Ski touring: tour of Gran Paradiso - Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta

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This incredible ski mountaineering tour, between Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, is considered one of the most beautiful in all of the Alps.

Immersed in the wild nature of the Gran Paradiso National Park, we will ascend and descend various valleys, completing a full loop starting and ending in Locana.

The itinerary does not include the ascent to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4,061 meters), the only 4,000-meter peak entirely in Italy, but it can be added without modifying the tour duration.

We will explore pristine and wild valleys, magnificent glacial lakes, alpine panoramas, walls, and sharp peaks that have made mountaineering history, extraordinary flora and fauna in one of the wildest corners of the Alps, as well as sanctuaries and evidence of local culture and history.

The Ski Mountaineering Tour in Gran Paradiso consists of 5 stages and starts from Rifugio Pontese near Locana, in the Piantonetto Valley. We then move to Valle d'Aosta, where we will descend to Lillaz in the Cogne Valley. We will continue towards Rifugio Vittorio Sella, Rifugio Chabot, Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II, before returning to Piedmont, where the wildest part of the tour awaits in the remote Noaschetta valley, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso Park. From here, we will quickly return to Rifugio Pontese to complete the loop.

The individual stages are between 7 and 18 km per day, with a maximum positive elevation gain of approximately 1500m.

The described itinerary may be modified based on snow and safety conditions. For the more trained, it's also possible to condense the tour into 4 days instead of 5.

Overnight stays, dinners, and breakfasts will be in mountain huts and small hotels, and lunches will be packed. There will also be an opportunity to taste local products at 0KM.
You will be accompanied by an experienced alpine guide, and upon request, you can benefit from daily logistical support for luggage and other personal effects.

This package is designed for those who love nature and adventure, outside of industrial and mass tourism, in a rare and pristine 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 a habit of some portage.

In addition to ski mountaineering, upon request, you can also try other activities such as climbing or mountain biking.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe and the oldest in Italy.

Book today the ski mountaineering tour of the Gran Paradiso

1° Giorno:

Ascent to Rifugio Pontese

• Meeting in the early afternoon with the alpine guide in Locana, briefing, and car transfer to the Piantonetto valley
• Depending on the snow conditions, we will start either directly from the dam parking lot (1880m) or from the barrier located about 3 km before (1450m)
• Ascent to Rifugio Pontese (2200m), dinner, and overnight stay

From the dam parking lot

Distance: about 2 KM
Positive elevation gain D+: 230m
Negative elevation gain D-: 10m
Total time: about 1h
Maximum altitude: 2106m
Minimum altitude: 1880m

From the barrier

Distance: about 6.2 KM
Positive elevation gain D+: 670m
Negative elevation gain D-: 30m
Total time: about 3h
Maximum altitude: 2106m
Minimum altitude: 1450m

GEAR AND CLOTHING:
- Ski mountaineering equipment (skis, skins, bindings, ski poles, and ski mountaineering boots)
- Self-rescue kit (Avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel)
- Ski mountaineering ice axe
- Ski mountaineering crampons
- Harness
- Helmet
- Cord or sling for a 240cm loop
- Screw-lock carabiner
- Technical layered clothing suitable for ski mountaineering
- Ski mountaineering backpack (35L)
- Water bottle
- 2 pairs of winter gloves
- Shelter clothing for refuge stays
- Spare socks
- Spare clean clothes according to personal preferences

PERSONAL HYGIENE SUPPLIES:
- Face mask
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Towel
- Sleeping bag liner and blanket or a lightweight sleeping bag
- Soap, shampoo, etc.

ACCESSORIES:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with appropriate UV protection
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Mobile phone and charger
- Headlamp + rechargeable batteries
- Euros in cash (not all refuges accept credit cards)

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:
- Thermal underwear (in cold periods and based on personal preferences)
- First aid kit (important: band-aids)
- Energy bars
- GPS device - Power bank for your mobile phone

REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:

- ID 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 Features:

Ski mountaineers capable of tackling ascents of at least +1500m and distances of about 15km, on various slopes (not exceeding 30°). The route may have some exposed and/or equipped sections that do not require the use of special equipment or technical passages. However, they are not recommended for those who suffer from severe vertigo and/or lack a secure step. Upon request, the program can be customized based on your skill level.

Accommodation and Meals

To immerse our guests in the alpine climate and mountain environment, we propose mountain huts as the default accommodation (with single rooms if available) and small family-run hotels.
If you prefer accommodations with higher comfort levels, feel free to contact us for a customized offer!
We will find the most suitable solution for you!

All dinners and breakfasts are included and available directly at the mountain hut or hotel.
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.

Conscious Tourist

To travel in respect of the environment, places, and people who welcome us:

- Always ask before taking pictures of people
- Leave no trace of your passage, do not litter
- Do not collect "souvenirs" from protected natural environments and archaeological sites
- Always try to follow the trails, do not disturb animals, and do not damage plants
- Do not waste water and energy, precious resources for the entire planet
- Respect the rules established by the owners of accommodation facilities

Whether you're traveling by train or plane, the Valle Orco and the Gran Paradiso National Park are easily accessible from the main train stations and airports in Milan and Turin, in approximately 2/3 hours.

From Turin:
From the Turin Lingotto, Porta Nuova, or Porta Susa stations, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Locana Canavese.

From Turin-Caselle Airport, take the train to Turin Dora station.
At Turin Dora, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
Get off at Rivarolo and take the bus to Locana Canavese..

From Milan:
From Milan Centrale station, take the railway line towards Turin Porta Nuova.
From Porta Nuova station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
Get off at Rivarolo and take the bus to Locana Canavese..

From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express train to Milan Centrale station.
At Milan Centrale, take a train to Turin Porta Nuova.
At Turin 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 Locana Canavese.

Or by bus:
From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the SADEM bus to Torino Porta Susa station.
From Torino Porta Susa station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
Get off at Rivarolo and take the bus to Locana Canavese..

By car from Turin:
By car, head towards the North Tangenziale of Turin, exit at Caselle, and take the Torino-Caselle expressway, take the third exit towards Rivarolo/Gran Paradiso Park (SS460), and follow it to Locana Canavese..

By car from Milan:
Take the A4 highway towards Turin, exit at Santhià towards Ivrea/Aosta (E25), exit again at Ivrea, and follow the signs for Locana Canavese/Gran Paradiso Park.

Contact us if you need a private transfer from Milan/Turin to Canavese, or if you need further information on how to reach us.