Gran Paradiso Traverse —
Hiking and walking in the Italian Alps: Aosta, Cogne, Courmayeur
Return to 'Gran Paradiso' Trip Page
Day 01: Arrival Day
Transfer from Milano airport to our hotel in Aosta, briefing and welcome dinner.
If we have enough time, we will organize a guided sightseeing tour through Aosta for a few hours in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel*** in Aosta
Day 02: Cogne
We take the cable car up to the ski resort of Pila, from where we hike up to the Col di Chomole, from where we have an amazing view over the Mont Blanc Massif, then hike to Cogne.
Walking time: 7 hours. Accommodation: Hotel****in Cogne.
Day 03: Cogne
We start our loop hike up the Vallon de Grauson to Lake Money, then climb steeply to the Mont Creyaz, before heading down to Cogne, passing by roman iron mines, which were shut down in the late 1970's.
Walking time: 8 hours Accommodation: Hotel**** in Cogne.
Day 04: Sella Hut
We start the traverse of the Gran Paradiso National Park with a shorter day up to the Sella refuge, where we will have ample time to watch ibex and chamois close to the hut.
Walking time: 4 hours Accommodation: Mountain hut.
Day 05: Val Savarenche
From the Sella refuge we will make our way up the Col de Lauson, before we head down to the Val Savarenche. The Col de Lauson is one of the highlights on this traverse.
Walking time: 9 hours Accommodation: Hotel in Eaux Rousses.
Day 06: Chivasso Refuge
The van will bring us to the trail head at Pont, where we hike up to the Costa le Manteau, then up to the Rifugio di Chivasso, where we will spend the night.
Walking time: 6 hours. Accommodation: Rifugio di Chivasso
Day 07: Benevolo Refuge
From the Rifugio di Chivasso we head towards the Rifugio Benevolo via the Col di Nivoletto. Possible variation: via the Col de Rosset. Stunning views of Italy's highest peak, the Gran Paradiso.
Walking time: 7 hours. Accommodation: Rifugio Benevolo
Day 08: Mario Bezzi Refuge
Early in the morning we head towards the Col Bassac Dere, where Edelweiss carpet the slopes above us. Overnight in the fantastic Rifugio Mario Bezzi. This will be a very long day.
Walking time: 9 hours. Accommodation: Rifugio Mario Bezzi
Day 09: Courmayeur
An early morning descent and transfer will bring us to Courmayeur.
Rest day in Courmayeur, 2 hours of walking. Accommodation: Hotel*** in Courmayeur.
Day 10: Courmayeur
From the old town, we start our walk up the Mont de la Saxe ridge. After a delicious lunch in the Bertone refuge, we continue across the ridge down to the Bonatti refuge, then down to La Vachey, where the van will meet us for the short trip back to Courmayeur.
Walking time: 7 hours. Accommodation: Hotel*** in Courmayeur.
Day 11: Departure Day
Transfer day back to Milan Malpensa airport.
