Gran Paradiso Guided Hike

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). Possibility to walk longer route and swim at an alpine lake, (+1100m/3609ft at guides discretion). 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)

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)

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)

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)

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. (+900m/2297ft, -630m/2067ft or +738m/2421ft, -491m/1607ft)

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. (+1208m/3963ft, -1050m/3445ft)

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, -1165m/3822ft) ** 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. 2025 Price: 840€ / per guide for 4 participants + pack 17€/pers (harness, rope, ice axe etc) - payable locally (subject to change). Further information available on request. Approx 4-5hrs ascent/2.5-3hr descent, +1,326 m/4350ft, -2,101m/6890ft