unparalleled perspectives over the valleys below. Relatively few foreigners venture into GRAN TOUR DESCRIPTION these parts and the culture is distinctively Italian and very relaxed, although French is PARADISO widely spoken. The wild and remote valleys of This information is additional to our General the Valsavarenche, Val di Rhemes, Information Booklet, which is enclosed. Valgrisenche, and Valle di Cogne are dotted
with small but cosy villages where culinary and Please note this is not a supported trek and linguistic traditions are maintained alongside you will have to carry your own equipment modern developments. The cols in between TOUR CODE: 24400 with you. GRADE: C+ HUTTING these places have truly breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, such as the Granta Italian Mountain Heaven The Gran Paradiso is a fantastic, little known, Parei, the Ciaroforon, the Herbetet and the 2016 and as yet quite unspoiled Italian national park. Gran Paradiso itself, together with their Ibex on the dizzying cols, chamois in the empty tumbling glaciers. It may be possible to climb valleys and ambling marmots are a common various peaks from these cols, for example the sight. Eagles and lammergeier also frequent Torre Ponton (3101m), the Punta Basei these parts and edelweiss and vanilla orchids (3338m) and the Becca del Traversière along the paths are not uncommon. Our 30 Jun - 10 July (3337m) from which Mont Blanc, the itinerary is not marred by ski development but 28 July - 07 August Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Castor and Pollux are the valleys are easily accessible by bus from visible. This fabulous part of the autonomous the main Aosta valley to the north. The park, region of Aosta will be our playground for this adjacent to the Vanoise to the south-west, was 11 days superb new tour. created as a hunting ground for King Vittorio
Emanuele and has as a result, for the most Our flight times and the use of a local coach part, good quality tracks at very high levels. company mean that we can spend our first and last nights in mountain huts. When we do stay We start in the Mont Avic National Park to the in the valley it is in the remote hamlet of Bien in east, and move quickly west into the Gran the Valsavarenche, so small it doesn’t show up Paradiso Park itself and stay mostly in multi- on most maps. bedded rooms in high mountain rifugi such as the 'Peradza', the 'Benevolo', the 'Bezzi' and Words cannot do this tour justice – for some the 'Chabod'. The latter is one of the huts from spectacular photos of the scenery through which the Gran Paradiso itself is climbed - which you will be walking consult the individual quieter than the larger V. Emanuele hut not far hutting websites listed below. away - and whilst there are fabulous views of . this 4,061m glaciated peak from the hut itself, we will not be climbing it! We will however be going over a number of spectacular and vertiginous 3,000m+ passes which give
ITINERARY
Overnight Day: Daily itinerary: accommodation:
Rifugio Dondena Depart London Gatwick on British Airways flight to Turin. On arrival in Turin our hired minibus takes us north 1: towards the Alps, then up west into the mountains of the Valle di Champorcher and the Parco Nazionale di Mont
2200m Avic. The last leg of the 2 hour journey is along a dirt road, bringing us up to a parking area from where it’s an easy 15 minute walk to the rifugio.
Hotel Ondezana Our route today takes us west, via the Lago di Miserin and its little church, over the Finestra di Champorcher, then Lillaz, Cogne down into the Vallon di Urtier. We continue down the valley into the woods, past the hamlet of Gollies and on down 2: to Lillaz. 2828m 670m↑ / 1260m↓; 15 km (9.3 miles); 6 hours
We continue from Lillaz the short distance into bustling Cogne, a small holiday town famous for its winter ice Rifugio Vittorio climbing and the largest on the whole tour. We then ascend through woods again towards the Vittorio Sella which Sella 3: we do not see until we are almost upon it. Here we begin to see the glaciated scenery which will be a feature of
walks in days to come. 2584m 1050m↑ / 9km (6 miles); 3 hours
Rifugio Vittorio Sella There is a great deal of scenery to be enjoyed in this glaciated area. Weather and conditions permitting, possible 4: walks include the exposed Casolari dell’Herbetet traverse which can be extended to the Bivacco Leonessa at 2584m 2910m.
The initially gentle approach to the Col Lauson is in a nevertheless wild and remote area which may well be
carpeted with flowers, Edelweiss and gentian are common in the whole of this area and ibex and noisy marmots Camping Hotel frequent the upper reaches. The approach becomes steadily looser and more exposed and care will be needed Grivola, Bien 5: over the col itself, whatever the conditions. From a little way down the other side of the col, we may get a first
glimpse of the peak of the elusive Gran Paradiso itself. After the initial steep and loose descent, the path winds 1635m down in spaghetti loops towards the Valsavarenche, a very long way below, and a little civilisation.
710m↑ / 1660m↓; 17km (10.6 miles); 6¼ hours
We take an early bus, to cut out a little bit of road walking, up the Valsavarenche to the turn-off up towards the Rifugio Chabod Rifugio Chabod at Pravieux. There follows an easy half day on a well-made and well-graded path with ever 6: improving views of the Gran Paradiso massif and its glaciers. More flowers and chamois abound here. Conditions 2750m permitting, the afternoon can be used to walk to the Colle Gran Neyron (3295m), though this is not an easy route. 895m↑ / minimal↓; 2km (1.2 miles); 2½ to 3 hours
A superb traverse of the mountain-side on a rocky path interspersed with meadows takes us just below the Rifugio Città di cavernous Rifugio Vittorio Emmanuele, although we do not go to the hut itself. We descend from below the refuge Chivasso 7: to the holiday village of Pont, where there is one small shop, and then up through the woods to the long Piano del
Nivole and up to the Col del Nivole. We experience changes of scenery and interest throughout. 2604m 650m↑ / 990m↓; 19km (11.8 miles); 6 hours
We cross the road and make our way up the green hillside towards the Col Rosset as our route becomes
increasingly wild and remote. There are superb views backwards over the range from which we have come on the Rifugio way up and superb views all around at the col. The approach to the col itself, similar to that to the Col Lauson, is Benevolo 8: steep, vertiginous and loose and care will be needed whatever the conditions. The Val di Rhemes below looks a
long way away (which it is!), but after the initial steep section we can make progress on good paths towards the 2285m refuge which is out of sight until we are almost upon it. Views here are of the Granta Parei.
590m↑ / 760m↓; 10.5km (6.5 miles); 5 hours
This is another pass in a remote and lunar landscape but with an abundance of bright flowers peeking improbably Rifugio Bezzi from impoverished rock. The views of the Grande Sassière and the Gliairetta Glacier from the Col Bassac Déré fill 9: the view in one direction and the views back to the Gran Paradiso fill the other. There is an optional ascent of the 2284m Becca della Traversière (3337m) on an easy path. 1000m↑ / 1000m↓; 15km (9.5 miles); 7 hours
10: Rifugio Chalet So far we have been moving west; now we turn north and back towards the valley, the lovely Valgrisenche. From de l’Epée the Rifugio Bezzi we descend to the road and climb to the refuge, or we will take the Haute Route Glacière across the hillside towards the Chalet de l’Epée with views of the Testa Rutor to the north. 2370m 670 m↑ / 585m↓; 14km (8.7 miles); 5 hours
A short walk down the mountain brings us to the charming village of Valgrisenche. A 2 hour minibus transfer brings 11: Return to the UK us back to Turin Airport for the flight back home. 100m↑ / 750m↓; 10km (6.2 miles); 3 hours
ACCOMMODATION LIST
Rifugio Dondena Tel: + 39 347 254 8391 The Rifugio Dondena is built on the site of a former hunting lodge Valle di Champorcher Fax: None in a pretty location at the head of the Champorcher Valley. It is a E-mail: [email protected] very hospitable refuge serving traditional Italian country fare and Web: www.rifugidellarosa.it accommodating many day trippers. Free showers.
Hotel Ondezana Tel: + 39 1065 74248 A charming hotel located in the peaceful village of Cogne, which 11012 – Cogne Aosta Fax: None sits at the foot of the Gran Paradiso massif. The hotel is small and Tel: +39 0165-74248 E-mail: [email protected] comfortable, offering facilities such as TV, WiFi, telephone, Web: www.hotelondezana.it restaurant, and bar.
Rifugio Vittorio Sella Tel: + 39 0165 74310 The Vittorio Sella is on the site of another former hunting lodge, a Fax: None big and busy refuge in an imposing location. Facilities include E-mail: [email protected] showers in a separate block and a separate bar area. Web: www.rifugiosella.com
Camping Hotel Grivola Tel: + 39 0165 905743 We are on the valley floor here with the small but welcome Bien Fax: None comforts that this small bit of civilisation affords. We stay in a E-mail: Dupont@camping separate building to the main hotel, in twin or four-bedded rooms hotelgrivola.com with shared facilities. There are no shops in Bien but there is a well Web: www.campinghotel stocked café and bar attached to the hotel which is used by grivola.com holidaying Italians.
Rifugio Chabod Tel: + 39 0165 95574 The Rifugio Chabod is small, busy, relatively modern and in a most 11010 Valsavarenche Fax: + 39 0165 905798 wonderful location. Showers can be had for tokens. There will be E-mail: info@rifugiochabod. many people getting up at about 4am to climb the Gran Paradiso com but once they have gone, peace will return! Web: www.rifugiochabod. com
Rifugo Città di Chivasso Tel: + 39 01249 53150 The hut, set against the hillside overlooks 2 lakes. The 360 degree Colle del Nivolet Fax: None view from just above this refuge of a number of glaciated peaks is 11010 Valsavarenche E-mail: cittadichivasso@ well worth the small climb to get to it and the food here should be caichivasso.it particularly good; the guardian takes pride in its local, often Web: www.caichivasso.it/ organic, origins. Showers can generally be had for tokens. rifchivasso.asp
Rifugio Benevolo Tel: + 39 0165 936 143 This is another refuge of a fair size, made to seem somewhat Alpe Lavassey Fax: None smaller as a result of the large number of people staying there. Rhêmes Notre Dame E-mail: [email protected] Though the hut is simple, its location is wonderful and there are Valle di Rhemes Web: www.caitorino.it/ great views of the surrounding peaks. No showers or hot water benevolo.htm and the squat loos here leave a lot to be desired.
Rifugio Bezzi Tel: + 39 0165 97129 This comfortable refuge, in another super location, does have Alpe Vaudet Fax: None showers and prides itself on the local Valdostanan cuisine. Valgrisenche E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.rifugiobezzi. com
Rifugio Chalet de l’Epée Tel: + 39 0165 97215 This private refuge is tucked away in another superb location on a Valgrisenche Fax: None hillside. It has showers powered by a hydro-electric generator. E-mail: None Web: www.rifugioepee.com
help in the event of an emergency. Please Fax : 01684 594559 note that the EHIC has an expiry date and www.themapshop.co.uk HOLIDAY GRADE & WALK ING check that your card is still valid for the [email protected] PROGRAMME duration of your holiday. See section 1 of our General Information Booklet for further Maps normally arrive within 24 hours of an details. order being made. This holiday is graded C+. We would emphasise that the leader is authorised to Passport, visa and health requirements change the itinerary according to weather can change at any time. It is your own conditions and the ability of party responsibility to ensure that you inform members. Anyone who is unfit or ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS yourself from a professionally qualified unsuitably equipped may be asked to source on, and comply with, such make alternative arrangements if the requirements. Advice on vaccinations is leader considers that the safety of the On this holiday we spend 8 nights in available from your GP, or can be party could be jeopardised. mountain huts and 2 nights in valley obtained from the Medical Advisory accommodation. Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). This tour takes place in a relatively remote In addition, general travel advice is area, generally on good paths for the Accommodation in the mountain huts is available from the Foreign and grade, but it is important to bear in mind mostly in mixed dormitories. The Commonwealth Office at the following: dormitories either have bunk beds or large www.fco.gov.uk/travel. ‘matratzenlager’ style mattresses. These
are wide bunk beds with mattresses to While there are a few transport Generally speaking people who go on our accommodate up to 10 or 12 people. You options they are infrequent and there hutting tours remain fit and healthy will need to bring a sheet sleeping bag. are NO cable cars or other means of throughout the holiday. However, given Blankets are supplied. Facilities are often mechanical uplift. the nature of sleeping and washing quite simple in line with the remoteness arrangements in mountain huts, we think it and difficulty of access but they are a good idea to take with you a small Several passes are high, steep and improving year on year. Many of the huts plastic bottle of antiseptic hand wash on loose, rocky or shaly ground. have squat loos. In Bien we also stay in which may help to keep any circulating Care is required even in good dormitory style accommodation. The germs at bay. conditions and snow and/or ice late prices for showers in the huts varies
into the season are possible. This between no charge and €4 as water is
tour is not suitable for those suffering increasingly scarce in some locations. In
from vertigo. the Rifugio Città di Chivasso tap water is
LOCAL CURRENCY not drinkable and a charge is made for bottled water.
TRAVEL INFORMATION We are in Italy throughout this holiday so All meals from dinner on the first day to the currency is the euro. As you might breakfast on the last are provided on this Flights from London Gatwick to Turin expect, in this remote area it is not always holiday and are organised by the leader. with British Airways. easy to get money. Once the tour has These will include a continental breakfast, started, you will only be able to get money picnic lunch and a cooked dinner each Details of your baggage allowance at Cogne on day 3. €15 per day in local day. The food is of varying standard, from will be confirmed in your travel currency would be a generous allowance very good in most huts to ok in one or two. documents, sent to you for drinks in huts and showers where Some food for lunches and group kit will approximately ten days before available. have to be carried but this should not departure. exceed 1kg per person. Please refer to Section 2 of our General Travel between Turin Airport and the Information Booklet for further details. Please note that if you do not want to starting/finishing points of the tour join in with the group picnic you will need to make your own arrangements will be by road. and no refund will be given. M APS & SUGGESTED READING If you intend joining and leaving the group overseas, it is assumed, unless you have If you have a special diet, huts may find this difficult to accommodate as there are advised us otherwise, that you will meet The best map for this holiday is the difficulties with getting supplies, and leave the group at Turin Airport If this 1:50,000 Il Parco Nazionale del Gran refrigeration and kitchen facilities. We is not your plan please let us know, in Paradiso, Carta dei Sentieri e Rifugi 3, suggest you carry special items just in writing, at least 5 weeks before departure. published by the Istituto Geografico case. However, vegetarians and coeliacs Centrale. have successfully completed the itinerary.
Cicerone Press publish a good book on PASSPORTS , HE ALTH & VIS AS the Gran Paradiso area – Gran Paradiso – Alta Via 2 Trek and Day Walks by We strongly recommend you carry Gillian Price. photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of Both of these are available from: replacement documents and your return The Map Shop to the UK. 15 High Street Please take your European Health Upton upon Severn, Worcs. Insurance Card (EHIC) with you - it will WR8 0HJ England Tel : 01684 593146 If you are an experienced hutter you will ALPINE ASSOCIATION have a standard kit. Everyone agrees that Walking boots with good ankle support MEMBERSHIP keeping your kit as light as possible is are essential for safety and insurance greatly to be encouraged. Some people reasons. All party members must belong to a even go to the lengths of cutting their recognised Alpine association. toothbrushes in half and squeezing out Many mountain walkers favour using Traditionally Ramblers Worldwide small amounts of toothpaste for each day. walking poles over steep mountainous Holidays has recommended the Austrian The following list has been devised with terrain which you will encounter on this Alpine Club which has reciprocal the aim of reducing your basic pack size walk. Please note that these cannot be agreements with the Club Alpin Français, to just over 6.9kg (just over 15 lbs). All the included in your carry-on baggage. the Club Alpin Suisse, the Deutscher items are made of technical materials Alpenverein and the Club Alpino Italiano, which increase efficiency and reduce You should also bear in mind that a litre of but membership of any of these weight. The list is included only as an water weighs 1kg. In addition, the leader associations (or an association with full indication of what is possible these will distribute a climbing rope, group reciprocal rights) is acceptable. Please days – the exact contents of your pack shelter and picnic food amongst the remember to bring your membership card is up to you! group. This will also weigh about 1kg. on holiday or you will be liable to pay the difference between the members’ and On the plane you could wear: non-members’ hut tariff. Membership of an Alpine association also gives priority T-shirt shorts / long trousers when assigning accommodation. underpants socks PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY boots sunhat (in your pocket!) CODE AND BOOKING REFERENCE Membership of the AAC automatically NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE. gives you their insurance cover as well. Your additional kit could consist of:
Please make sure that the insurance WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND Weight cover they provide suits all your Kit item ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WE in g requirements. If you are not a member WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON Lightweight rucksack 45+10 1900 of the AAC please make sure that you YOUR RETURN are insured for guided walking above litres 2000m. If you are a member of the AAC Waterproof rucksack liner 170 we do not insist that you take out any Rucksack cover 100 additional insurance, but if you are insured Long trousers or shorts 320 with another company and have not given Long sleeved T-shirt 160 us details on your booking form, please Short sleeved T-shirt 150 make sure that these details are given to Microfleece top 200 your leader at the earliest possible Lightweight synthetic softshell 500 opportunity. jacket Thin gloves 50 The Austrian Alpine Club’s UK office can Anorac - Paclite 350 be contacted at: Overtrousers - Paclite 200 Mitts - Goretex shell 130 12a North Street, Emergency bag 70 Wareham Lightweight Walking socks 80 Dorset BH20 4AG Warm hat 50 Tel: 01929 556 870 Thin socks 20 Fax: 01929 554 729 Underpants 50 e-mail: [email protected] For ladies – bras 200 www.aacuk.org.uk Sandals or trainers - cheap/light 300 Sleeping bag liner - pertex + 200 The membership year is the same as the pillowcase calendar year. However we recommend Camera, case, cards + 2 spare 250 that you wait until about two months batteries before the holiday to take out Antibacterial handwash 100 membership. Please see condition 7 of Oddments - passport, tickets, 600 our terms and conditions for more money, first aid, torch, information on this. knife, sitmat, pole tips, sunglasses Towel 200 KIT LIS T Suncream 100 Soap – Fairy (or similar) for 50
clothes We will be walking at altitude, and even in 2 litre water bottle 75 midsummer you must be prepared to Washkit (60g soap, 30ml 230 meet winter conditions in the mountains. It shampoo, 30ml toothpaste, and is advisable to bring all the kit you require for the gentlemen, 4ml shaving 100 as there will be no opportunities for oil and razor. Ladies may wish shopping apart from in Cogne. to add about 100g for feminine
hygiene articles.) We strongly recommend that the total Universal sink plug and a few 100 weight of your rucksack and kit should not pegs exceed 25lb (11kg) including a litre of water - remember you have to carry it!. Total 6.905 kg