The Traverse of the Gran Paradiso or Alta Via 2 is a remote and stunningly beautiful gem taking you 130 kilometers from Chardonney to Courmayeur in the Aosta valley. This 8 day Traverse of the Gran Paradiso self guided trek takes youover high altitude cols and through seemingly pristine untouched rugged terrain resting in mountain huts and hotels. This long distance trek is must for the seasoned trekker who is looking for the next challenge.
suggested intinerary
Day 1 ARRIVAL IN COURMAYEUR:
As we are based in Chamonix please ask if you wish to have a self guided trek briefing to go through any aspect of your trek before you start on your adventure.
If you require a briefing on your day of arrival please specify at the time of booking so we can make sure someone will be available.
Accommodation3* Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B
Day 2 CHAMPORCHER TO REFUGE PERADZA:
The Traverse of the Gran Paradiso self guided trek starts by taking early morning public transport from Courmayeur to Champorcher (approximately 4 hours) or private taxi, ask for further details.
The trek starts from Champorcher by following the river uphill to Torrent Ayasse and traversing westwards through pine trees to Pont Ravire at 1567m. The path climbs steeply to the Refuge Dondena at 2097m and the refuge is open during the main trekking season for refreshments and accommodation. You will continue along the stunning flora to Lake Miserin and trek steeply up to Col Finestra di Champorcher at 2828m with stunning views over the national park before making your descent to Refuge Peradza at 2526m.
Daily stats:Distance: 13km | Height gain: +1400m | Descent: -300m
AccommodationRefuge, dormitory, half board
Day 3 REFUGE PERADZA TO REFUGE VITTORIA SELLA:
Day three starts with a gentle descent through high pastureland and across streams down to Lillaz (1617m). From here, you will walk to Cogne (1540m). Refreshments and shops can be found along the way. You then take the path from the village, across meadows and along the river, to the hamlet of Valnontey. Once past the hamlet, the path climbs up past the botanical gardens and cascading river to the Refuge Vittoria Sella at 2584m).
Daily stats:Distance: 17km | Height gain: +1050m | Descent: -990m
AccommodationRefuge, dormitory, half board.
Day 4 REFUGE VITTORIA SELLA TO EAUX ROUSSES:
The fourth day is one of the best days on the traverse, as you start with a climb up to the highest point on the trek and the Col Lauson (3299m) with stunning views towards the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, Gran Sassiere and Monte Emilius. A steep and long descent will take us down through the old farm buildings of Levionaz d’en Bas (2303m) and eventually to our resting place for the night at the hamlet of Eaux Rousses (1666m).
Daily stats:Distance: 16km | Height gain: +710m | Descent: -1630m
AccommodationAuberge with twin or double rooms, half board.
Day 5 EAUX ROUSSES TO RHEMES NOTRE DAME:
From Euax Rousses, you will make a steady climb upwards through larch woodland to the old farm building of Orvieille (2164m). Leaving the woodland behind, we then move into open pastureland as you make your way past a series of lakes, to the Col di Entrelor (3007m) and your first glimpse of Mont Blanc. The descent from the col takes us to the Plan de la Feya (2403m), before the final descent of the day to the village of Rhemes Notre Dame (1723m) with its shops and amenities.
Daily stats:Distance: 16km | Height gain: +1340m | Descent: -1300m
Accommodation3-star hotel with twin or double rooms, half board.
Day 6 RHEMES NOTRE DAME TO VALGRASENCHE:
On the 6th day, you make your way steadily up through larch wood to the Alpage Torrent at (2179m). From here, you trek steeply up through the boulder strewn terrain to the Col Fenetre (2840m), surrounded by the stunning views of Gran Becca du Mont Testa del Rutor and Mont Blanc. A relatively easy descent takes us to the Refuge Chalet de l'Epee (2370m) where refreshments can be found. We descend from the refuge with stunning views down into the valley below, working your way down through the larch woodland to the village of Valgrisenche (1675m) and our accommodation for the night.
Daily stats:Distance: 18km | Height gain: +1260m | Descent: -1350m
AccommodationHotel with twin or double rooms, half board.
Day 7 VALGRISENCHE TO VALLON DU FOND:
Your day starts with an easy walk through the valley bottom to the village of Planval. From here, you will climb up through shaded woodlands before following the meandering stream to the Baraques du Fond and the Lac du Fond at 2439m. You will then make a steady ascent to the Col de la Crosatie at 2838m with amazing views of the Mont Blanc range. The trail then descents steeply at first, into the remote valley and the Bivouac Promond, before descending further in to the Vallon du Fond. You will end the day at Dortoir du Paradis at 1645m.
Daily stats:Distance: 15km | Height gain: +1150m | Descent: -1180m
AccommodationDortoir du Paradis, dormitory, half board.
Day 8 VALLON DU FOND TO LA THUILLE:
You retrace your steps from the day before to the bivouac hut, before making our ascent over the Haute Pass (2860m). From here, you have a long descent past the Refuge Defeyes, Lac du Glacier and the magnificent waterfalls before you reach La Joux (1603m). You then trek ahead to La Thuile.
Daily stats:Distance: 18km | Height gain: +1205m | Descent: -1390m
Accommodation3-star hotel with twin or double rooms, half board.
Day 9 LA THUILE TO COURMAYEUR:
The 9th day is the final day on the traverse, and in true tradition, the day starts with a steep climb out of La Thuile, passing via the hamlet of La Balme before climbing up through the Valley di Youla steeply to the Col d'Arp (2570m). From the col, you traverse westwards to the Col de Youla (2661m) and enjoy the amazing views of Mont Blanc from a lofty position. A tricky and steep descent on loose ground takes us to the well-worn Tour Mont Blanc path. We then traverse north east to the Col Checrouit (1956m), before descending to Courmayeur (1226m).
Daily stats:Distance:18km | Height gain: +1100m | Descent: -1100m
Accommodation3-star hotel with twin or double rooms, B&B
Day 10 DEPART COURMAYEUR:
Breakfast is included however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish. :
Guide notes:Once you have completed the trek I hope you will agree that the Traverse of the Gran Paradiso is truly an exceptional trek.
"Take only memories, leave only footprints"
Chief Seattle