A guidebook to trekking the Alta Via 1, the Giants’ Trail, between Donnas and Courmayeur in the Italian Alps. Covering 180km (112 miles), this long-distance trail on the northern flank of the Aosta valley takes around 2 weeks to hike and is suitable for hikers with some experience of Alpine trekking.

The route is described from east to west in 16 stages, each between 4 and 17km (2–11 miles) in length. Alternative stages covering some popular variants, including an optional detour to visit the famed monastery at the Great St Bernard Pass, are also detailed.

• 1:50,000 maps included for each stage
• GPX files available to download
• Refreshment, facilities and mountain hut information given for each trek stage
• Spectacular views of the alpine giants Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa
• Can be combined with Alta Via 2 to form the Tor des Géants

Map key
Overview map
Route summary table

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

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.

August 2025

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