The Route: A Giant's Adventure
This 5-day trek takes you through one of the most spectacular routes in the Alps, following part of the legendary Tor des Géants race in the Aosta Valley. You will walk along centuries-old paths that wind between peaks of more than 4,000 meters, cross historic mountain passes, and discover glacial lakes of an impossible blue.
Each day is carefully designed to offer you the maximum alpine experience without exceeding reasonable physical limits. You will sleep in traditional refuges where Italian hospitality and mountain gastronomy will comfort you after each stage. This is not just a trek; it is a total immersion in alpine life.
- UIMLA-certified guide (English-speaking)
- Accommodation in mountain refuges
- Views of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn (Cervino), and the Grandes Jorasses
- Traverse through Gran Paradiso National Park
Small groups: From 6 to 12 people maximum to guarantee a personalized and safe high-mountain experience.
Stage 1
Stage 1: Courmayeur - Rifugio Bonatti
12
Kilometers
Total distance
1,100
Elevation Gain
Positive meters
200
Elevation Loss
Negative meters
5–6
Hours
Estimated time
The Inaugural Stage
We begin our adventure in Courmayeur, the jewel of the Aosta Valley, located at the foot of Mont Blanc. The route gradually ascends through the Italian Val Ferret, offering spectacular views of the granite spires of the Grandes Jorasses and the Dent du Géant.
The trail passes through larch forests and alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with hanging glaciers descending from the surrounding peaks.
- Rifugio Bonatti: Our first refuge, named in honor of the legendary mountaineer Walter Bonatti, offers privileged views of the Mont Blanc massif. With a capacity for 80 people, it features shared rooms, hot showers, and a kitchen that serves authentic Valdostan gastronomy.
- Courmayeur: The capital of Italian mountaineering. Situated at 1,224 m, it is the strategic point where Val Ferret (towards Switzerland) and Val Veny (towards France) converge. Unlike Chamonix, Courmayeur offers a more vertical and rugged view of the massif.
- Emblematic Mountains and Peaks: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco): The summit (4,810 m) dominates the landscape, but from here, its more technical buttresses, such as the Peuterey Integral ridge, stand out. Grandes Jorasses (4,045 m): Its north face is one of the "three great" north faces of the Alps and acts as a constant backdrop from the Val Ferret. Mont Chétif (2,343 m): A "modest" peak, but one with the best panoramic view of the entire Mont Blanc range (very popular for advanced trekking).
Stage 2
Stage 2. Rifugio Bonatti - Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II
18
Kilometers
Total distance
1.400
Ascent
Positive meters
900
Descent
Negative meters
8-9
Hours
Estimated time
Entering Gran Paradiso
The second stage is the most technically demanding, crossing the Col de la Seigne to enter the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy's oldest national park. This day takes us through absolutely wild high-mountain landscapes.
The ascent to the pass offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Alps, while the descent leads us into a remote valley where it is common to spot chamois, marmots, and, with luck, the emblematic alpine ibex, the symbol of the park.
Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II
Located at 2,732 meters, this historic refuge was inaugurated in 1884 by the Italian Alpine Club. It is one of the most emblematic mountain huts in the Alps, with direct views of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m), the only peak over 4,000 meters entirely within Italian territory.
The refuge offers shared rooms for 100 mountaineers and is famous for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, especially when the fireplace roars on cool mountain nights.
Stage 3
Stage 3. Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II - Rifugio Chabod
16
Kilometers
Total Distance
950
Elevation Gain
Positive Meters
1.000
Elevation Loss
Negative Meters
6-7
Hours
Estimated Time
Through Glaciers and Alpine Lakes
If Courmayeur is about technique and prestige, the Gran Paradiso National Park is about wild nature and pure authenticity. It is the oldest national park in Italy (founded in 1922) and the only "4,000-meter peak" located entirely within Italian territory.
The third day is a transition stage that allows us to recover slightly while enjoying some of the most photogenic landscapes of the route. We cross the Val di Cogne, known for its flowering meadows and views of the Gran Paradiso massif.
The route runs alongside several glacial lakes with turquoise waters and brings us closer to the glaciers descending from Gran Paradiso. It is common to stop next to Lago Djouan, a crystal-clear mirror of water that magically reflects the surrounding peaks.
Rifugio Chabod: At 2,710 meters, this modern and comfortable refuge offers spectacular views of the Gran Paradiso glacier. With a capacity for 80 people, it has showers, a spacious common area, and a panoramic terrace perfect for admiring the sunset over the Alps.
The Protagonist: The Ibex (Stambecco)
It is the symbol of the park. It was on the verge of extinction and was saved thanks to this territory being a royal hunting reserve for the House of Savoy. Seeing them up close on the trails is almost a guarantee, which adds incredible value to any photographic trekking experience.
Geography and Peaks
- Gran Paradiso (4,061 m): It is considered one of the most technically accessible "four-thousanders" in the Alps, but requires the use of crampons and an ice axe to cross the glacier.
- Main Valleys: The park is divided into five valleys, with Val di Cogne being the most famous and Valsavarenche the wildest.
Stage 4
Stage 4. Rifugio Chabod - Rifugio Aosta
19
Kilometers
Total Distance
1.200
Elevation Gain
Positive meters
1.300
Elevation Loss
Negative meters
8-9
Hours
Estimated Time
The fourth stage takes us east, progressively approaching the imposing Cervino. It is a technically varied day, with ascents along rocky paths, traverses through alpine pastures where Aostan cows graze with their characteristic cowbells, and descents through ancient coniferous forests.
A Journey Through Alpine Ecosystems
This stage offers an incredible diversity of alpine ecosystems. We will cross several glacial streams and pass by old, now abandoned, shepherd huts that tell stories of traditional life in these mountains. As we advance, we will have changing views of the Monte Rosa massif.
The highlight of the day is reaching a ridge from which, for the first time, the perfect pyramid of the Cervino is clearly visible on the horizon, anticipating the spectacular final day.
Rifugio Aosta: Alpine Hospitality
This cozy mountain refuge, located at 2,788 meters, is known for its excellent cuisine and family atmosphere. With a capacity for 70 people, the refuge maintains the tradition of serving typical Valdostan dishes prepared with local products. Its west-facing terrace offers unforgettable sunsets over the surrounding peaks—the perfect setting to end an intense day in the Alps.
Stage 5
Stage 5. Rifugio Aosta - Cervinia
18
Kilometers
Total Distance
900
Elevation Gain
Positive Meters
1.400
Elevation Loss
Negative Meters
7-8
Hours
Estimated Time
The Grand Finale: Heading to the Matterhorn
The final stage is a triumphant descent towards Cervinia, the alpine village situated at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn. From the very beginning of the day, this iconic 4,478-meter mountain dominates the horizon, drawing us like a magnet towards its base.
The trail progressively descends through glacial valleys, passing ancient moraines and traversing alpine meadows where cattle graze freely. As we lose altitude, the Matterhorn becomes increasingly imposing, revealing its famous north face with its vertical rock and ice walls.
The arrival in Cervinia is an emotional moment: after five days of walking through the Alps, we will have completed an epic journey of more than 95 kilometers and almost 7,000 meters of cumulative elevation change. The celebration in Cervinia, with its restaurants, terraces with views, and cosmopolitan alpine atmosphere, provides the perfect culmination to this adventure.
You made it! You will have explored some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Alps and created memories for a lifetime.
Your Guides: Andrea & Mario
Certified UIMLA Mountain Leader
Hi, I am Andrés, a mountain guide certified by UIMLA (International Union of Mountain Leader Associations) with over 15 years of experience exploring the Alps and the Picos de Europa. My passion for the mountains began in the peaks of Asturias, but it was the Alps that definitively captured my heart.
I have guided dozens of groups on numerous alpine treks, always with the goal of sharing not only the beauty of these landscapes but also their history, geology, and the traditions of the communities that live in these mountains. I speak Spanish, Italian, and English fluently, which allows me to offer a richer cultural experience.
My philosophy as a guide is simple: the mountain should be accessible, safe, and deeply enriching. I adapt the pace to the group, share knowledge about flora, fauna, and mountain techniques, and ensure that each participant fully enjoys the experience, regardless of their level.
International UIMLA Certification / AEGM-UIMLA Member 24066
Over 100 guided treks in the Alps and Picos de Europa
Training in mountain first aid
Your Guides: Andrea & Mario
Certified AGMA Mountain Leader
I am Mario, a mountain guide certified by AGMA (Asturias Association of Professional Mountain Guides) with over 15 years of experience exploring the Picos de Europa National Park and the mountains of Asturias. My passion for the mountains began in the peaks of northern Spain, and although I love the Alps, my heart will always be in my homeland.
I worked as a ski patroller in a ski resort for many years, ensuring safety on the slopes during the winter season. Alpinism, cheese, and cider are my passions, which are always best shared with good friends. No relationship is stronger than that with your climbing partner—except for the one with my wife, of course.
I have guided dozens of groups on numerous alpine treks, always with the goal of sharing the beauty of my green mountains and the stories of the coal mines beneath them. I speak Spanish and the local Asturian language.
My philosophy as a guide is simple: leave nothing behind that was not there before and respect if you want to be respected.
Asturias Mountain Guide (AGMA n. 6)
100+ guided treks in the Cantabrian Range and Picos de Europa
Certified in mountain first aid
Practical Information and Booking
Season
June to September
Best conditions in the Alps, with snow-free trails and operational refuges.
Group discount (up to 30%)
6-12 people
Small groups to ensure safety, personalized attention, and minimal impact. A closed group of 10-12 people receives a 30% discount on the final price; a group of 8 receives 25%.
Level
Intermediate-Advanced
Good physical condition and prior multi-day trekking experience are recommended.
Price
€1,450 per person
Includes: UIMLA guide, refuge accommodation (half board), mountain insurance, and personal gift.
Ready for the Adventure?
Request the complete PDF dossier with detailed information on necessary equipment, required physical level, day-by-day itinerary, transport options, and everything you need to know to prepare for this epic traverse through the Italian Alps.
Included in the price: UIMLA certified guide for 5 days, refuge accommodation (shared rooms), half board (dinners and breakfasts), mountain accident insurance, group safety equipment, and a pre-departure briefing. Includes a technical souvenir jacket from Trekking con Rumbo a Picos.
Not included: Transportation to Courmayeur and from Cervinia, lunches, drinks, personal equipment, tips, and any other expenses not listed in the "Included in the price" section.
Info and Contact: [email protected] | WhatsApp: +41 76 274 94 55 | Andrés de la Torre - UIMLA Mountain Leader - www.swissalpsguide.com