Hut-to-Hut Trekking in the Gran Paradiso
A long-weekender among the wilderness of the Italian Alps featuring remote trails, high passes and glittering glaciers
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with an expert, local, English-speaking mountain guideHotel & Mountain hut
1 night in a hotel and 2 nights in mountain hutsMeals
3 breakfasts and 3 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
Pillows and blankets are provided at the mountain hutsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Hike spectacular paths in Italy’s first National Park, traversing the Valsavarenche Valley to the base of Gran Paradiso peak
Tackle Col Rosset (3025m) and Col Bassac Derè (3082m), some of the highest walkable passes in the Alps with breathtaking glacier views
Bunk down in iconic, welcoming mountain huts surrounded by idyllic scenery, soaring peaks and Alpine wildlife
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Aosta, in the heart of the Italian Alps
Driving
Touch down in Milan Malpensa Airport and meet your group for the transfer up to the mountain town of Aosta, the principal city at the heart of the Aosta Valley and an ideal starting point to access the Italian Alps. This overnight stay is a chance to break your journey to the Gran Paradiso National Park. Enjoy the evening getting to know your fellow group members over dinner in a local restaurant, then get some rest ready for your epic weekend of hiking.
Day 2
Valsavarenche and the Gran Paradiso Balcony Trail
Driving
Hiking
Fuel up on breakfast before meeting your guide at the hotel, who'll do a welcome briefing with the group. Then you'll drive to Pravieux in the Valsavarenche Valley of Gran Paradiso National Park, where you'll kickstart your adventure by hiking through forests, open meadows and past shepherds' huts. The trail leads up the eastern side of the valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains all the way to Rifugio Chabod, with the north face of Gran Paradiso peak visible behind it. Continue below Moncorvè peak until you reach the impressive Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2719m), built in 1884 and still used by climbers summiting Gran Paradiso. Enjoy a well-deserved break surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers, then power through the last leg of the trail down to Rifugio Tetras Lyre (1996m), where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3
Nivolet Plateau, Col Rosset Pass and Val di Rhêmes
Hiking
Following the Savara River, hike across beautiful pastures before arriving at the stunning lakes of the Col Nivolet Plateau. In early summer the landscape blooms with a colourful carpet of wildflowers, and it won't be hard to spot wild mountain ibex or chamois along the way. Continue on to Col Rosset (3025m), a great adventure along one of the highest walkable passes in the Alps – there are some steep sections and loose, rocky paths to tackle as you approach the Col. A very steep descent on rocky trails leads you into Val di Rhêmes and eventually to the Rifugio Benevolo (2287m), surrounded by impressive peaks, where you’ll stop for the night.
Day 4
The Col Bassac Derè pass to Valgrisenche
Hiking
Driving
Set off early from Rifugio Benevolo and hike towards Goletta Lake, at the foot of the Goletta Glacier. The glacial waters range in colour from greyish to pale blue due to the retreating ice. Continue with a steep ascent and a touch of scrambling to Col Bassac Derè – the highest point of the trek at 3082m – and enjoy some of the wildest scenery so far, with imposing peaks and glaciers. Descend via vertiginous rocky trails with the spectacular glacier below to reach Valgrisenche, before finally reaching the small hamlet of Surrier, where your trek ends. There may be just time for a quick celebratory drink with your group before your transfer departs for Milan Malpensa Airport. The hike usually finishes around 16:00 and you should reach the airport around 19:00.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
14:00 on Day 1
Ends
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
19:00 on Day 4
Transfers
A group airport transfer is included for your arrival on Day 1 – please ensure you arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) by 13:30 at the latest to meet the rest of your group, with a planned departure by 14:00. It will take around two hours to get to your hotel in Aosta, which is close to the Gran Paradiso National Park.
On Day 4, your group transfer will arrive back at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at around 19:00, so please book flights departing from 20:30 onwards. Given the late return, you may wish to consider extending your trip in Milan. Alternatively, the host can drop you off at Aosta (by prior arrangement) on the way back to Milan, should that fit better with your onward travel plans.
Your host will provide full details about group meeting times and logistics prior to the trip depending on everyone's flight details, which you'll need to provide before travelling.
Travel options
There are many daily flights into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), with direct flights from the UK and other major European airports such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Zurich.
For those wanting to arrive a day early or to extend their trip, your host is happy to help with pre- or post-trip accommodation on your behalf in Aosta, with the price and style depending on availability and your budget. You can make your own way up to Aosta using the reliable and inexpensive FlixBus service (Milan Lampugnano Bus Station to Aosta takes between 2-3 hours, depending on the schedule). Private transfers can also be arranged on request – please see Optional Extras for prices.
Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy some time exploring the vibrant city Milan before or after the trip. Trains to many destinations across Italy from Milano Centrale Railway Station can be booked via TrenItalia.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts and dinners during the trek will be served at the mountain huts. Breakfasts always include coffee, bread, jam and butter, and may also include orange juice, cereal, yogurt, fruit and a selection of cheese and cured meats. Dinners at the huts are normally served at fixed times with two menu choices. Dishes are hearty and served in large portions, often including great local specialities such as polenta, local cheeses, pasta and stews. Picnic lunches can be purchased directly from the huts, featuring a main item (such as a sandwich or wrap) and a selection of fruit, muesli bars, chocolate, nuts, etc.
Vegetarian, vegan and most other dietary requirements can be catered for although options may be limited to the remote locations of the mountain huts. Please let your host know your preferences when booking by completing your passenger information section.
What is the accommodation like?
Aosta
On the first night you'll stay at the Omama Social Hotel or a hotel of a similar standard, in twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities. In the city centre and offering views of the Alps, this trendy, colourful hotel is just 6 minutes' walk from both Aosta train station and the Arch of Augustus, which dates from 25 BC. Featuring vivid artwork and stylish design, each room provides Wi-Fi, smart TVs, mini-fridges and kettles. The hotel also has a funky bar/lounge area for guest to enjoy. The hotel also has luggage storage facilities for guests (see Excess Luggage Storage FAQ for more details).
On the trek
You’ll be spending two nights at some great refuges high in the mountains, usually the Rifugio Tetras Lyre and the historic Rifugio Benevolo, which was built in 1920 for alpinists. Accommodation at the huts is in dormitory rooms (usually sleeping 4 to 6), in bunk beds or single beds which come with pillows and blankets (you can bring your own sleeping bag liner, or pay for one locally). The shared bathrooms have showers and a token may need to be paid for hot water. They both feature a restaurant serving cold drinks, spirits and freshly made food.
Upgrades
Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this trip, single rooms are limited and only possible for the first night of the trip in Aosta. See Optional Extras for the price and request this upon booking.
This trip has been rated as Tough
This is a demanding trek with some challenging mountain hikes and considerable elevation gain and loss each day, including two high mountain passes over 3000m. There are some exposed sections and steep ascents and descents on rough terrain and scree, and the odd bit of scrambling, but the stunning views will be more than enough reward for your effort. High alpine mountain weather conditions can change rapidly, with intense heat, sun, wind, rain and snow all possible in just a few hours. You should be confident walking for up to 8-10 hours a day carrying your 35-50L pack between the refuges for three days - packing light is recommended! Doing some training hikes including plenty of vertical change before the trip with your pack and boots on is strongly recommended to help you prepare for this adventure!
What will I need to carry?
You will be carrying your own 35-50L pack between the refuges, with everything you need for the trek. A luggage transport service is unavailable on this trip as not all accommodation is accessible by road. So don't over pack, a lighter pack will be more enjoyable, but also don't skip the essentials and risk getting caught out in bad weather. It's a good idea to do some hiking before the trip so you are comfortable with the gear you plan to bring on the trek. Check out our kit list section for the basics to consider putting in your pack.
Summer in the Gran Paradiso National Park is, without doubt, the best season for hiking: chilly air, warm sun and amazing mountain landscapes. All trekking paths are usually open during the summer season, so you can enjoy the highest peaks and passes. Glaciers are visible again after they have been covered by snow in the winter months and it's easy to spot wildlife including ibex, chamois, eagles, marmots, vultures and many others. Temperatures are generally warm and fair with plenty of sunny days – however, be aware that the weather in the mountains can change very quickly, with rain and wind possible throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 8 to 24°C. In the case of adverse weather, your local mountain guide may decide to alter any of the routes included in the itinerary for safety reasons. At an altitude of over 3000m, the high passes in particular can be cold and windy, even on sunny days.
Amazing
An incredible trip, with the most magnificent scenery albeit challenging at times but guided brilliantly by Tania who displayed patience encouragement married with a great sense of humor. Would definitely recommend this memorable trip.
Just do it
Fabulous short trip in the mountains. Beautiful walking with nothing too technical, but sufficiently challenging nevertheless. Great huts, wonderful Italian food and wine, and a fantastic guide Sylvia. What's not to like?
Exhilarating, varied and fun
Had am amazing few days with challenging hikes through beautiful scenic mountains and valleys. The terrains were as varied as they were challenging. The itinerary timings and distances are spot. Tania was a very informative guide and made the trip fun.
Amazing trip
3 days of fun but tough trekking. You should not underestimate how difficult this can be but it is so worth it. Our guide was fantastic and I had a great time
Amazing adventure
Amazing adventure… great challenge at a perfect pace… with like minded individuals … with our guide (Tania) who was awesome having grown up in the mountains… bring on the next adventure 🏔️
Challenging but worth it ...
Thanks to our amazing guide Tania I was able to enjoy this challenging trek. She was skilled and resourceful with such energy and enthusiasm. The trek was scenic throughout, and the huts were comfortable with amazing local food and drink.
The last day we encountered bad weather, but Tania was able to salvage the day by doing a circuit trek from our hut to a nearby glacial lake. Overall, another wonderful trek with MBA.
Gran Paradiso
Considering the change in weather, Tania provided us with the safest and still challenging options which led to an amazing adventurous 3 day trip
Trip to the Gran Paradiso July 2024
Absolutely fantastic trip challenging and massively undersold to how great it is! Great alternative to the popular dolomites with very little crowds and tourists. Great views people and tour guide Tania who was fantastic at her role. Rain or shine it was enjoyable to the finish! Highly reccomend and I shall definitely booking another much better adventures trip soon! Easy stress free and an overall great experience!
Enjoyed the trip despite the
Enjoyed the trip despite the weather not being the best. Our guide Silvia was brilliant and ensured we made the best out of the situation. She was also very knowledgeable about the environment and went out of her way to ensure we were ok.
An amazing trip with great hiking in Gran Paradiso NP. The hiking is tough and the second day is long, but the views are amazing and make it worth it. Our guide Nadia was great. I would definitely recommend the trip.
Incredible trip. We were so lucky to have the most wonderful guide, Tania, who was so supportive and kind. The group was also brilliant, although almost all women. Men, where are you?
This is no walk in the park, so make sure your fitness level is up to a challenge. There's a lot of challenging ascent and we covered many kilometres every day. The scenery is stunning - from the flora and fauna of the Italian alps to the glistening glaciers and brutality of the summit.
It's really fun to stay in the mountain refuges and we enjoyed some tasty food - the first refuge at Gran Paradiso basecamp was particularly good so make the most of it!
Pack light. I thought I had packed minimally but with hindsight, I could have packed even less.
Another brilliant MBA.