Gran Paradiso Snowshoe Holiday

The Gran Paradiso national park is, without a doubt, one of the wildest and most idyllic parts of the Alps. Based in a small family-run hotel in the Aosta valley, we'll sample some of the best snowshoeing routes in and around the Gran Paradiso national park. We'll climb to high mountain pastures, mountain passes and summits via routes that are only accessible to back-country snowshoers and skiers. In the evening we'll enjoy a delicious Italian meal served in our comfortable hotel. Bellissimo!

Day 1: Meet in Chamonix
For ease of access, we meet in the Chamonix valley for welcome, snowshoe equipment check and briefing. Night in hotel in the Chamonix valley.

Day 2: Punta della Croce
We leave Chamonix and transfer through the Mont Blanc tunnel to the Aosta valley. Our first snowshoe tour kicks off from the small hamlet of Arpy above Morgex. We walk gently through the cross country ski area before climbing steadily through the trees and up to Lake Arpy. From the lake it goes quite steeply up to the col della Croce, from where we have the final scenic ascent to the summit of Punta della Croce. We return to the van by the same route and transfer to our hotel in the Aosta valley for the night. (B+D)

Day 3: Colle del Nivolé and Rifugio Chivasso
Today’s snowshoe walk starts from the village of Pont right below the Gran Paradiso. A short climb from Pont takes us up to the long and flat Nivolé valley. We follow the valley to the Nivolé lake, taking care not to stumble as we admire the stunning scenery around us, which includes the magnificent Gran Paradiso. The last ascend from the lake to the Colle del Nivolé is easy and we may stop by the Chivasso hut for hot chocolate if it is open. We follow our tracks back and return to our hotel in the Aosta valley. (B+D)

Day 4: Rifugio Vittorio Sella
From the lovely hamlet Valnontey, we cross a stream and start our climb. The terrain soon gets steep but the views are excellent and there’s a good chance of spotting Chamois here. As we reach the Gran Lausan farm, the climb eases off and it’s a gentle stroll to the Sella hut, which is located in a magnificant situation. If the hut is open, we’ll pay a visit before descending to our van. A popular option is to stop in the gorgeous village of Cogne for Italian coffee and pie on the way back to our hotel. (B+D)

Day 5: Lake Djouan
From Valsavarenche we ascend through forest to an old royal hunting lodge. A stunning high level traverse then takes us through the Djouan mountain pastures to the Djouan lake and further to Lago Nero (the black lake). The views are amazing and it’s hard to leave this magical spot behind. We return to our hotel in the Aosta valley for the night. (B+D)

Day 6: Punta della Pierre
A short drive to the village Ozein where we mount the snowshoes and zig zag our way steadily up through forest until we reach a high mountain pasture. From here, we ascend steeper and more directly towards the summit of Punta della Pierre. From the summit we can enjoy spectacular views of Mont Emilius and la Grivola. We return to the van and transfer back to Chamonix for our final night. (B)

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast you check out of your hotel. This is the end of the trip. (B)

Trip details

Grade:
Suitable for walkers with good fitness and an adventurous spirit. No previous winter experience neccessary.

Duration:
7 days holiday with 5 days walking.

Accommodation:
Hotel (3***).

Group size and guides:
From 4 to 8 clients with 1 certified English-speaking guide (UIMLA).