Seasons
June through October. Snow may be encountered on high altitude routes in early summer. As of July, wildflowers bring carpets of colour. Mountain huts open in summer but valley villages provide meals and accommodation year-round.
Centres
Cogne, Valnontey, Lillaz, Gimillan, Dégioz, Eaux Rousses, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, Noasca, Ceresole Reale, Colle del Nicolet, Ronco Canavese and Piamprato.
Difficulty
Walks are graded 1-3, ranging from straightforward strolls through to demanding alpine routes. Fitness and some alpine walking experience are preferable, as are good boots. (No special equipment is required.)
Must See
Rugged alpine mountainsides, lakes, river valleys and the Lillaz waterfalls. Wildlife including ibex, chamois, marmots, lammergeier vultures and golden eagles. Admire the magnificent Gran Paradiso peak. Visit or stay at high altitude mountain huts. Explore old alpine hamlets reachable only on foot. Walk across the ancient Roman Pont d’Ael aqueduct-bridge.
Overview
A guidebook to 30 day walks in Italy’s Gran Paradiso National Park, located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions in the Graian Alps. Explore alpine mountainsides, lakes and river valleys in Italy’s oldest national park. The routes are perfect for walking June to October, with options for walkers of all abilities.
Choose from graded hikes ranging from 2.5 to 24km (1.5–15 miles) that can be enjoyed in 1.5–8 hours. The routes are easily accessible by public transport from the park’s villages and valleys. Holiday planning advice and accommodation ideas are also included.
GPX files available to download
1:50,000 maps included for each walk
Detailed information on local wildlife, alpine plants and history
Advice on walking bases
Easy access from Turin and Milan