Trekking Adventure in the Italian Alps - Explore the Gran Paradiso Massif

DAY 1: SUNDAY:
BOURG SAINT MAURICE - PILA IN ITALY - REFUGE D'ARBOLLE

Transport: 2:30 by minibus
Vertical drop: + 800 m and - 100 m
Walking time: 4 hours of walking

Meet in Bourg Saint Maurice at the Funicular Parking, a stone's throw from the train station at 9 a.m., we will take a transport to arrive in Pila above Aosta at around 2:30 drive. We leave from Pila for the Plan Fenêtre / Replan / Chamolé pass, depending on the weather, we will make the ridge that passes through these three passes and then switch to Refuge d'Arbolle and its superb lake.

DAY 2: MONDAY:
REFUGE D'ARBOLLE - COL D'ARBOLLE (3154 m) - COL DES LAURES (3035 m) - VALLON CREUSON- VAL DI COGNE

Vertical drop: + 800 m and –1500 m
Walking time: 7 to 8 hours of walking

Here we go for the first passes over 3000 m, we climb under Mont Emiluis (3551 m) and take a break at Lac Gelé before arriving at the Col d'Arbolle (3154m), then the Col des Laures (3092 m) where we overlook many lakes, we are plunged into the park of Grand Paradis, the valley of Grauson is a superb and wild area, the descent to return to the small village of Cogne is pleasant, superb pasture, the descent is pleasant despite the significant drop.

DAY 3: TUESDAY:
VAL DI COGNE - VALNONTEY- VALLON DE L'HERBETET - UNDER THE EAST FACE OF GRAN PARADISIO - VITTORIO SELLA REFUGE

Vertical drop: + 1200m and - 300m
Walking time: 6 hours of walking

The village of Cogne is one of the most beautiful in the Alps, this little stop will be very pleasant and we can buy a tinker that you forgot before continuing the adventure.
We go up the valley that overlooks Gran Paradiso, the North East face the most impressive of these faces, it is a superb glacial cirque. On the way we will probably come across chamois and ibex before arriving at the refuge.

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY
VITTORIO SELLA REFUGE - LAUSON COL (3296m) - EAUX ROUSSES 

Vertical drop: + 800 m and - 1650 m
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours of walking

Here we go for the highest pass of the Trek, the climb is quite technical and we will appreciate the fixed ropes and other equipment in place, at the pass it is dizzying and you will understand why we go around in this direction, we start a long Descent to the cottage of Eau Rousse, we will be happy to rest.

DAY 5: THURSDAY
EAUX ROUSSES - REFUGE CHABOD

Vertical drop: + 1100 m
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours of walking

We leave for a short day to reach the Chabod Refuge, today we are just going up, the legs are recovering from yesterday's descent, in the afternoon we are at the foot of Gran Paradiso, if the weather is good and as you wish, you can climb Grand Paradis tomorrow during the rest day. The afternoon is dedicated to the preparation of the equipment with the guides who will climb tomorrow and we rest for tomorrow.

DAY 6: FRIDAY:
REFUGE CHABOD - REST OR SUMMIT OF GRAN PARADISIO (4061m) - REFUGE CHABOD

Vertical drop: +1400 m and - 1400 m or rest for the day.
Walking time: 8 to 10 hours of walking

The departure is at night, we can enjoy the sunrise on the glacier, the climb by the Chabod refuge in Grand Paradis is more varied than by Elizabetha, we will go around pretty crevasse and after a good effort you are at the summit at 4061m, the view is superb, then we descend by the same route. At the refuge we rest in the afternoon, or rest for those who did not want to climb. The price of the climb is in addition to the Trek. Contact us to plan it.

DAY 7: SATURDAY:
REFUGE CHABOD - BALCONY UNDER THE GRAND PARADISE - GRAND COLLET / CROIX ROLEY - REFUGE SAVOIA

Vertical drop: + 1000 m and - 1250 m or + 600 and - 800 m
Walking time: 4 to 7 hours of walking

We leave by the balcony paths under the Gran Paradiso glacier to arrive at the Tetra Lyre refuge and the village of Pont, we will then take the path to the Grand Collet if you are in good shape with good weather, otherwise we will follow the Doire du Nivolet to reach the Savoia Refuge more quickly through a pretty valley.

DAY 8: SUNDAY
REFUGE SAVOIA - LAKE ROSSET - BASEI / ROSSET / LEYNIR COLLAR - REFUGE BENEVOLO

Vertical drop: + 800 m and - 900 m
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours of walking

We leave for a pass at more than 3000 m, your guide will choose the pass according to the weather and snow conditions, three superb route with each their particularity your guide will explain the routes and you can choose together, in case of very bad weather a shuttle from Pont to Rhême Notre Dames exists. The Basei pass along the glaciers will be our first choice in general.

DAY 9: MONDAY
BENEVOLO REFUGE - LA GOLETTA LAKE - COL DE BASSAC DERE (3082m) - REFUGE BEZZI

Vertical drop: + 900 m and - 900 m
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours of walking

Here we go for the last compulsory Grand Col du Trek, the climb is quite fast at Lac de la Goletta you will find that the Granta Parei has an air of Matterhorn, at the col we will put the bags and in good weather towards the Pointe de la Crossing (3337m) to overlook some of the glaciers in the area, the southern ridge has a snow-cleared path to reach the summit. The view is magnificent over the Grande Sassière (3747 m) and Gran Paradiso.
The descent runs along the Gliairetta glacier and then arrives at the Bezzi refuge.

DAY 10: TUESDAY:
REFUGE BEZZI - COL DE BASSAC (3154m) - LAC SAINT MARTIN - REFUGE DE L'EPEE

Vertical drop: + 1100 m and - 1000m or + 700m and - 600 m
Walking time: 5 to 8 hours of walking

We leave for a superb wild balcony path and will be able to add the Bassac pass in addition if you are in good shape otherwise we will take more time at Lac Saint Martin, the path goes up and down before arriving at Refreita for the last descent and the arrived at the Epée refuge

DAY 11: WEDNESDAY:
REFUGE DE L'EPEE - USSELIERE - COL DU MONT - VALLON MERCUEL - LE CROT- SEEZ / BOURG SAINT MAURICE

Vertical drop: + 800 m and - 1700 m
Walking time: 7 to 8 hours of walking

We descend and cross one of the most beautiful Mélèze forest in the Alps before going up to the last Col du Trek, the Col du Mont which borders France between Archeboc (3280 m) and Ruitor (3486 m). The descent is superb to the small Village du Crôt where we will end this superb Trek. The Crossing of the Alps will leave us with great memories and photos. We finally reach our Hotel in Seez or Bourg Saint Maurice for the last night..

DAY 12: THURSDAY

END OF TRIP, everyone goes on their way…
see you soon for new adventures!

* Price per person (without insurance)

The price includes

• assistance of a certified mountain guide from our Team;
• Half board accommodation as described in the program (11 guided days and 11 nights);
• Picnics, every day;
• Mandatory transports along the program.

Last night after the end of the trekking

We have chosen to include in the price the night after the end of the trekking, in order to allow you to better organize your transports and to avoid to rush, as well as making your trip easier without having to worry about additional nights.

The price does not include

• Cancellation / interruption of stay / luggage loss and accident insurance;
• Drinks and personal expenses;
• Additional nights outside the program;
• All that is not indicated in the section "The price includes".

Your expenses on site

• Drinks;
• Out-of-program visits and transfers;
• Tips.

The backpack

If possible take a light backpack with good carrying, the backpack should not exceed 1.5 kg.

Backpack for 10 days:

• Small people: 40 liters max
• Tall people : 50 liters max

Your backpack must have 10 to 15 liters of space for picnics that you will carry for lunch.

Kilos to carry - It is better to wash than to carry:

• Small size: 6/7 kilos max, without water and food
• Large size: 8/9 kilos max, without water and food

Count 2 liters of water and 1 kg of food for the day.
Count an extra kilo for 10-day treks.

Head-to-toe material for the Trek:

• 1 cap or hat for the sun
• 1 Hat for the cold
• 1 optional buff or choker but very pleasant in bad weather
• 1 Jacket Type Gore Tex or similar windproof and waterproof
• 1 pair of gloves, waterproof if possible
• 1 additional pair of ski warm gloves for altitude treks
• 1 warm fleece or thick down to withstand negative temperatures
• 2 sweater: a light one and a warmer one, if it's cold you can put all the layers on
• 3 Technical T-shirts
• 3 underwear and 3 - 4 warm socks, you can wash them in the torrents near the shelters (1 solid soap to wash)
• 1 Warm pant
• 1 Tight
• 1 Lighter pant, there are pants that you can zip off to make shorts
• 1 Short
• 1  waterproof over-pant  (Gore tex or other) for Trek with altitude passes around 3000m.
• 1 light rain hood or waterproof bag protector
• 1 waterproof bag to keep items dry inside your backpack
• 1 bag for dirty things
• 1 light sheetbag for sleeping at the huts
• 1 pair of light slippers for the refuge, in case you do not want to wear the hut' slippers or a pair of light Trail shoes.
• 1 pair of mountain shoes with Vibram type sole of good quality or similar: if possible try ans wear your shoes before the trek, watch out for old shoes which can deteriorate very quickly in the mountains.

Do not forget  :

• Sunscreen index 30 to 50
• one pair of sunglasses category 3
• one front lamp
• cash money for huts and documents

Toiletries  :

• 1 Lightweight Quick Dry Toilet Towel
• 1 Body soap
• 1 Toothbrush with small toothpaste or a started one
• 1 small shampoo (small format - specialized stores sell small bottles that you will keep your hiker's life).
• 1 pair of earplugs to better sleep at night in a refuge

Pharmacy & others:

• Your Usual or Personal Treatments
• 1 Light Survival Blanket
• 1 nail clipper
• What to make small dressings
• Some compresses and plaster or better Strappal

Your guide will have a more complete pharmacy in the event of a larger accident.

For realx time: A small book or Card game (less than 150 grams)…

Necessary for meals:

• 1 TuperWare large enough to contain a nice salad for lunch
• 1 light knife: Opinel type
• 1 Fork and 1 Spoon
• 1 nice specialty to share with the rest of the Team, liquid or solid

The hiker's enemy is weight, but a frozen or soaked hiker is a hiker without pleasure, so take the time to properly pack your bag.

Useful information to organise your Trekking Trip

Insurance

Cancellation and repatriation insurance is advised as well as other insurance guaranteeing search and mountain rescue (10,000 Euros guarantee approximately).

How to reach Bourg Saint Maurice, 73700

• By train, access by TGV to Bourg Saint Maurice station - the hotel will be reachable by shuttle;
• By car from Albertville, access by expressway to Moutiers - Bourg Saint Maurice is 2.5 hours from Lyon.

Meeting on the first day

On the first day, the meeting will be directly at the Funicular car parking next to Bourg Saint Maurice train station at 8:30 am. Those arriving by train are 2 minutes walk from the car parking, those arriving by car can leave it in the free parking during the whole week.

Last night after the end of the trekking

We have chosen to include in the price the night after the end of the trekking, in order to allow you to better organize your transports and to avoid to rush, as well as making your trip easier without having to worry about additional nights.