Awe-inspiring Landscapes of Italy's Valle d'Aosta & the Graian Alps
Nestled between Italy's Valle d'Aosta and Piemonte regions, Gran Paradiso National Park is a hidden treasure of the Graian Alps. Established in the 19th century to protect ibex, this haven for hikers and trekkers is home to Italy's only peak above 13,000 feet. With high alpine meadows, larch forests, babbling brooks and mighty waterfalls, Gran Paradiso is a true gem. Join MT Sobek on this challenging trek that traverses the Graian Alps - a stunning crossroads between Italy and France. Each day, arrive at the trailhead for a full day of scenic hiking with long descents that lead back to cozy hotels in traditional alpine villages, providing you with warm hospitality and charming regional culture. Enjoy this adventure in the company of our incredible Alps guiding team including Laurent Langoisseur, Florence Simond, Beatrice Mugnier, Sebastian Gros, and Virginie Thomas.
Nestled between Italy's Valle d'Aosta and Piemonte regions, Gran Paradiso National Park is a hidden treasure of the Graian Alps. Established in the 19th century to protect ibex, this haven for hikers and trekkers is home to Italy's only peak above 13,000 feet. With high alpine meadows, larch forests, babbling brooks and mighty waterfalls, Gran Paradiso is a true gem. Join MT Sobek on this challenging trek that traverses the Graian Alps - a stunning crossroads between Italy and France. Each day, arrive at the trailhead for a full day of scenic hiking with long descents that lead back to cozy hotels in traditional alpine villages, providing you with warm hospitality and charming regional culture. Enjoy this adventure in the company of our incredible Alps guiding team including Laurent Langoisseur, Florence Simond, Beatrice Mugnier, Sebastian Gros, and Virginie Thomas.
Explore stunning alpine trails through Italy's first national park on this exclusive Mountain Travel Sobek adventure!
[Description] => Explore stunning alpine trails through Italy's first national park on this exclusive Mountain Travel Sobek adventure!
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Bask in the comfort and hospitality of charming alpine inns, and refuel with hearty regional mountain fare
[Description] => Bask in the comfort and hospitality of charming alpine inns, and refuel with hearty regional mountain fare
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Learn about ibex, mountain chamois, and wildflowers as you take in breathtaking panoramas with your expert guiding team
Welcome to Geneva, Switzerland! Meet your driver at the airport at 2:00 pm for your private transfer to the mountain village of Courmayeur (4,000') in Italy's Valle d'Aosta region. After checking in to your charming mountain hotel, you will have time to rest or explore the village before the evening's welcome dinner and orientation with your MT Sobek guide.
Accommodation: Hotel Berthod-Courmayeur
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Follow Trails to Arpy Lake
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, transfer to San Carlo Pass (6,440') overlooking the charming spa village of Pre-St-Didier. From the trailhead, ascend through a stunning larch forest to Croix Pass (7,860'), then follow ancient 17th-century fortifications up to the day's high point, Croix Peak. The views are simply spectacular here, spanning the southern face of the Mont Blanc massif and the towering Grandes Jorasses. Below, you'll spot the La Thuile ski resort and the Petit Saint Bernard pass leading into France. After a scenic lunch, hike down to turquoise Arpy Lake, set in a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. Return to the San Carlo Pass for a transfer to the quaint hamlet of Eaux Rousses, your cozy home for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
Activity: 4 hours/7.3 miles hiking with 1,850' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 40-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Rifugio Chabod
Day 3
Enjoy a quick transfer to the start of today's hike, which follows a trail blazed by mountaineers who summited Gran Paradiso (13,323'). The trail begins gently on switchbacks through a conifer forest, eventually rising up above the trees into open meadows of colorful wildflowers and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. After lunch at the Rifugio Chabod (9,022'), traverse along a high path that meanders over rocky terrain and alpine grassland, and beneath the moraines of the Gran Paradiso Glacier. Along the way, keep an eye out for whistling marmots, chamois, and golden eagles. Descend to the valley floor, and return to your hotel in Eaux Rousses.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
Activity: 6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,900' elevation gain and 3,100' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Lake Djouan
Day 4
This morning's trailhead is just behind the hotel, leading you uphill into a shady forest along age-old terraces. Once above tree line, you'll reach the ancient royal hunting lodge of Orvielle (7,103'). Continue on towards Lake Djouan (8,254'), where you'll soak in spectacular views of the entire Gran Paradiso Range. From the Col del Mento (9,169'), continue down into Valle delle Meyes. On your descent, the terrain begins rocky and rough, but you'll soon reach grassy slopes and flats. After passing by the old farms of Meyes, the trail lazily winds down under larches to the village of Eaux Rousse (5,465') where you began your hike.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
Activity: 8 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 3,615' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Fallere Alpine Meadows
Day 5
Today, take in the stunning views of the Grand Paradis massif from the southern side of the Aosta Valley. Start with a transfer to the enchanting hamlet of Vetan (5,800') and hike through picturesque Italian alpine pastures (8,150') beneath Mont Fallère. As you approach the rifugio and the surrounding lakes, you'll pass through an open-air museum, with unique wooden sculptures lining the trail. Pause to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views over the Aosta Valley and majestic Ruitor Glacier. Complete the loop back to Vetan and transfer to scenic town of Cogne, where you'll settle in for your final three nights.
Accommodation: Madonnina del Gran Paradiso Accommodation: Bouton d’Or
Activity: 5 hours/8.6 miles hiking with 2.530' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Vittorio Sella Hut
Day 6
Begin the day with a short transfer to the trailhead in the idyllic hamlet of Valnontey (5,465'). Follow a well-maintained path that first zigzags through the forest, then opens up to sweeping alpine meadows, home to playful chamois and marmots. Arriving in the dramatic Lauson Valley (8,515') and the Vittorio Sella Rifugio is an unforgettable moment. In this paradise you are likely to encounter ibex, and have the chance to see the majestic bearded vulture, a rare, protected bird being reintroduced to the park. Enjoy a refreshing lunch at the rifugio, then return to the hotel for a relaxing spa experience.
Accommodation: Madonnina del Gran Paradiso Accommodation: Bouton d’Or
Activity: 5.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 2,675 ' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Lac de Loie
Day 7
After breakfast, transfer to the trailhead at Lillaz and begin your walk through a larch forest to the Bardonney Valley. This idyllic meadow could be a scene out of a fairytale with its grazing cows, mountain stream and snowcapped peaks. A short climb leads you to a postcard-perfect panorama. Continue on to Lac de Loie (7,720'), from where you can admire Mont Blanc towering high in the distance. On the way back down to the village, pass the spectacular Lillaz waterfall. Return to your comfortable hotel with time to get ready before your farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Madonnina del Gran Paradiso Accommodation: Bouton d’Or
Activity: 6 hours/8.8 miles hiking with 2,840' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer from Cogne & Depart from Geneva
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer from Cogne to Geneva airport and bid farewell.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Laurent L.
Laurent hails from Normandy, France, having grown up in Argentan. In 1991, he obtained his European Mountain Leader certification, and in 1995 he was awarded the coveted patch of the Compagnie des Guides. Laurent has been guiding for MT Sobek since 1995, and is a senior guide on our Alps trips, he has hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc close to 100 times! When he isn't guiding for MT Sobek, he teaches First Aid and Mountain Rescue to mountain and hiking guides. During the winter, he's a ski patrol monitor in the mountains above Chamonix.
Florence S.
A native of Chamonix, Florence is a descendant from two of the area’s oldest families. After growing up in the Chamonix Valley, “Flo” spent several years in the south of France, and then traveled abroad to South America and Asia. She returned to her ancestral home, where the mountains now form an integral part of her life. She has led nearly 50 trips to the Alps, not counting how many times she has done this trip for her own fun! In addition to being an accomplished hiking guide, Flo is a skier and climber. As a member of the Compagnie des Guides, she follows in the footsteps of her forefathers.
Beatrice M.
Beatrice is a native of Chamonix, France, and has been guiding professionally in the Alps since 1989. She comes from a family of mountain climbers and her grandfather was also a professional mountain guide. Aside from being an expert hiking guide, Beatrice is also an avid climber and accomplished skier, and is a ski instructor during the winter months. She loves the mountains and will share her enthusiasm and in-depth experience with you during your trip.
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[ActivityHighlight] => On this trek you will be hiking between 5 and 7 hours a day, at elevations of up to 9,300 feet. The trails are often rocky and steep, making this a challenging experience. To enjoy, you need to be in an excellent physical condition and have a similar previous experience of hiking in the mountains.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. On this trek you will be hiking between 5 and 7 hours a day, at elevations of up to 9,300 feet. The trails are often rocky and steep, making this a challenging experience. To enjoy, you need to be in an excellent physical condition and have a similar previous experience of hiking in the mountains. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
4 hours/7.3 miles hiking with 1,850' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,900' elevation gain and 3,100' elevation loss
Day 4
8 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 3,615' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
5 hours/8.6 miles hiking with 2.530' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
5.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 2,675 ' elevation gain and loss
Day 7
6 hours/8.8 miles hiking with 2,840' elevation gain and loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Stay in simple and traditional hotels and inns, and enjoy warm alpine hospitality.
Built in 1882 by Jean Laurent Berthod, more than a century later the hotel remains family owned and operated. There is a familial atmosphere here, with cozy, personalized rooms and service designed to make guests feel right at home. Indoor spa facilities await hikers eager to relax after a vigorous day of activity.
Discover a genuine alpine experience at the Hostellerie du Paradis, a charming, family-run lodge that exudes rustic charm! Adorned with personal souvenirs and pieces from the owner's family collections, you will feel right at home. Each room has modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, a desk, and room service. Savor dishes ranging from mountain fontina to regional corn polenta at their on-site restaurant. Or take a refreshing dip in their indoor pool. This is a comfortable stay!
This family-run hotel sits right at the foot of the Gran Paradiso mountain, offering a serene wellness retreat for travelers just steps away from the enchanting village of Cogne! Its alpine facade blends gracefully with cozy décor, creating an oasis of peace and calm. The hotel boasts a restaurant with spectacular Val D'Aosta cuisine, a wine bar, a pool, a hot tub, and a spa.
A family-run mountain B & B, Bouton d'Or is in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park, facing a meadow punctuated by wildflowers in spring. The property features traditional architecture, fitting seamlessly into its mountain surroundings. Welcoming rooms are decorated with warm wooden paneling and furniture, each with its own balcony and modern amenities. The sunny patio offers another location to soak in the scenery.
Weather
The weather in the Gran Paradiso is variable and unpredictable. Days can start out warm and sunny, and suddenly be interrupted by rain - then full sun again! At any time during the summer season, trails can be dry, or dusted with snow.
Jul
Sep
Geneva
High
Low
High
Low
Geneva
79
57
70
50
Gran Paradiso National Park
High
Low
High
Low
Gran Paradiso National Park
55
30
50
35
FAQs
How do I get to this trip?
There is one scheduled group transfer from and to the Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland on Days 1 and 8 included in the price of this tour.
What or where is Gran Paradiso?
The Gran Paradiso is a mountain in the Graian Alps in Italy, located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions. It is located in Gran Paradiso National Park.
Why choose this trip over other MT Sobek trips in the Alps?
Our Gran Paradiso hiking trip is designed to be similar in daily activities as our other Alps trips, and is led by the same popular guides, but is in a more remote and less trodden area.
Can I shorten hikes, if I'm too tired to finish?
No, however you do have the option to skip days entirely if rest is preferred.
What kind of gear will I need to bring for this trip?
You will need proper high-ankle hiking boots, trekking poles, and a daypack large enough to carry your all-weather layers, water, and daytime essentials.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."
Bob J. MT Sobek Guest
"Traveling with MT Sobek is like gaining a new set of close friends that have shared an incredible experience together."