Trek Italy’s wild and unspoilt western Alps from the Nufenen Pass on the Swiss border to Ventimiglia on the Mediterranean coast on the Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA). This often-overlooked long-distance route covers an epic 809km (503 miles) through the Lepontine, Pennine, Graian, Cottian, and Maritime Alps. 

Perfect for experienced and fit alpine trekkers, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes the full GTA in 55 stages, each ranging from 7 to 26km (4–16 miles), with a total ascent and descent of over 57,000m. The route is presented in three sections, north, central, and south, enabling flexible planning for those wishing to break the journey into shorter trips, with convenient transport options at each section end.

• Discover the majestic peaks of Monte Rosa, Rocciamelone, Rocca la Meja, Monviso, and the Argentera spires, and immerse yourself in the wildness of the Italian alpine chain, where chamois skip across scree slopes, ibex clash horns, and ancient sheepdogs still guard flocks against elusive wolves.
• Each stage is clearly described, with distance, ascent/descent, and estimated walking time, plus details on accommodation and refreshment options to help you plan every day of your GTA adventure.
• Handy route summary tables, 1:100,000 mapping, and downloadable GPX files for every stage ensure straightforward navigation and itinerary planning, whether you aim for the full two-month journey or wish to complete the GTA in shorter sections.
• Includes essential advice on preparation, weather and when to go (best walked from early June to late September), transport, mountain safety, local wildlife, history, and what to pack, ensuring you are ready for every aspect of your trek across the Italian Alps.
• The GTA is suitable for any reasonably fit walker; while the daily ascents and descents are strenuous, no technical skills are required. Public transport options let you tailor your route and avoid less interesting road sections, making the trek accessible to a range of abilities and timeframes.
• Experience authentic Walser culture, Nebbiolo vineyards, and the slow food movement as you traverse remote landscapes largely untouched by modern tourism.

Plan your journey across Italy’s Grande Traversata delle Alpi with the definitive Cicerone guidebook, and discover a classic long-distance trek where every stage brings new alpine vistas, and the spirit of wild exploration guides you from the high Alps to the shores of the Mediterranean.

Trekking Italy’s Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA): Quick Facts

Location: Western Italian Alps, from the Swiss border (Nufenen Pass) to Ventimiglia on the Mediterranean coast
Number of stages: 55 stages (can be split into 3 sections with transport options)
Distance: 809km (503 miles)
Duration: Around 2 months (full route); daily stages 7–26km (4–16 miles); also can be tackled in three separate walks of around three weeks.
Areas covered: Lepontine Alps, Pennine Alps, Graian Alps, Cottian Alps, Maritime Alps; passes Monte Rosa, Rocciamelone, Rocca la Meja, Monviso, and Argentera
Route type: Mountain trails, high passes, alpine meadows, ancient footpaths, and traditional villages
Difficulty: Strenuous long-distance trek for experienced and fit walkers; no technical skills required
Terrain: Over 57,000m of ascent/descent, wildflower meadows, sparkling lakes, remote valleys, historic Walser settlements, and vineyard slopes
Navigation: 1:100,000 mapping for each stage, detailed route descriptions, downloadable GPX files, route summary tables
Best season: Early June to late September (high passes may hold snow early in the season; accommodation closes in autumn)
Highlights: Authentic Walser culture, Nebbiolo vineyards, slow food movement, unspoilt landscapes, rich wildlife including ibex, chamois, wolves, and traditional alpine livestock
Equipment: Sturdy trekking boots, weatherproof clothing, trekking poles, lightweight sleeping bag or liner for mountain accommodation
Accommodation: Mountain inns (rifugi), guesthouses, simple hotels, and village lodgings at the end of each stage
 

Author Highlight

"There is no doubt that this is one of the great alpine treks. Just over 800km, over 57,000m of ascent and descent, trekking across Italy from the Swiss border in the high Alps, all the way to the sea, where you can walk no further. The aficionado of mountaineering peaks will appreciate passing Monte Rosa, Rocciamelone, Rocca la Meja, Monviso and the epic spires of the Argentera. In the course of this great journey, you will pass through no less than five unique alpine regions; the Lepontine Alps, the Pennine Alps, the Graian Alps, the Cottian Alps and the Maritime Alps. Yet none of these facts will form the memories you are most likely to treasure from this journey.” 

- David Jordan, author of Italy's Grande Traversata delle Alpi

Map key

Overview map

Mountain safety

Route summary table

Introduction

The GTA route

The sections and stages

Weather and when to go

Getting there and back

Local transport

Hiking the GTA

Waymarking and maps

Accommodation

Food and drink

What to take

Preparation and safety

Language

Italy’s Western Alps

History

Plants and flowers

Wildlife

How to use this guide

Section 1: GTA North – Nufenen Pass to Quincinetto

Stage 1 Nufenen Pass to Rifugio Margaroli

Stage 2 Rifugio Margaroli to Alpe Devero

Stage 3 Alpe Devero to Alpe Veglia

Stage 4 Alpe Veglia to Varzo

Stage 5 Varzo to Rifugio San Bernardo

Stage 6 Rifugio San Bernardo to Alpe Cheggio

Stage 7 Alpe Cheggio to Molini

Stage 8 Molini to Campello Monti

Stage 9 Campello Monti to Rifugio Alpe Baranca

Stage 10 Rifugio Alpe Baranca to Carcoforo

Stage 11 Carcoforo to Rima

Stage 12 Rima to Rifugio Valle Vogna

Stage 13 Rifugio Valle Vogna to Rifugio Rivetti

Stage 14 Rifugio Rivetti to S. San Giovanni

Stage 15 S. San Giovanni to S. di Oropa

Stage 16 S. di Oropa to Trovinasse

Stage 17 Trovinasse to Quincinetto

Section 2: GTA Central – Quincinetto to Castello

Stage 18 Quincinetto to Fondo

Stage 19 Fondo to Piamprato

Stage 20 Piamprato to Ronco Canavese

Stage 21 Ronco Canavese to Talosio

Stage 22 Talosio to San Lorenzo

Stage 23 San Lorenzo to Ceresole Reale

Stage 24 Ceresole Reale to Pialpetta

Stage 25 Pialpetta to Balme

Stage 26 Balme to Usseglio

Stage 27 Usseglio to Il Trucco

Stage 28 Il Trucco to Susa

Stage 29 Susa to Alpe Toglie

Stage 30 Alpe Toglie to Usseaux

Stage 31 Usseaux to Balsiglia

Stage 32 Balsiglia to Ghigo di Prali

Stage 33 Ghigo di Prali to Villanova

Stage 34 Villanova to Rifugio Barbara Lowrie

Stage 35 Rifugio Barbara Lowrie to Rifugio Quintino Sella

Stage 36 Rifugio Quintino Sella to Castello

Section 3: GTA South – Castello to Ventigmilia

Stage 37 Castello to Rifugio Meleze

Stage 38 Rifugio Meleze to Chiappera

Stage 39 Chiappera to Rifugio della Gardetta

Stage 40 Rifugio della Gardetta to Sambuco

Stage 41 Sambuco to Strepeis

Stage 42 Strepeis to Rifugio Malinvern

Stage 43 Rifugio Malinvern to Terme di Valdieri

Stage 44 Terme di Valdieri to Rifugio Genova-Figari

Stage 45 Rifugio Genova-Figari to San Giacomo

Stage 46 San Giacomo to Trinita

Stage 47 Trinita to Palanfrè

Stage 48 Palanfrè to Limonetto

Stage 49 Limonetto to Rifugio Garelli

Stage 50 Rifugio Garelli to Upega

Stage 51 Upega to Monesi di Triora

Stage 52 Monesi di Triora to Colle Melosa

Stage 53 Colle Melosa to Rifugio Gola di Gouta

Stage 54 Rifugio Gola di Gouta to Rifugio Alta Via

Stage 55 Rifugio Alta Via to Ventimiglia

Appendix A Italian–English glossary

Appendix B Useful information

Seasons

The route is best walked from early June, when any snow on high passes is diminishing, until late-September, when declining weather, and limited accommodation becomes a factor.

Centres

Access local transport to key mountain trailheads from Airolo (Switzerland), Domodossola, Ivrea, Susa, Pinerolo, Saluzzo, Cuneo or Ventimiglia.

Difficulty

This route with strenuous daily ascent/descents is best for fit and experienced alpine trekkers. No special equipment is needed beyond good footwear and appropriate clothing, although trekking poles are recommended. It is a mountain route, however, with high passes daily so allow extra time initially for legs and lungs to acclimatise and strengthen.

Must See

High mountain passes, turquoise glacial lakes, summer meadows and alpine forest would be enough, even without the Walser culture, the Occitan valleys, Nebbiolo vineyards and the slow food movement. Ancient, cobbled ‘mulattiera’, pilgrim routes and fortifications add to the sense of history and the stories of the people that make this route so special.

January 2026

Route updates

August 2024

Stage 53

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