The Giants Trail Self Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

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  Day 1: Arrival in Gressoney-Saint-Jean

  Your trek begins in Gressoney-Saint-Jean, a charming mountain village set beneath the dramatic skyline of the Monte Rosa massif. With its Walser heritage and relaxed Alpine atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to settle in and prepare for your first day on the trail.

  Optional additional night here is recommended if you would like more time to explore the area before starting the trek.

  Accommodation:

  Hotel, private rooms, breakfast

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  Day 2: Gressoney-Saint-Jean to Champoluc

  The first stage offers a wonderful introduction to the Giants’ Trail, with immediate immersion into mountainous terrain and expansive views. Leaving Gressoney behind, the path climbs steadily toward high ground before descending toward the Val d’Ayas.

  This is a satisfying first day, connecting two beautiful valleys and setting the tone for the trekking days ahead.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 14.5 km | Ascent: +1,400 m | Descent: –1350 m | Hiking time: approx. 7 hours

  Accommodation:

  Hotel, private rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 3: Campoluc to Rifugio Grand Tournalin

  Leaving Champoluc, the trail climbs into quieter terrain, passing through traditional mountain settlements and open pastureland. This area has a strong Walser influence and a real sense of stepping into a more remote side of the Aosta Valley.

  As you gain altitude, the views begin to open out toward the Monte Rosa range, a constant and impressive companion for this section of the AV1. Your day finishes at Rifugio Grand Tourmaline, a welcoming mountain refuge in a beautiful setting.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 10 km | Ascent: +1,120 m | Descent: –0 m | Hiking time: approx. 4.5 hours

  Accommodation:

  Refuge, dormitory, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 4: Rifugio Grand Tournalin to Rifugio Barmasse

  A truly scenic stage, with high cols and unforgettable views as you make your way toward the Valtournenche valley. Highlights include Col Nana and Col des Fontaines, where the scenery shifts dramatically and the Matterhorn begins to dominate the horizon.

  The day finishes at Rifugio Barmasse, a small and friendly refuge with a wonderful mountain feel — and great views of the Breithorn from the terrace.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 12 km | Ascent: +1000 m | Descent: –1,300 m | Hiking time: approx. 5 hours

  Accommodation:

  Refuge, dormitory (upgrade possible), evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 5: Rifugio Barmasse to Rifugio Cuney

  A big and demanding day, and one where the route can feel tougher than expected due to the terrain underfoot. This is a true high mountain stage with steep sections, big climbs, and a real sense of journey as you cross into quieter and wilder ground.

  Views from Finestra d’Ersa and Fenêtre de Tsan are a real highlight, looking back across the peaks and valleys you have already covered. A delicate section toward the end of the day requires confidence and careful foot placement, before arriving at the small and welcoming Rifugio Cuney — a wonderful place to recover after a long day.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 14.2 km | Ascent: +1,200 m | Descent: –650 m | Hiking time: approx. 8 hours

  Accommodation:

  Refuge, dormitory, HB

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  Day 6: Rifugio Cuney to Oyace

  Although shorter in distance, this stage is a full mountain day with significant ascent and a steep, sustained descent. The route crosses Col de Chalaky and Col de Vessona, before dropping into the beautiful and remote Vallée de Vessona.

  Arriving into Closé marks an important link in the AV1, connecting the valleys and bringing you further north toward the Grand St Bernard area.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 15.5 km | Ascent: +450 m | Descent: –1,650 m | Hiking time: approx. 7 hours

  Accommodation:

  Hotel, private rooms & breakfast

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  Day 7: Oyace to Ollomont

  A fabulous day of classic Aosta Valley scenery. You climb steadily from Oyace to Col de Brison (2,480m), with beautiful views across toward Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc. The descent into the Ollomont valley is steep in places and finishes in a peaceful, traditional valley setting.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 11k Height gain: 1080m Descent: 1150m

  Accommodation:

  Hotel, private rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 8: Ollomont to St Rhemy en Bosses

  One of the more physical days of the trek, with significant ascent and a long journey across rugged terrain. The route climbs through woodland and open ground, passing high alpages and remote mountain paths as you make your way toward the Grand St Bernard area.

  Arriving into Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, you’ll feel the shift in atmosphere as the landscape opens toward the border region, with wonderful mountain hospitality at the end of a big day.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 20k Height gain: 1660m Descent: 1300m

  Accommodation:

  Hotel, private rooms, evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 9: St Rhemy en Bosses to Rifugio Bonatti

  A spectacular linking stage and a true highlight of the Giants’ Trail. The route climbs through the beautiful Belle Combe valley, with a recommended stop at Rifugio Frassati before continuing up to the dramatic Col de Malatra (2,925m).

  The descent into the Val Ferret is breathtaking, with stunning views toward the Mont Blanc massif as you approach Rifugio Bonatti, one of the most iconic refuges in the region.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 17k Height gain: 1320m Descent: 900m

  Accommodation:

  Refuge, dormitory (upgrade possible), evening meal & breakfast

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  Day 10: Rifugio Bonatti to Courmayeur

  Your final day brings you back toward civilisation, but not before one last beautiful traverse high above the Val Ferret. The views of the Mont Blanc Massif are superb, and a stop at Rifugio Bertone is the perfect place to pause before the final descent.

  The route finishes in the gorgeous Italian mountain town of Courmayeur, ideal for a celebratory drink, a fantastic meal, and a well-earned rest.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: 13k Height gain: 100m Descent: 950m

  Accommodation:

  Hotel, private rooms, breakfast

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  Day 11: Departure

  Breakfast is included, however on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.

  Option to add additional nights in Courmayeur at the end of the trek — please ask for further details.