Gran Paradiso Alta Via 2 - Italian Alps

Backabush is going 'hut-to-hut' trekking in the Gran Paradiso National Park of the Italian Alps!

The Alta Via 2 in the Gran Paradiso National Park is one of the classic Alpine hut-to-hut treks amidst Italy's finest wild landscapes. Spectacular scenery and the cosy ambience of the fabulous huts and charming village hotels makes this one of the best hutting experiences in Europe.

This marvellous part of north-western Italy is a region full of magical mountains and rugged valleys. An area of pristine wilderness famed for its abundant wildlife and a multi-day trek amongst these magnificent peaks is an adventure not to be missed!

We will start our trek from the quiet, rural settlement of Chardonney in the beautiful alpine landscapes of Valle di Champorcher. The easiest way to get to the trailhead is by flying (or taking the train) to Turin and onwards transport from there. Our plan is to then spend 5 nights in a mix of mountain refuges, hostels and hotels as we travel along our linear 'east to west' route through the towering mountains and passes along the AV2.

Although our trek enjoys some comfortable huts and cosy Alpine hotels the route is not without some challenges. There are many steep climbs and some challenging terrain. We won't be doing any technical mountaineering but these are wild and rugged mountains where we will often be far from civilization.

Heading into the mountains from Chardonney we will soon find ourselves immersed in the isolation of the wild landscapes. Here amongst the soaring summits we will enjoy a series of stays in comfortable mountain refuges as well as enjoying nights in the Alpine villages.

Our high mountain adventure will involve 5 days of alpine trekking amidst magnificent mountain scenery as we cross terrain in excess of 3000m. Although this trek might not be as famous as the Tour du Mont Blanc it is every bit as inspiring and rewarding. It is an undoubted classic and a great introduction to Alpine hut-to-hut trekking for mountain lovers who enjoy a bit of a challenge and have a head for heights.

We intend to take a small group of adventurous hikers into this wild region in the far northwest of Italy. Each stage of our trek will have its challenges but there are no glacier crossings requiring ropes. There will however be some rough ground and exposure. It is unsuitable for anyone who suffers from vertigo.

Our intended route is:

Sunday 1 Sept: Meet in Turin. There are flights from most UK airports.

Monday 2 Sept: We will need to take the train to Hone and then the bus for the 10 mile journey to Chardonney from where we will trek to into the mountains to sleep at Rifugio Miserin (dinner & breakfast included).

Tuesday 3 Sept: Trek from Rifugio Miserin to our hostel in Cogne (breakfast included).

Wednesday 4 Sept: Trek from Cogne to Rifugio Vittorio Sella (dinner & breakfast included).

Thursday 5 Sept: Trek from Rifugio Vittorio Sella to our 3 star hotel in Eaux Rouses (dinner & breakfast included).

Friday 6 Sept: Trek from Eaux Rouses to Rhêmes-Notre-Dame. Buses run to Aosta where we spend our final night at a 3 star hotel.

Saturday 7 Sept: Trains run regularly to Turin.

This trip involves trekking in a high mountain environment along strenuous routes. There will be steep ascents & descents involved, on sometimes rough or unclear paths. For this reason the trip is best suited to fit and well equipped hikers with mountain hiking experience.

PRICE - £585

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

Accommodation - 5 nights in shared accommodation. Two mountain refuges, two hotels & one hostel.

Four Breakfasts & three dinners. Please see the itinerary above for more details.

Logistical support and planning.

Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

Flights & airport transfers.

Travel insurance.

Local bus, train or taxi journeys.

Packed lunches. We can get supplies in the local shops or buy packed lunches at the refuges.

Sunday night in Turin. There are many good hotels and guesthouse etc to choose from.

Alpine guide. This is a self guided walking holiday. Please remember that you hike and join our organised itineraries at your own risk. It is important that you understand that you are responsible for your own safety.

Recommended maps for this trek are available locally and we advise that you never hike alone.

Flights. Turin is possibly the best airport to fly out to. It is best to book early!

Of course staying for extra nights in Turin is also a possibility and is highly recommended.

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment. The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS

Sort Code: 090127

Account Number: 22440622

Only payment secures your place. Your RSVP is not sufficient for us to hold a place for you. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm things with you.

This trip is recommended for fit and experienced hikers.