Trek Goat Trek Goat
  • About
  • Trails

    • Trails

    A step towards the sky: the slow hike to Gran Paradiso (4,061 m)

    By Zdravko R. · August 28, 2021

    Located in the Gran Paradiso national park bearing the same name, Gran Paradiso Peak (translated as the Great Paradise) is steep and gentle at the same time. The park, founded in 1922, is on the border of Italy and France, about 40 kilometres south of Aosta in the very northwest of Italy.

    The highest mountain peak located entirely on Italy’s territory is considered one of the easiest reachable four-thousandths flowers, being 4061 m above sea level. Hikers would head up the ascent to the Gran Paradiso as one of the most accessible peaks above 4000 meters. Yet one should obey all the elements of the ice, the hazards of a glacier.

    Why should You hike to Gran Paradiso Crest

    The pristine area of the park around Gran Paradiso is home to a large group of high peaks south of Aosta. Even the Gran Paradiso glaciers, like all Alpine glaciers, have lost much of their ice in recent years—but they remain glaciers nonetheless. Be sure to prepare for this tour with all the necessary glacier equipment. The hike across the glacier takes about an hour and typically marks the starting point for most snow tours, beginning from the base of Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2,735 m).

    This is a solitary four-thousander, with no nearby peaks to compete with it—perhaps undisturbed by the higher summits of Gran Paradiso. This unique position allows us to enjoy an extraordinary panorama in every direction. From here, the gaze sweeps across iconic peaks such as Mont Blanc (4,810 m), Grandes Jorasses (4,208 m), the Matterhorn (4,478 m), and Monte Rosa (4,633 m).

    The climb to Gran Paradiso requires good physical fitness, as it involves a significant level of effort. There are two standard approaches to the regular route, while all other routes are considered mountaineering paths.

    The most popular and quickest route is via Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II, which we took and describe in this article. The other standard route is through Rifugio Federico Chabod.

    History of the Gran Paradiso hiking

    After that, Mr Zumstein, a particular forestry inspector, had to be included in the loan, which proposed that the hunting of Alpine ibexes in the Savoy duchy should be prohibited to prevent the extinction of the species due to the extraordinary wilderness and nature. It was the first move that the Gran Paradiso became a national park in 1922.

    In 1859, Vittorio Emanuele II became a refuge for royal hunting expeditions, enchanted by the beauty and the large valley of over 2000 hectares. However, only six years afterwards in 1913, the area was donated to the state and declared a protected area. That was also the time when the last hunting journey was successfully completed.

    There are no definitive records of who first translated the ancient name of Grand Pareis (Great Wall) into Gran Paradiso, despite the grandeur the name conveys. But this uncertainty doesn’t really matter—after all, the choice of such a vivid name perfectly reflects the lush beauty the park still boasts today. In any case, we know that Gran Paradiso National Park, founded in 1922, was Italy’s first national park. What we see there today has truly become a hiker’s paradise.

    Location and getting to the starting point

    On the highway, A4 connecting Milano, keep looking for the exit of Aosta valley following the indication to Borgo, Saint – Vincent or Aosta valley in general. Continue your drive to Aosta/Aoste, and you’ll mention the motion for Valsavarenche.

    Starting point. The starting point we used, “Pont Valsavarenche”, stands next to the Camping Point Breuil, located above the village. The Vittorio Emanuele II Lodge is considered the starting point for the climb to Gran Paradiso. From Pont Valsavarenche, it takes about 2 hours to reach the lodge.

    Tip: If you want the best start for your climb to Gran Paradiso (4,061 m), spend the night at Vittorio Emanuele II Lodge and begin the ascent early the next morning.

    Our Gran Paradiso hiking adventure

    It was one of those scorching summer days when a teammate suddenly asked, “Shall we go to Gran Paradiso, 4,061 m?” Somehow, without hesitation or a single doubt, I found myself saying yes—drawn by the thrill of the mountains and the promise of the unknown ahead.

    Located at the French and Italian border, the beautiful Aosta Valley, through which the Torrenta Savara River flows, would not leave you indifferent. Let alone is yet a part of Italy’s heart’s oldest national park. I didn’t know that it is the highest peak in Italy, but at the same time, it’s not the highest point in it. You can still learn that and many other exciting details that make hiking an exciting and attractive sport.

    The high-altitude ascent to the Gran Paradiso started with a combination of 6 mountaineers from Croatia and a 9-hour drive. The long ride made us more comfortable with the colleagues who brought dry prunes, which we “sprinkled” until the start of the climb, without fear of not being washed. When you go on the rise, every “squat” is treated as a rest.

    When we arrived, we parked our vehicle in the lot next to Camping Point Breuil, which would also serve as our starting point. Nestled above the tiny village of Valsavarenche, it felt like the perfect place to begin our hike.

    Day 1, Hiking the first section: Camping Point Breuil – The Lodge Vittorio Emanuele II

    We began our hike at noon (12:00) from the Pont Valsavarenche parking lot (1,960 m), located next to Camping Point Breuil, the highest hamlet in Valsavarenche. According to the signpost along the trail, marked as path no. 1, we turned left toward the Vittorio Emanuele II Lodge.

    We cross the stream on a bridge and continue to the right on a farm road. After a few hundred meters, take path no. 1 on the left that continues with a slight slope up to a mountain pasture. The way, bending to the left, first rises decidedly among sparse larch woods. The green fields are interspersed with the stony ground until it reaches the Vittorio Emanuele II lodge (2735 m). The club would be called after about 2.5 hours of walking. For the most part, the trail passes between 2 torrents that get their water from melting glaciers. As more and more gains in height, the vistas become broader and more beautiful.

    Vittorio Emanuele II Lodge (2.735 m)

    It was 2:45 p.m when we reached the lodge. Right away upon arrival at the Vittorio Emanuele II lodge, it reminded me why I get involved in hiking. The club made in the tunnel shape has an old wooden floor, old windows without PVC. A pleasant and cheerful atmosphere makes the people talk to each other, with above the bar the inscription: “no wifi”. There is a magnificent Lake Moncorvé located under a refuge.

    Built in 1880 and recently renovated, the refuge consists of two buildings. The first is the original refuge, which also serves as a winter room. The second, with a very distinctive shape and located slightly further downstream, began construction in 1930 but was not inaugurated until 1961.

    Reachable in two hours’ walk from Pont di Valsavarenche, the Vittorio Emanuele II refuge is the starting point for the Gran Paradiso, Ciarforon and other peaks of the massif. All of those immersed in the quaintness of the Gran Paradiso National Park. There is a possibility to reachthe F. Chabod Refuge in two hours, Tresenta (3609 m.), Ciarforon (3640 m.), Monciair (3554 m.).

    Address:

    GPS: East: 7.229612 North: 45.51265

    Note: Free overnight stay for bus drivers and tour leaders who provide assistance to groups, organised by travel and tourism agencies, of at least 25 participants!

    🐐Trek Goat Hiking Tip: Make an acclimatization Hike! Many hikers choose to take a short acclimatisation hike after resting and settling into the lodge. These gentle hikes are ideal for preparing the body for the next day’s climb, helping to adjust to the altitude and reduce the chances of fatigue.

    The lodge’s evening was overflowing with the hikers’ advice, checking the ropes and reading the last instructions. Though many of them, after the dinner, were gone to sleep. The lodge is big enough for the immense number of hikers, but sleeping in it is very comfortable.

    It’s wise to get a good night’s sleep, as an early wake-up awaits for the “via Ferrata” climb. The ascent demands focus, proper equipment, and the careful application of all the skills you’ve built up so far.

    Day 2, Hiking the second section: Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II, 2735 m – Gran Paradiso Peak, 4061 m

    As we mentioned, our second day is followed by an ascent from Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2735 m) lodge to the Gran Paradiso Peak (4061 m). The descent the same way to Vittorio Emanuele II’s lodge and as a final to Pont Valsavarenche/Camping Point Breuil.

    The climb to the Gran Paradiso is actually a combination of rocks, snow, and ice. It’s an excellent tour – it’s not technically demanding. Still, it requires good physical preparation and fitness. That is one of the reasons why this peak is very visited by many mountaineers and alpinists. This typical path approach is an excellent introduction to acclimatising and climbing other peaks above 4000 meters.

    The starting ascent

    After the early wake-up alarm at 3 a.m., the predicted starting time of our climb was 4 a.m. A well-marked signpost from the lodge leads to a northeast direction, making us move over large granite stone blocks. The trail is not marked by classic markings, but by occasionally stacked piles of stones like small pyramids or boulders. Following the well-visible trail through small stone grottoes – pebbles all the way to the corridor and the moraine, we reached the point where the snowy tongue of the glacier begins (3150 m).

    The following path is a trampled snow trail along a stream that receives water from the glacier “Ghiacciaio del Laveciau“. After a ten-minute walk, it separates to the right of the stream and comes to a wet rock about 10 m high, over which water flows, along which it must climb. There needs to be a little more care to avoid slipping.

    The path continues the ascent to 3400 m, leading to the beginning point of the glacier “Ghiacciaio del Gran Paradiso“. It was the daily morning light overcoming the mountain when we reached the point where the glacier begins.

    Take note: this is the point where thecrampons should be put on!!! Security ropes could also be set up here. While the strings could be placed higher before hitting the ridge, as the trail used to be jammed by hikers, my advice is to do so at the point where the glacier starts.

    The glacier hiking route to the Gran Paradiso

    You’ll crossthe glacier at a height of 3800 m, and at that point, you’ll reach Becca di Moncorve. From such an end, to either the left or the north, continue the climb along the glacier until reaching the very edge. This is followed by climbing the stone blocks to the top ridge, where the spits are placed on the narrow exposed part. The summit is marked by a marvellous white statue of the Madonna, which gives it a spiritual dimension.

    Reaching the peak of Grand Paradiso

    We reached Gran Paradiso Peak at 10:45 a.m. Due to the large group and snow on the ropes, our climb took about7 hours. Still, it rewarded us with Gran Paradiso National Park’s beautiful views, a white Madonna statue at the top, Mont Blanc’s statement and all the other peaks in a circle around us. We had a bit of luck since soon after we took a few images on the crest, there come the clouds began to fall on it.

    Since it is a single 4-thousand without the other peaks nearby, therefore undisturbed by the higher tops from the Gran Paradiso, it offers a unique view of all four corners of the world. An awe-inspiring view falls on to heads such as Mont Blanc (4810 m), Grandes Jorasses (4208 m), Matterhorn (4478 m) and Monte Rosa (4633 m). Besides, from the top of Gran Paradiso to the northwest are the following peaks: Piccolo Paradiso (3926 m), Becca di Montandayne (3838 m), Herbétet (3778 m), Gran Serra (3552), and all the way to the top of Grivola (3969 m). To the southeast, the ridge is lined with the following peaks: Il Roc (4026 m), Becca di Moncorve (3875 m), Tresenta (3609 m), Ciarforon (3642 m), Becca di Monciair (3545 m) and ends with Denti del Broglio, on the right side.

    The Virgin Mary (“Madonna”) has been on top since July 4, 1954. The alpinist-priest “Don Pierino Balma” is one of the promoters and participants placing “Madonna” on top of Gran Paradiso.

    Descents

    Same as the ascent, we were descending “via normale”, requiring great attention due to the many glacial cracks. Some of them are visible, but not all of them. We had a dozen slipping into the snow, but nothing dangerous. After reaching the lodge and a short resting time (3 p.m.), we continued our descents into the direction of Camping Point Breuil.

    A well-deserved vacation at the restaurant and smiles on the faces of all of us only complemented the already beautiful image of Gran Paradiso.

    Accommodation and picturesque village of Valsavarenche

    The accommodation we decided to use overnight was our tents, which we put in the camping site mentioned below. If you are not camping enthusiasts, there are also other possibilities.

    Camping Point Breuil

    Located at 2000 meters above sea level, Camping Pont Breuil is considered one of the highest camping sites in Europe. With having 50 thousand square meters at your disposal, the camping is the ideal place to begin wonderful walks based on excursions of all kinds in the magnificent Gran Paradiso group.

    Heated rooms, hot running water, and light sockets offer every comfort. At the same time, there is also a complete market with all basic necessities in it.

    To eat, one can choose in a restaurant located right in a camping place or seek Tetraslyre refuge restaurant bar, which is 10 min walk along the river, far away. The camping also has about 50 barbecues fixed in the field. On request is also disposal towing caravans service from the bottom of the valley.

    Info:

    It is also recognised as the starting point of the numerous hiking excursions available, such as those to the Chabod, Vittorio Emanuele II, and Rifugio Savoia alpine hut or Nivolet lakes. The tiny village of Valsavarencheis a lush Alpine feel and mountainous architecture. An idyllic village with a profuse water tap in the centre is located at 1 541 meters above sea level. Actually, it has fewer than 200 citizens living in it.

    The name Valsavarenche is pronounced [valsavaʁɑ̃ʃ] in French, Vassavaèntse in the standard Valle d’Aosta patois, and Ouahèntse in local usage. Nestled in the narrowest and wildest part of its namesake valley, the small town of Degioz in Valsavarenche is a truly authentic glimpse of Alpine life.

    Valsavarenche Resistance Museum

    A museum developed a part of the Interreg project “The memory of the Alps – The paths of Freedom“, (Musée de la Résistance de Valsavarenche) which is a cross-border project that involved France, Italy, and Switzerland. The project was started between 2002 and 2008 to enhance the Alpine “widespread museum” in the heart of Europe.

    The museum, inaugurated on May 17, 2009, houses the former elementary school of Rovenaud, where Chanoux had studied. The centre has been dedicated to the fathers of Valle d’Aosta autonomy, including Émile Chanoux and Federico Chabod, to the Resistance, the theory of federalism and the European project. The visit to the museum, possible by reservation, presents some multimedia insights by Federico Chabod, Joseph Bréan and Severino Caveri.

    Still, in memory of King Vittorio Emanuele, the Real Hunting House in Orvieille has been restored by the park, and it’s worth a visit. Also, walk through the convenient and charming mule track that leads to it.

    A few kilometres later, rising on the right side, you can observe a rock formation of the typical red colour caused by iron salt deposits. The company got its name after the tiny town of “Eaux Rousses”.

    Chiesa Madonna del Carmine in Valsavarenche – Parish church of Our Lady of Carmel

    The chapel, having the picturesque and recognized belltower, is located in the heart of the small village. With a Latin cross plan of ample proportions, our Lady of Carmel hosts sacred art objects. Though it was first mentioned in 1296, the parish church was, however, built in 1493. The only surviving feature from that era is the bell tower, standing alone and built in stone with two and three-light windows.

    The new parish church was inaugurated in 1673, leaning against the bell tower (traces on the wall are still visible today). The previous versions of the church had a relatively short life. The preliminary evaluation lasted until 1673. The year in which the Marquis of Caselle continued with the first restoration, with a solemn blessing on June 10.

    The current view has been merged with the building dating back to 1884, when it replaced the previous one, which was too humid and in need of repair. The reconstruction of the Parish of the Madonna del Carmine was possible mainly thanks to King Umberto I of Italy’s donation.

    The useful fact to know when hike The Gran Paradiso