Alps Gran Paradiso National Park Hiking Tour
Awe-inspiring Landscapes of Italy's Valle d'Aosta & the Graian Alps
- Available: July, September
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- Explore stunning alpine trails through Italy's first national park on this exclusive Mountain Travel Sobek adventure!
- Bask in the comfort and hospitality of charming alpine inns, and refuel with hearty regional mountain fare
- Learn about ibex, mountain chamois, and wildflowers as you take in breathtaking panoramas with your expert guiding team
Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland
Day 1
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
Accommodation: iH Hotels Courmayeur Mont BlancTransportation: 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 Aymavilles, where you'll settle in for your final three nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Rendez-Vous
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: Hotel Rendez-Vous
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: Hotel Rendez-Vous
Activity: 6 hours/8.8 miles hiking with 2,840' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer from Aymavilles & Depart from Geneva
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer from Aymavilles to Geneva airport and bid farewell.
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek has been leading Alps adventures for over 50 years and this is an exclusive trek on the trail less traveled.
In 8 days, we'll get you to the heart of the Valle d'Aosta and Graian Alps, where you'll get to know the people as well as the place.
We work with professional local guides, who are truly the best in the Alps. Many of our Alps-loving guests return to hike with them year after year!
Dates & Prices
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Your Guides
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.
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.
Hotel Berthod-Courmayeur
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
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!
iH Hotels Courmayeur Mont Blanc
Hotel Rendez-Vous
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.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
No, however you do have the option to skip days entirely if rest is preferred.
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.