Trekking around the Gran Paradiso National Park - Canavese - Piedmont

#hashtag: Piedmont hiking tour, Gran Paradiso Tour, Piedmont hiking tour

The Gran Paradiso Giroparco is an incredible 8-stage trek that winds through the Piedmont side of the Gran Paradiso National Park, following the Royal Hunting Trails of the Savoy family.
You will discover pristine and wild valleys, magnificent glacial lakes and alpine panoramas, towering peaks that have shaped the history of mountaineering in Piedmont, extraordinary flora and fauna in one of the wildest corners of the Alps, as well as sanctuaries and cultural landmarks.

The trek is divided into 8 daily stages and starts from the Città di Chivasso Refuge at Nivolet, passing through the territories of Ceresole Reale, Noasca, Locana, Ribordone, Ronco Canavese, and Valprato Soana, before exiting Piedmont through the Larissa Pass in Valle Soana and connecting to the Aosta Valley section of the itinerary.

You will walk between 5 and 15 km per day, with a maximum positive elevation gain of approximately 1500m.
Accommodations and meals will be provided in refuges and small hotels, except for the first night where we will sleep in the remote Giraudo Bivouac (2630m) and the sixth night where we will stay in San Besso (2060m). Some stages will include packed lunches and breakfasts.
There will also be opportunities to taste local products at KM0.
You will be accompanied by an experienced local hiking guide and will have daily logistical support for your luggage and personal belongings.

The Giroparco largely follows the Royal Hunting Trails, which were built in the mid-19th century by the House of Savoy to connect the five "royal hunting lodges" of the Reserve, which later became Italy's first National Park in 1922.
With a constant gradient of around 8/10% and marvelous dry stone walls and paved sections, the trails were designed to provide convenient access for the royal procession to the hunting lodges with horse-riding paths.
Along the route, you can encounter the extraordinary flora and fauna typical of the Park (marmots, chamois, ibex, birds of prey) and discover sanctuaries where miraculous events took place (Sanctuary of Sant'Anna dei Meinardi in Locana, Sanctuary of Prascondù and the Park's religious heritage museum in Ribordone, Sanctuary of San Besso in Valprato Soana), as well as important architectural landmarks reflecting local culture and history (Casa di caccia del Gran Piano, rock engravings, alpine hamlets).

This package is designed for nature and adventure enthusiasts who seek an authentic experience away from mass tourism, in a rare and pristine environmental and landscape setting.

It is suitable for tourists of all ages who have a good spirit of adaptability, are physically fit, and have experience walking in the mountains.

In addition to hiking, you will also have the opportunity to try other activities such as climbing or mountain biking.

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

Book your excursion in the Piedmont side of the Gran Paradiso National Park today!

1° Giorno:

Rifugio Città di Chivasso - Giraudo Bivouac

• Meeting with the guide at the Chivasso Refuge, briefing, and departure towards Colle della Terra, passing by the charming Lago Losere
• From Colle della Terra, we descend towards the fantastic Lago Lillet, nestled beneath a rock wall
• Picnic lunch and relaxation with a splendid view
• We continue and in a short time, through some ups and downs, we reach Colle della Porta (3002m)
• From the pass, the ancient royal road continues through snowfields and scree, leading to Lago della Piatta and the nearby Giraudo Bivouac (2630m)
• Dinner and overnight stay at the Bivouac

Distance: approximately 4.3 km
Positive elevation gain (D+): 809m
Negative elevation gain (D-): 800m
Total time: approximately 6 hours
Maximum altitude: 3018m
Minimum altitude: 2431m

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING:
- Trekking backpack (25/30L)
- Water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Crampons
- Layered technical clothing (the "onion" system)
- Hat or bandana
- Breathable T-shirts
- Breathable base layer
- Breathable second layer (e.g., fleece sweater)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (shell)
- Heavy down jacket
- Water-repellent trekking pants
- Trekking boots (preferably waterproof)
- Gloves

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

ACCESSORIES:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with appropriate UV protection
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Mobile phone and charger
- Headlamp
- Cash (not all refuges accept credit cards)

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:
- Thermal underwear (in cold weather and based on personal preferences)
- First aid kit (important: adhesive bandages)
- Tick repellent
- Energy bars
- 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 rentals and provide you with what you need!

Technical Characteristics:

Hikers should be capable of tackling ascents of at least +1500m and distances of approximately 15km, on various types of terrain (earthy, stony, rocky, forested). The route may have some easy exposed or equipped sections that do not require special equipment or technical skills, but they are not recommended for those who suffer from severe vertigo or have an insecure footing. 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 alpine refuges (with single rooms if available). However, if you prefer accommodations with higher comfort levels, do not hesitate to contact us for a tailored offer! We will find the most suitable solution for you! Some tours may include overnight stays at alpine bivouacs, which do not offer any comfort facilities except for mattresses and blankets. These are unique experiences, but it is necessary 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:

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

- Always ask before taking photos of people. - Leave no trace of your presence, do not leave any waste behind. - 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 the accommodation facilities.

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

From Turin:
From Torino Lingotto, Porta Nuova, or Porta Susa train stations, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, disembark 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, disembark and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.

From Milan:
From Milan Centrale station, take the train towards Torino Porta Nuova.
From Porta Nuova station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, disembark and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.

From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express train to Milan Centrale station.
At Milan Centrale, take a train to Torino Porta Nuova.
At Torino Porta Nuova, disembark, change trains, and take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
Disembark 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 Torino Porta Susa station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, disembark and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.

By Car from Turin:
Drive towards the north ring road of Turin, take the exit to Caselle, and follow the Torino-Caselle expressway. Take the third exit towards Rivarolo/Parco Gran Paradiso (SS460) and follow it to Ceresole Reale.

By Car from Milan:
Take the A4 highway towards Turin, exit at Santhia' towards Ivrea/Aosta (E25), and at Ivrea, exit again and follow the signs to Ceresole Reale/Parco Gran Paradiso.

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