Trekking the Giants' Trail: Alta Via 1 through the Italian Pennine Alps túrakönyv

Beneath Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa

Guidebook to trekking Italy's Alta Via 1 - a 180km trail through the Italian Alps, following the northern flank of the Aosta Valley from Donnas to Courmayeur. Nicknamed the Giants' Trail, the route offers fantastic views of the Alpine giants: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. With travel advice and accommodation listings.

Seasons

Once the rifugi open, from late June to early September each month offers different views and experiences.

Centres

From Donnas the route visits Gressoney-Saint-Jean before passing the world-famous Great St Bernard Monastery to finish in Courmayeur.

Difficulty

Regular, fit walkers will enjoy crossing cols of nearly 3000m and travelling across the 'grain' of the mountains. Harder than the Tour of Mont Blanc, but without technical difficulty, this trek will provide a suitable challenge for those familiar with Alpine trekking looking for quiet huts and stunning views.

Must See

The Alpine giants of Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc form the stupendous backdrop to two weeks' trekking through the old kingdom of Savoy. With almost 1000 years of history, the Great St Bernard Monastery is a rewarding diversion.

Contents

Introduction

The route

Geography

Geology

History

Art and culture

Wildlife

Plants and flowers

Weather

When to go

Access and travel

In-route transport options

Accommodation

Mountain huts

Clothing

Food and drink

Language

Maps and navigation

Waymarking

Safety and emergencies

Insurance

Using this guide

The Alta Via 1: An Italian Haute Route

Eastern section

Stage 1 Donnas to Sassa (Etoile du Berger)

Stage 2 Sassa (Etoile du Berger) to Rifugio Coda

Stage 2A The Col Portola Route: Sassa (Etoile du Berger) to Rifugio Coda

Stage 3 Rifugio Coda to Rifugio Barma

Stage 4 Rifugio Barma to Niel (La Gruba)

Stage 5 Niel (La Gruba) to Gressoney-Saint-Jean

Stage 3A Rifugio Coda to Rifugio della Vecchia

Stage 4A Rifugio della Vecchia to Rifugio Rivetti

Stage 5A Rifugio Rivetti to Gressoney-Saint-Jean

Stage 6 Gressoney-Saint-Jean to Rifugio Vieux Crest

Stage 7 Rifugio Vieux Crest to Rifugio Grand Tournalin

Stage 8 Rifugio Grand Tournalin to Cretaz, Valtournenche

Western section

Stage 9 Cretaz, Valtournenche to Rifugio Barmasse

Stage 10 Rifugio Barmasse to Rifugio Cunéy

Stage 11 Rifugio Cunéy to Closé/Oyace/Lexert

Stage 12 Closé/Oyace/Lexert to Ollomont/Rey

Stage 12A Closé/Oyace/Lexert to Ollomont/Rey: the low route

Stage 13 Ollomont/Rey to Rifugio Champillon

Stage 14 Rifugio Champillon to Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses

Stage 15 Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses to Rifugio Bonatti

Stage 15A Via Francigena from Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses to Great St Bernard Monastery

Stage 15B Great St Bernard Monastery to Rifugio Bonatti

Stage 16 Rifugio Bonatti to Courmayeur

Appendix A Alternative schedule

Appendix B Useful contacts

Appendix C Useful phrases

Appendix D Kit list