Full Description
A guidebook to walking in the the Gran Paradiso national park, Italy, describing the 12-stage Alta Via 2 trek between Cormayeur and Chardonnay, and a range of 28 walks that range from 2 to 33km, as well as suggestions for combining routes into long-distance hikes. The Gran Paradiso sits in the Valle d'Aosta, in northwestern Italy, a region verging on pristine wilderness. Views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn ranges can be seen from routes in this guide. The guidebook provides plenty of practical information on getting to and around the Gran Paradiso, as well as advice on accommodation, language, equipment, planning and how to make the most out of any adventure in one of Italy's most spectacular National Parks. A wealth of detail on points of interest walkers can explore, as well as information on wildlife, history, geology and flowers is also included.Despite its attractions, the park is relatively undiscovered. Walkers can often enjoy unforgettable days on excellent trails through spectacular valleys all to themselves, even at the height of the summer season. The itineraries explore highlights and special places to whet walking appetites.
Contents
Preface Introduction The Gran Paradiso National Park Valleys and Bases Information Access When to Go How to Use this Book Path Marking Dos and Don'ts Emergencies Mountaineering and Guides Maps Accommodation What to Take Wildlife Vegetation Local Traditions Further Suggestions Alta Via 2 Stage 1 Chardonney to Rifugio Dondena Stage 2 Rifugio Dondena to Rifugio Peradza Stage 3 Rifugio Peradza to Cogne Stage 4 Cogne to Rifugio Vittorio Sella Stage 5 Rifugio Vittorio Sella to Eaux Rousses Stage 6 Eaux Rousses to Rhemes-Notre-Dame Stage 7 Rhemes-Notre-Dame to Rifugio Chalet de l'Epee Stage 8 Rifugio Chalet de l'Epee to Planaval Stage 9 Planaval to Promoud Stage 10 Promoud to La Thuile Stage 11 La Thuile to Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini Stage 12 Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini to Courmayeur Walks 1 The Lillaz Waterfalls 2 Lago di Loie 3 The Money Glacier Terrace 4 The Casolari dell'Herbetet Traverse 5 Punta Pousset - the local 'Gornergrat' 6 Beneath the Grivola 7 Passo d'Invergneux and the Mines Circuit 8 Laghi di Lussert 9 Pondel's Roman Bridge 10 The 2205m Mont Blanc 11 At the Foot of the Gran Paradiso 12 Over Gran Collet to Col del Nivolet 13 The King's Path in Valle delle Meyes 14 Vallon di Sort 15 Col Rosset 16 Punta Basei 17 Becca della Traversiere 18 Legendary San Grato 19 Becca dei Quattro Denti 20 The Royal Track to Ceresole Reale 21 Sentiero Glaciologico Lago Serru 22 Beneath the Tre Levanne 23 The Villages of Valle dell'Orco 24 Beyond the Dam in Vallone di Piantonetto 25 Nivolastro to Andorina 26 Frescoes and Fridges en route to Bivacco Davito 27 Sanctuary of San Besso 28 Col Larissa Appendix 1Italian-English Glossary Appendix 2 Route Summary Table
