Aosta Alta Via 1 Guided Hike

Exploring Moulin Lake on the Aosta Alta Via 1 Guided Walk

Hiking the Alta Via in Italy

Monte Rosa view | Dana Garofani

Cows grazing in the postcard perfect setting of the Gressoney Valley

Exploring Moulin Lake on the Aosta Alta Via 1 Guided Walk

Hiking the Alta Via in Italy

Monte Rosa view | Dana Garofani

Cows grazing in the postcard perfect setting of the Gressoney Valley

challenging

Activities

guided alpine walk

Accommodation

6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels or mountain hotels

Meals

6 Dinners
6 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1210GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: VAG

Trip highlights

Trek through stunning alpine scenery high among prestigious peaks
Hike on the southern slopes of the Pennine Alps away from crowded trails
Enjoy great views of 4000m+ peaks including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Matterhorn and the Grand Combin
Sharing your hiking day with a group of like minded travellers

The Aosta Alta Via 1, also known as the High Route of the Giants, is an epic alpine traverse of the Pennine Alps, one of the highest ranges of the Alps. Located between Switzerland's Valais canton and the provinces of Piedmont and Aosta in Italy, the Pennines have around half of the Alps' 4000m+ peaks and this hike offers sweeping panoramic views of Monte Rosa, Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Grand Combin, the most prestigious peaks. Running along the slopes of the Dora Baltea river and across the Aosta valley, the hike features steep ascents to high mountain passes and deep descents to the valleys below. Scenic mountain huts and alpine inns provide hearty meals and a comfortable sleep, well earned after the vigorous walking. This is a challenging hike in a relatively remote area and recommended for hikers with previous alpine experience.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Gressoney

Finishing Point:

Gressoney

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Meet at Gressoney-la-Trinite, ascend alpine meadows to Alpenzu (3hrs)

In the early afternoon (1.30pm) you will meet your guide and group in Gressoney-la-Trinite. From Gressoney, we climb up to Alpenzu meadow and our refuge for the night. The village of Alpenzu is home to one of the oldest Walser settlements with well preserved alpine houses dating back to the 17th Century. From the village there are incredible views to Monte Rosa and the whole Gressonney valley. Tonight you are in for a treat, with the refuge serving fresh local ingredients from the farm "Paysage à manger" in Gressoney, typical of the Aosta. This may be polenta with carbonada or the typical Walser dumplings, "chnefflene" (for example). Ascent: +300m/990ft, Descent: -150m/495ft

Meals: D

Day 2
Cross the Pinter Pass (2777m) to Crest (6hrs)

Today we ascend the flanks of the mighty Monte Rosa before continuing across the Pinter pass (2777m/9164ft). This takes us under the Testa Grigia on the Aosta Valley-Valais border. There will likely be patches of snow, which can survive almost till the end of summer at these altitudes. We descend to reach the village of Crest and our overnight accommodation. Ascent: +1050m/3465ft, Descent: -910m/3000ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Ascend the Valley Ayas and cross the Evançon to our refugio (6.5hrs)

Today we ascend the valley of Ayas to the charming village of St Jacques, with great views of the Bec de Nannaz (3003m). We cross the Evançon to go up the Nana valley, watched over by the Grand and Petit Tournalin. Enroute the expansive views of the Pennine Alps will leave you awe struck. Ascent: +1226m/4045ft, Descent: -625m/2062ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Cross the Nanaz Pass (2773m) with views of the Breuil Cervinia and Monte Rosa (6.5hrs)

We continue along the Alta Via 1 crossing the Nanaz pass (2773 m). Here we discover the Val Tournenche, home to the famous Breuil-Cervinia ski resort town near the top of the Aosta valley and nestled beneath the Matterhorn. Mont Rosa is just on our right. We descend to our overnight refuge on the shores of Cygne lake (2160m), a man made lake formed from a dam. Ascent: +1005m/3316ft, Descent: -1160m/3828ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Cross to the valley of St Barthelemy to Cuney Lake (6.5hrs)

We hike up to the 'Fenetre d'Ersaz' then the 'Fenetre du Tzan' (2736m) and enter the valley of St Barthelemy. After discovering Luseney lake, we arrive at the foot of Becca Fontaney and Becca del Merlo near to Cuney lake where our refuge (2652m) was built on the site of a chapel dating from the 17th Century. The chapel was established next to a consecrated spring which has been the destination for pilgrims for centuries. We are likely to spot Ibex and Chamois grazing on nearby slopes. Ascent: +1100m/3630ft, Descent: -865m/2855ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Three pass crossings to the Valley of Pelline to Oyace (6hrs)

Another great day! With no less than three passes to cross we reach the famous Val Pelline. You may have already walked here if you’ve trekked around the Grand Combin or the Matterhorn. Ascent: +509m/1680m, Descent: -1500m/4950ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Final stage to an amphitheatre showcasing stunning alpine scenery at Lago Morto (5hrs), return to Gressoney

From Lake Place di Moulin, we ascend in the alpine pastures of Plan Vallon crossing a vast amphitheater. We then reach Lake Lago then Lake Morto, both remarkably blue! Our hike ends in the town of Bionaz around 2pm, before we return to Gressoney by local bus. Ascent: +839m/2769ft/ Descent: -839m/2769ft

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges on a dormitory share basis.
Luggage transfer by mule, 1 piece maximum 7kg
Experienced mountain guide
Local bus to Gressoney on day 7

What's not included

Travel to and from the start and end point in Gressoney
Drinks and snacks eg trail mix and protein bars
Travel insurance - mandatory
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Mountain Gite

Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 15 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 4-12). In the dorms beds are often bunks, always with separate mattresses. Blankets are provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.

Suitability

challenging

CHALLENGING – GRADE 5 The hiking is challenging (5) grade with daily guided hikes of around 5-6 hours, and maximum ascents of 1250 metres per day. Every day involves steep uphills, sharp descents and many sections of the trail which require care with loose rock on the trail. There are short stages where chains and cables are there to support hikers. If you suffer from vertigo there are parts of the trail that are quite exposed. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness and a good hiking pace to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for hikers with experience in alpine terrain. If you have no alpine experience, we recommend you participate in a series of hikes of 7-8 hours with lots of uphills and downhills - this will gauge your suitability for this hike. If for any reason during the trip the guide considers, in his or her sole discretion, that your fitness or mental or physical health is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others, he or she may direct you not to continue and you must follow the guide’s instructions. In this case you will not be entitled to any refund. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on sections of the trail which may be quite deep. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong hot sun and extreme winds. Pre trip training should involve a combination of cardio vascular sessions of 45 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, coupled with endurance hikes of up to 8 hours carrying a daypack. Our staff are happy to provide further advice on pre trip training. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk.

Departure dates

Notes

Note:

Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking.

Note:

Hiking boots with good ankle support are a requirement for this hike.

Priceper person from

£1210GBP

Options & Supplements*

Additional luggage storage - per 15kg bagGBP£60

*Prices listed are per person

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