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Ski mountaineering tour of Gran Paradiso Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta
Location: Locana Canavese (TO)
Guide language: IT, EN
★★★★★ 0.0/5
Ski mountaineering tour of Gran Paradiso Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta
#hashtag: Ski mountaineering Gran Paradiso – Ski mountaineering Tour of Gran Paradiso
This incredible ski mountaineering tour, between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, is to be considered among the most beautiful in all the Alps.
Immersed in the wild nature of the Gran Paradiso National Park, we will go up and then down several valleys making a complete ring with departure and arrival in Locana.
The itinerary does not include climbing to the top of Gran Paradiso (4,061 metres), the only entirely Italian 4000m peak, but it is possible to include it without changing the duration of the tour.
We will discover uncontaminated and wild valleys, grandiose glacial lakes and alpine panoramas, walls and sharp peaks that have made the history of mountaineering, extraordinary flora and fauna in one of the wildest corners of all the Alps, as well as sanctuaries and testimonies of culture and local history.
The Ski Mountaineering Tour in Gran Paradiso is divided into 5 stages and starts from the Pontese Refuge near Locana, in the Piantonetto valley, and then moves to the Aosta Valley where we will descend to Lillaz, in the Cogne valley, to then continue towards the refuge Vittorio Sella, the Chabot refuge, the Vittorio Emanuele II refuge, and then returning to Piedmont, where the wildest part of the tour awaits us, in the remote Noaschetta valley, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso park. From here we will shortly return to the Pontese refuge to close the ring.
The individual stages are between 7 and 18 km per day, with a maximum positive difference in altitude of approximately 1500m.
The itinerary described may be modified based on snow and safety conditions. For the fittest it is also possible to compress the tour into 4 days instead of 5.
Overnight stays, dinners and breakfasts will be in refuges and small hotels, lunches will be packed.
There will also be the opportunity to taste typical local products at KM0.
You will be accompanied by an expert mountain guide in the area, and upon request you can benefit from daily logistical support for your luggage and other personal effects.
This package was designed for those who love nature and adventure, outside of industrial and mass tourism, in a rare and intact environmental and landscape context.
This package is suitable for travelers of all ages with a good spirit of adaptation, good training and skiing technique, and accustomed to some stretches of portage.
In addition to ski mountaineering, on request, you can also try other activities, such as climbing or MTB.
Don’t miss the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe and the oldest in Italy.
Book the Gran Paradiso ski mountaineering tour today!
Copri
Period
Spring
Athletic level
2
Ideal for
Couples, Groups, Singles
Duration
6D
Technical level
2
People
4
Tour type
Ring
D+
6620m
Q max
4061 m
Total km
80km
D-
6620
Q min
1450
Ground
Snow
Period
Spring
Duration
6D
People
4
Ideal for
Couples, Groups, Singles
Technical level
2
Athletic level
2
Km totali
80
Tour type
Ring
Ground
Snow
D +
6620
D -
6620
Q max
4061
Q min
1450
Comfort
2
Landscape/nature
3
culture
2
Relax
2
Accomodation: Refuge, Hotel
Meals: Refuge, Restaurant, Packed
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Main points
Included / Extras available
Not included
What will you need
Practical info
How to reach us
Program
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Multi-day circular ski mountaineering tour in the Gran Paradiso Park, the oldest protected area in Italy
- Overnight stays in refuges and small hotels
- All meals are included, and you can taste typical KM0 products
- Accompaniment by certified local guides
- Close encounters with the typical fauna of the Gran Paradiso National Park (ibex, chamois, eagles, bearded vultures, marmots, etc)
- Authentic immersion in a wild and uncontaminated place
- Possibility of customizing the tour with other activities or experiences, additional days or other extras (see dedicated section)
- We undertake to collect any waste found during the excursion
- We offer the possibility of offsetting the CO2 produced by the tour by planting trees
- As far as possible we choose eco-friendly accommodation facilities and restaurateurs who offer local, organic and KM0 products
- We try as much as possible to avoid the use of motor vehicles as much as possible
Incluso
Extra
Certified guide
Insurance
Overnight stays
Breakfasts
Lunches
Dinners
Spa
Yoga
Tipical snack/dinner
Luggage transfer
Photographer
Beekeeping
Visit the temple of Damanhur
Equipment
- Airport/station transfer to and from the meeting point
- Everything not specified in ""Included""
- Extra meals and drinks not specified
- Equipment unless specified
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING:
- Trekking backpack (25/30L)
- Bottle of water
- Trekking poles
- Crampons
- Layered technical clothing ("onion" system)
- Hat or bandana
- Breathable T-shirts
- Breathable base layer
- Breathable second layer (e.g. fleece sweater)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (rubber)
- Heavy winter jacket
- Water-repellent trekking trousers
- Trekking boots (possibly waterproof)
- Gloves
PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS:
- Mask
- Hand sanitizer
- Towel
- Sheet and blanket or light sleeping bag
- Soap, shampoo, etc.
ACCESSORIES:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with adequate UV protection
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Cell phone and charger
- Head torch
- Cash (not all refuges accept credit cards)
OTHER RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:
- Thermal underwear (in cold conditions and according to personal preferences)
- First aid kit (important: adhesive plasters)
- Tick repellent
- Energy bars
- Power bank for your cell phone
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
- Identity card / Passport
If you need equipment or anything else, don't hesitate to contact us! We will take care of the rental and provide you with what you need!
- Trekking backpack (25/30L)
- Bottle of water
- Trekking poles
- Crampons
- Layered technical clothing ("onion" system)
- Hat or bandana
- Breathable T-shirts
- Breathable base layer
- Breathable second layer (e.g. fleece sweater)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (rubber)
- Heavy winter jacket
- Water-repellent trekking trousers
- Trekking boots (possibly waterproof)
- Gloves
PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS:
- Mask
- Hand sanitizer
- Towel
- Sheet and blanket or light sleeping bag
- Soap, shampoo, etc.
ACCESSORIES:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with adequate UV protection
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Cell phone and charger
- Head torch
- Cash (not all refuges accept credit cards)
OTHER RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:
- Thermal underwear (in cold conditions and according to personal preferences)
- First aid kit (important: adhesive plasters)
- Tick repellent
- Energy bars
- Power bank for your cell phone
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
- Identity card / Passport
If you need equipment or anything else, don't hesitate to contact us! We will take care of the rental and provide you with what you need!
Technical characteristics:
Participants must be able to deal with height differences of at least +1500m and distances of approximately 15km, on various types of terrain (earthy, stony, rocky, wooded). The route may have some exposed or aided easy sections that do not require special equipment or technical skills, but are not recommended for those who suffer from severe vertigo or have unsteady pace. Upon request, the trekking program can be customized according to your skill level.
Accommodation and Meals:
To fully immerse our guests in the Alpine climate and mountain environment, our default accommodation is in Alpine huts (with single rooms where available). However, if you prefer accommodation with higher levels of comfort, do not hesitate to contact us for a tailor-made offer! We will find the most suitable solution for you! Some tours may include overnight stays in Alpine bivouacs, which offer no comforts except mattresses and blankets. They are unique experiences, but you need to be adaptable.
All dinners and breakfasts are included and available directly at the refuge or bivouac. Lunches are also included and will be packed. Other meals not mentioned in the description of the various stages are not included in the fee.
Responsible Tourism:
Traveling while respecting the environment, the places and the people who welcome us:
- Always ask before taking photos of people. - Leave no trace of your presence, do not leave waste. - Do not collect "souvenirs" from protected natural environments and archaeological sites. - Always try to follow the paths, do not disturb the animals and do not damage the plants. - Don't waste water and energy, precious resources for the entire planet. - Respect the rules established by the owners of the accommodation facilities.
Participants must be able to deal with height differences of at least +1500m and distances of approximately 15km, on various types of terrain (earthy, stony, rocky, wooded). The route may have some exposed or aided easy sections that do not require special equipment or technical skills, but are not recommended for those who suffer from severe vertigo or have unsteady pace. Upon request, the trekking program can be customized according to your skill level.
Accommodation and Meals:
To fully immerse our guests in the Alpine climate and mountain environment, our default accommodation is in Alpine huts (with single rooms where available). However, if you prefer accommodation with higher levels of comfort, do not hesitate to contact us for a tailor-made offer! We will find the most suitable solution for you! Some tours may include overnight stays in Alpine bivouacs, which offer no comforts except mattresses and blankets. They are unique experiences, but you need to be adaptable.
All dinners and breakfasts are included and available directly at the refuge or bivouac. Lunches are also included and will be packed. Other meals not mentioned in the description of the various stages are not included in the fee.
Responsible Tourism:
Traveling while respecting the environment, the places and the people who welcome us:
- Always ask before taking photos of people. - Leave no trace of your presence, do not leave waste. - Do not collect "souvenirs" from protected natural environments and archaeological sites. - Always try to follow the paths, do not disturb the animals and do not damage the plants. - Don't waste water and energy, precious resources for the entire planet. - Respect the rules established by the owners of the accommodation facilities.
Whether you travel by train or plane, the Orco Valley and the Gran Paradiso National Park are easily reachable from the main stations and airports of Milan and Turin in about 2-3 hours.
From Turin:
From the Torino Lingotto, Porta Nuova or Porta Susa railway stations, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Turin-Caselle airport, take the train to Torino Dora station.
At Torino Dora, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Milan:
From Milano Centrale station, take the train towards Torino Porta Nuova.
From Porta Nuova station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale station.
At Milano Centrale, take a train to Torino Porta Nuova.
At Torino Porta Nuova, get off, change trains and take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
Get off at Rivarolo Canavese station and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
Alternatively, by bus:
From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the SADEM bus to Torino Porta Susa station.
From Porta Susa station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
By car from Turin:
Drive towards the northern ring road of Turin, take the Caselle exit and follow the Turin-Caselle highway. Take the third exit towards Rivarolo/Parco Gran Paradiso (SS460) and follow it to Ceresole Reale.
By car from Milan:
Take the A4 motorway towards Turin, exit at Santhià towards Ivrea/Aosta (E25), and in Ivrea exit again and follow the signs for Ceresole Reale/Parco Gran Paradiso.
Contact us if you need a private transfer from Milan/Turin to Canavese or if you need further information on how to reach us.
From Turin:
From the Torino Lingotto, Porta Nuova or Porta Susa railway stations, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Turin-Caselle airport, take the train to Torino Dora station.
At Torino Dora, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Milan:
From Milano Centrale station, take the train towards Torino Porta Nuova.
From Porta Nuova station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale station.
At Milano Centrale, take a train to Torino Porta Nuova.
At Torino Porta Nuova, get off, change trains and take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
Get off at Rivarolo Canavese station and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
Alternatively, by bus:
From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the SADEM bus to Torino Porta Susa station.
From Porta Susa station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
By car from Turin:
Drive towards the northern ring road of Turin, take the Caselle exit and follow the Turin-Caselle highway. Take the third exit towards Rivarolo/Parco Gran Paradiso (SS460) and follow it to Ceresole Reale.
By car from Milan:
Take the A4 motorway towards Turin, exit at Santhià towards Ivrea/Aosta (E25), and in Ivrea exit again and follow the signs for Ceresole Reale/Parco Gran Paradiso.
Contact us if you need a private transfer from Milan/Turin to Canavese or if you need further information on how to reach us.
1° DD:
Distance: approximately 2 KM
Positive altitude difference D+: 230m
Negative height difference D-: 10m
Total time: approximately 1h
Maximum height: 2106m
Minimum height: 1880m
From the bar
Distance: approximately 6.2 KM
Positive altitude difference D+: 670m
Negative height difference D-: 30m
Total time: approximately 3 hours
Maximum height: 2106m
Minimum height: 1450m
Climb to the Pontese refuge
- Meeting in the early afternoon with the mountain guide at Locana, briefing and transfer by car to the Piantonetto valley
- Depending on the snow, we will start either directly from the dam car park (1880m) or from the barrier located approximately 3 km before (1450m)
- Climb to the Pontese refuge (2200m), dinner and overnight stay
Distance: approximately 2 KM
Positive altitude difference D+: 230m
Negative height difference D-: 10m
Total time: approximately 1h
Maximum height: 2106m
Minimum height: 1880m
From the bar
Distance: approximately 6.2 KM
Positive altitude difference D+: 670m
Negative height difference D-: 30m
Total time: approximately 3 hours
Maximum height: 2106m
Minimum height: 1450m
2° DD:
Positive altitude difference D+: 1220m
Negative height difference D-: 1680m
Total time: approximately 8 hours
Maximum height: 3300m
Minimum height: 1620m
Rifugio Pontese - Lillaz
- Wake up, breakfast, and early departure towards the Teleccio hill (3304m), in front of the imposing walls of Becco di Valosera, Tribolazione and Gran San Pietro, icons of Piedmontese mountaineering
- Once at the hill, have a packed lunch and relax
- From the hill a very long and fun descent awaits us which will allow us to travel through the entire Valeille valley
- After reaching Lillaz (1608m), a typical dinner awaits us with an overnight stay in a hotel
Positive altitude difference D+: 1220m
Negative height difference D-: 1680m
Total time: approximately 8 hours
Maximum height: 3300m
Minimum height: 1620m
3° DD:
Positive altitude difference D+: 1060m
Negative height difference D-: 120m
Total time: approximately 5 hours
Maximum height: 2574m
Minimum height: 1608m
Lillaz - Vittorio Sella Refuge
- Wake up and breakfast, meeting with the guide and departure with the skins towards Cogne. Climb only day
- We will gently travel along the Valnontey Valley, until we reach the Vittorio Sella refuge at 2580m
- Lunch, dinner and overnight stay in the refuge
Positive altitude difference D+: 1060m
Negative height difference D-: 120m
Total time: approximately 5 hours
Maximum height: 2574m
Minimum height: 1608m
4° DD:
Positive altitude difference D+: 1440m
Negative height difference D-: 1330m
Total time: approximately 7 hours
Maximum height: 3520m
Minimum height: 2580m
Vittorio Sella Refuge - Chabod Refuge
- Wake up, breakfast and departure for a long and great day that will take us above 3500 m above sea level!
- We leave in the direction of the Gran Serra (3552m), where a breathtaking panorama awaits you that sweeps over the highest peaks of the Western Alps
- Short technical descent into the isolated Tymorion valley
- Ascent to the Colle del Gran Neyron, (3400m), in front of the imposing northern part of the Gran Paradiso. Packed lunch at the hill
- Final descent on gentle slopes towards the Chabod refuge (2,750 m)
- Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge
Positive altitude difference D+: 1440m
Negative height difference D-: 1330m
Total time: approximately 7 hours
Maximum height: 3520m
Minimum height: 2580m
5° DD:
Positive altitude difference D+: 720m
Negative height difference D-: 700m
Total time: approximately 5 hours
Maximum height: 3400m
Minimum height: 2730m
Chabod Refuge - Gran Paradiso - Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge
Positive altitude difference D+: 1270m
Negative height difference D-: 1250m
Total time: approximately 10h
Maximum height: 4061m
Minimum height: 2730m
Chabod Refuge - Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge (without climbing to the summit of Gran Paradiso 4061m)
- Wake up, have breakfast and leave for a less busy day than the previous one
- We go up the Laveciau glacier up to an altitude of 3400m, then go down the hill to the right and descend on gentle slopes towards the historic refuge Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2730m)
- Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge
Positive altitude difference D+: 720m
Negative height difference D-: 700m
Total time: approximately 5 hours
Maximum height: 3400m
Minimum height: 2730m
Chabod Refuge - Gran Paradiso - Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge
- Wake up before dawn, breakfast and departure for the stage that will take us to the summit of the only uniquely Italian 4000m peak
- We go up the Laveciau glacier up to the humpback at around 3700m, then we continue with a traverse that reaches the easy rocks that lead to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4061m)
- After a break to enjoy the fantastic 360° panorama offered by the summit, we begin the descent towards the historic Vittorio Emanuele II refuge (2730m)
- Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge
Positive altitude difference D+: 1270m
Negative height difference D-: 1250m
Total time: approximately 10h
Maximum height: 4061m
Minimum height: 2730m
6° DD:
Distance: approximately 17 KM
Positive altitude difference D+: 940m
Negative height difference D-: 1770m
Total time: approximately 7 hours
Maximum height: 3400m
Minimum height: 1885m
On the stand
Distance: approximately 21 KM
Positive altitude difference D+: 950m
Negative height difference D-: 2220m
Total time: approximately 8 hours
Maximum height: 3400m
Minimum height: 1450m
Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge - Pontese Refuge (2200m)
- Wake up at dawn, breakfast and departure for the wildest stage of the Tour
- We return to Piedmont by climbing to the Gran Paradiso hill (3345m)
- We descend into the remote and little-known Noaschetta valley up to the Ivrea bivouac at 2745m.
- We go back up to Colle dei Becchi (2990m) and descend in front of the Southern Becco della Tribulation, a granite pyramid that is an icon of this territory.
- And after 6 days spent between 2000 and 4000m, here we are again returning to the Pontese refuge (2200m) in the Piantonetto valley, where a well-deserved lunch awaits us
- We begin the return descent which quickly takes us to the dam car park or to the barrier
Distance: approximately 17 KM
Positive altitude difference D+: 940m
Negative height difference D-: 1770m
Total time: approximately 7 hours
Maximum height: 3400m
Minimum height: 1885m
On the stand
Distance: approximately 21 KM
Positive altitude difference D+: 950m
Negative height difference D-: 2220m
Total time: approximately 8 hours
Maximum height: 3400m
Minimum height: 1450m
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Terms and conditions
Here are our booking and payment policies:
- 30% deposit at the time of booking
- Balance due within 15 days of tour departure date
- Cancellation up to 60 days before departure: full refund (100%)
- Cancellation between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% refund
- Cancellation between 30 and 15 days before departure: 30% refund
- Cancellation within 15 days before departure: no refund