Italy & Switzerland Heart of Gran Paradiso Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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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 Langoisseur

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 Simond

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 Mugnier

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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Welcome to Geneva, Switzerland! Your MT Sobek guide will meet you at the airport at 2pm and transfer you 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.
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After breakfast, transfer to Pont, Valsavarenche (6,560\') in the heart of Gran Paradiso Natural Park. From the trailhead, climb to the Croix de L\'Arolley, above a pretty waterfall. From the Plan Borgnoz at 8,753 feet, your highest point, enjoy views of Becca di Montandayne, Piccolo Paradiso, and Gran Paradiso, Tresenta and Ciarforon, and beyond. After a picnic lunch, hike down to the wide Nivolet Plateau, thickly covered with flowers, to reach Pont, from which you\'ll transfer to the hamlet of Eaux Rousse, your home for the next three nights.
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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.
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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.
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Rise today for a journey to Aosta, where you\'ll take the gondola from Pila and then the Chamole chairlift up to 7,546 feet. From there, start hiking to the Col de Tza Seche (9,251\') with views of the east face of Gran Paradiso\'s summit (13,323\') and the deep Valnontey at its feet. To the west, the Mont Blanc range encloses the Aosta Valley while to the north, the Monte Rosa range follows Italy\'s border with Switzerland. Hike down to Cogne (5,030\') and its valley. This charming little town is the biggest resort you\'ll encounter during your journey across the Gran Paradiso. Your centrally located hotel features a luxurious spa and terrace with sweeping views of the Gran Paradiso range.
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Today you\'ll begin with a short transfer to the trailhead in the hamlet of Valnontey (5,465\'). Follow a path that leads you through the wooded Valnontey Valle\'s and eventually to rocky terrain, before crossing several streams flowing down from the glacier. Start up a steep zig-zag path for about 2,000 feet before your traverse to the Chalets du Money. From here, the whole of the Gran Paradiso is on display. Your hike continues with sweeping views of Gran Paradiso before you, as you eventually descend into the valley again, returning through larch forests to the van, which brings you back to Cogne.
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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 our farewell dinner.
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After breakfast, transfer from Cogne to Geneva airport and bid farewell.
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Accommodations

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Stay in simple and traditional hotels and inns, and enjoy warm alpine hospitality.

Hotel Berthod-Courmayeur

Comfortable Hotel

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.

Hostellerie du Paradis

Comfortabe Hotel

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 of the owner's family, 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!

Madonnina del Gran Paradiso

Comfortable Hotel

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 façade 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.

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