountain guideHotel & Mountain hut
1 night in a hotel and 2 nights in mountain hutsMeals
All breakfasts and 2 hearty dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
Pillows and blankets are provided at the mountain hutsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Hike spectacular paths in Italy’s first National Park, traversing the Valsavarenche Valley to the base of Gran Paradiso peak
Tackle Col Rosset (3025m) and Col Bassac Derè (3082m), some of the highest walkable passes in the Alps with breathtaking glacier views
Bunk down in iconic, welcoming mountain huts surrounded by idyllic scenery, soaring peaks and Alpine wildlife
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Ivrea
Touch down in Turin Airport and meet your host for your transfer to the charming UNESCO-listed city of Ivrea, famous for its industrial heritage and architecture. This overnight stay is a chance to break your journey to the Gran Paradiso National Park. Enjoy an evening stroll along the picturesque canal and around the historic centre, dominated by the four towers of the Arduino Castle, then get some rest ready for your epic weekend of hiking.
Day 2
Valsavarenche and the Gran Paradiso Balcony Trail
Hiking
Fuel up on breakfast at the hotel before your drive to the Valsavarenche Valley in Gran Paradiso National Park. Meet up with your local mountain guide in Pravieux, where you'll kickstart your adventure by hiking through forests, open meadows and past shepherds' huts. The trail leads up the eastern side of the valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains all the way to Rifugio Chabod, with the north face of Gran Paradiso peak visible behind it. Continue below Moncorvè peak until you reach the impressive Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2719m), built in 1884 and still used by climbers summiting Gran Paradiso. Enjoy a well-deserved break surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers, then power through the last leg of the trail to Rifugio Tetras Lyre (1996m), where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3
Nivolet Plateau, Col Rosset Pass and Val di Rhêmes
Hiking
Following the Savara River, hike across beautiful pastures before arriving at the stunning lakes of the Col Nivolet Plateau. In early summer the landscape blooms with a colourful carpet of wildflowers, and it won't be hard to spot wild mountain ibex or chamois along the way. Continue on to Col Rosset (3025m), a great adventure along one of the highest walkable passes in the Alps – there are some steep sections and loose, rocky paths to tackle as you approach the Col. A very steep descent on rocky trails leads you into Val di Rhêmes and eventually to the Rifugio Benevolo (2287m), surrounded by impressive peaks, where you’ll stop for the night.
Day 4
The Col Bassac Derè pass to Valgrisenche
Hiking
Set off early from Rifugio Benevolo and hike towards Goletta Lake, at the foot of the Goletta Glacier. The glacial waters range in colour from greyish to pale blue due to the retreating ice. Continue with a steep ascent and a touch of scrambling to Col Bassac Derè – the highest point of the trek at 3082m – and enjoy some of the wildest scenery so far, with imposing peaks and glaciers. Descend via vertiginous rocky trails with the spectacular glacier below to reach Valgrisenche, before finally reaching the small hamlet of Surrier, where your trek ends. There may be just time for a quick celebratory drink with your group before your transfer departs for Turin Airport. The hike usually finishes around 15:30 and you should reach the airport around 19:00.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts and dinners during the trek will be served at the mountain huts. Breakfasts always include coffee, bread, jam and butter, and may also include orange juice, cereal, yogurt, fruit and a selection of cheese and cured meats. Dinners at the huts are normally served at fixed times with two menu choices. Dishes are hearty and served in large portions, often including great local specialities such as polenta, local cheeses, pasta and stews. Picnic lunches can be purchased directly from the huts, featuring a main item (such as a sandwich or wrap) and a selection of fruit, muesli bars, chocolate, nuts, etc.
Vegetarian, vegan and most other dietary requirements can be catered for although options may be limited. Just let your host know when booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Ivrea
On the first night you'll stay at Eco-Boutique Hotel 3T or a hotel of a similar standard, in twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities.
On the trek
You’ll be spending two nights at some great refuges high in the mountains, usually the Rifugio Tetras Lyre and the historic Rifugio Benevolo, which was built in 1920 for alpinists. Accommodation at the huts is in dormitory rooms (usually sleeping 4 to 6), in bunk beds or single beds which come with pillows and blankets (you can bring your own sleeping bag liner, or pay for one locally). The shared bathrooms have showers and a token may need to be paid for hot water. They both feature a restaurant serving cold drinks, spirits and freshly made food.
Upgrades
Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this trip, single rooms are limited and only possible for the first night of the trip in Ivrea. See Optional Extras for the price and request this upon booking.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This is a demanding trek with some challenging mountain hikes and considerable elevation gain and loss each day, including two high mountain passes over 3000m, so previous hiking experience and good stamina is recommended. There are some exposed sections and steep ascents and descents on rough terrain and scree, and the odd bit of scrambling, but the stunning views will be more than enough reward for your effort. You should be confident walking for up to 8-10 hours a day carrying your 35-50L pack between the refuges for three days – packing light is recommended!
Summer in the Gran Paradiso National Park is, without doubt, the best season for hiking: chilly air, warm sun and amazing mountain landscapes. All trekking paths are usually open during the summer season, so you can enjoy the highest peaks and passes. Glaciers are visible again after they have been covered by snow in the winter months and it's easy to spot wildlife including ibex, chamois, eagles, marmots, vultures and many others. Temperatures are generally warm and fair with plenty of sunny days – however, be aware that the weather in the mountains can change very quickly, with rain and wind possible throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 8 to 24°C. In the case of adverse weather, your local mountain guide may decide to alter any of the routes included in the itinerary for safety reasons. At an altitude of over 3000m, the high passes in particular can be cold and windy, even on sunny days.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Turin Airport
19:00 on Day 1
Ends
Turin Airport
19:00 on Day 4
Transfers
A group airport transfer is included on Day 1. Please be at Turin Airport by 18:30 to meet the rest of your group, with a planned departure around 19:00. It will take around one hour to get to your hotel in Ivrea, located halfway between Turin and the Gran Paradiso National Park. Your return transfer will arrive at Turin Airport at around 19:00 on Day 4, so you'll need to book flights departing from 20:30 onwards.
If you arrive earlier, you can also make your own way to Ivrea from Turin via the regular Trenitalia trains (journey time is approx. one hour), which cost around €6. There are no activities planned for Day 1 due to the late group arrival so you are free to explore the town at your own pace. If you land in Milan, you can also get to Ivrea by train, although the journey will take over two hours and you'll need to change trains in the town of Chivasso. Your host will provide full details about meeting times and logistics prior to the trip depending on your flight details, which you'll need to provide before travelling.
For those wanting to arrive a day early or to extend their trip, your host is happy to help arrange pre- or post-trip accommodation on your behalf, with the price and style depending on availability and your budget. Private transfers can also be arranged on request. It is also possible to arrange for the group transfer to make an additional stop in Turin City Centre on Day 1 and Day 4 to pick up or drop off anyone waiting there. Please see Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
Flights are limited directly to/from Turin, but there are also indirect flights from major airports across the UK and Europe. Given the finish time on Day 4, depending on your destination, you may need to consider extending your trip by one night and booking a return flight on the Monday.
Train travel can be booked via TrenItalia to many destinations from Turin. Milan Central Station can be reached in approximately 90mins, with onward shuttles connecting to all the airports servicing Milan (Linate, Malpensa & Bergamo).
Buses are also an excellent travel option, with FlixBus offering inexpensive bus travel in the region. For example you can get a bus ticket from Aosta to Chamonix from just €9 and from Aosta to Geneva Airport from €25. FlixBuses are also available from Turin to the Milan Airports.
On Day 4, on the journey back to Turin, the host can (by prior arrangement) drop you off at Aosta or Ivrea, should that fit better with your onward travel plans. Although you may need to consider the Sunday evening schedule and potential overnight costs. Check with your host if you need further advice on these options.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Backpack with waist belt (35-50 litres, with raincover)
CLOTHES
- Light down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Buff or neckscarf
- Hat and gloves
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
SLEEPING
- Sleeping bag liner. Pillows and blankets are provided at the mountain huts.
OTHER
- Hiking poles (strongly recommended, available for hire)
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Cash (for lunches, tips, drinks and snacks)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle(s) x2 litre
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Hiking Poles Hire
Payable Before Departure
Hiking Poles Hire
… Per Person
Excess Luggage Storage
Payable Before Departure
Excess Luggage Storage
… Per Person
Additional Night in Turin Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Turin Single Room
… Per Person, Per Night
Additional Night in Turin Double/Twin Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Turin Double/Twin Room
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade (1 night)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (1 night)
… Per Person
Private Arrival Transfer Turin Airport to Ivrea (1-8 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Private Arrival Transfer Turin Airport to Ivrea (1-8 pax)
…
Group Transfer Pickup/Drop-off in Turin City Centre (1-8 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Group Transfer Pickup/Drop-off in Turin City Centre (1-8 pax)
…
Gran Paradiso
Considering the change in weather, Tania provided us with the safest and still challenging options which led to an amazing adventurous 3 day trip
Our Purpose
To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.
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