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 guided Traverse of the Gran Paradiso trek takes you over 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:
On the day of arrival we have a trek briefing in the hotel lounge at 5pm, this gives you the opportunity to meet your guide and the rest of the group.
During the briefing we will go though all the necessary information including itinerary, accommodation, meals and bag transfer. The guide will also discuss plans for the first day of the trek. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have so you are fully informed before you start your adventure.
Accommodation3 Hotel, private en-suite rooms, B & B
Day 2 CHAMPORCHER TO REFUGE PERADZA
On day 1 we take a minibus transfer from Courmayeur to Champorcher (approximately 1 hour).
We start the trek from Champorcher by following the river uphill to Torrent Ayasse and traversing westwards through pine trees to Pont Ravire (1567m). The path climbs steeply to the Refuge Dondena (2097m). The refuge is open during the main trekking season for refreshments and accommodation. We continue along the stunning flora to Lake Miserin and steeply up to the Col Finestra di Champorcher (2828m), with stunning views of the national park before making your descent to the 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, we will walk to Cogne (1540m). Refreshments and shops can be found along the way. We 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, we 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 we make our 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, we make our way steadily up through larch wood to the Alpage Torrent at (2179m). From here, we 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 our 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:
We retrace our steps from the day before to the bivouac hut, before making our ascent over the Haute Pass (2860m). From here, we have a long descent past the Refuge Defeyes, Lac du Glacier and the magnificent waterfalls before we reach La Joux (1603m). We 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, we 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.
Accommodation3-star Hotel, B & B
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