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This guidebook presents 28 day walks in the Gran Paradiso National Park in the Italian Alps south of Mont Blanc, and the 12-day Alta Via 2 trek. The Alta Via covers over 148km of rugged mountains and valleys between Chardonnay and Courmayeur. The graded walks vary from 2 to 33km and range from easy paths to routes for the experienced alpine walker.
Cicerone says
A guidebook to walking in the Gran Paradiso National Park in the Italian Alps, describing the 12-stage Alta Via 2 trek between Cormayeur and Chardonnay, and 28 walks ranging from 2 to 33km, as well as suggestions for combining routes into long-distance hikes. The Gran Paradiso sits in the Valle d'Aosta, in northwestern Italy, a region verging on pristine wilderness. Views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn ranges can be seen from routes in this guide. The guidebook provides plenty of practical information on getting to and around the Gran Paradiso, as well as advice on accommodation, language, equipment, planning and how to make the most out of any adventure in one of Italy's most spectacular national parks. A wealth of detail on points of interest walkers can explore, as well as information on wildlife, history, geology and flowers is also included. Despite its attractions, the park is relatively undiscovered. Walkers can often enjoy unforgettable days on excellent trails through spectacular valleys all to themselves, even at the height of the summer season. The itineraries explore highlights and special places to whet walking appetites.
Our Verdict
For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.
We have used them countless times and they've always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.
If you're a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Seasons: The summer months - late June to late September - are the time to go. That's when the mountain huts are open, providing meals and accommodation for trekkers. However, outside that period the valley villages can be used as a comfortable base for day routes
- Centres: Cogne, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, Pont Valsavarenche, Valgrisenche, La Thuile, Chardonney, Ceresole Reale, Ronco Canavese
- Difficulty: The walks are all graded for difficulty - ranging from straightforward paths to high and exposed routes for experienced alpine walkers. No special equipment is needed
- Must See: Alta Via 2 trek through the Gran Paradiso National Park, parallel to the Aosta valley. Glittering glacial lakes, old royal hunting trails, ascent of Becca della Traversiere, Punta Basei, belvederes onto Mont Blanc, the trad southern valleys and Ceresole Reale
Specifications
- Edition: Third
- Number of pages: 224
- Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.3cm
- Weighs 270g
Contents
Introduction
The Gran Paradiso National Park
Valleys and bases
Information
Access
When to go
How to use this book
Path marking
Dos and don'ts
Emergencies
Mountaineering and guides
Maps
Accommodation
What to take
Wildlife
Vegetation
Local traditions
Further suggestions
Alta Via 2
Stage 1 Chardonney to Rifugio Dondena
Stage 2 Rifugio Dondena to Rifugio Péradzà
Stage 3 Rifugio Péradzà to Cogne
Stage 4 Cogne to Rifugio Vittorio Sella
Stage 5 Rifugio Vittorio Sella to Eaux Rousses
Stage 6 Eaux Rousses to Rhêmes-Notre-Dame
Stage 7 Rhêmes-Notre-Dame to Rifugio Chalet de l'Epée
Stage 8 Rifugio Chalet de l'Epée to Planaval
Stage 9 Planaval to La Haut
Stage 10 La Haut to La Thuile
Stage 11 La Thuile to Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini
Stage 12 Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini to Courmayeur
Day Walks
1 The Lillaz Waterfalls
2 Lago di Loie
3 The Money Glacier Terrace
4 The Casolari dell'Herbetet Traverse
5 Punta Pousset – the local ‘Gornergrat’
6 Beneath the Grivola
7 Passo d'Invergneux and the Mines Circuit
8 Laghi di Lussert
9 Pondel's Roman Bridge
10 The 2205m Mont Blanc
11 At the Foot of the Gran Paradiso
12 Over Gran Collet to Col del Nivolet
13 The King's Path in Valle delle Meyes
14 Vallon di Sort
15 Col Rosset
16 Punta Basei
17 Becca della Traversière
18 Legendary San Grato
19 Becca dei Quattro Denti
20 The Royal Track to Ceresole Reale
21 Sentiero Glaciologico Lago Serrù
22 Beneath the Tre Levanne
23 The Villages of Valle dell'Orco
24 Beyond the Dam in Vallone di Piantonetto
25 Nivolastro to Andorina
26 Frescoes and Fridges en route to Bivacco Davito
27 Sanctuary of San Besso
28 Col Larissa
Appendix A Italian-English Glossary
Appendix B Route Summary Table
