Explore the stunning high-mountain landscapes of Italy’s Gran Paradiso National Park, a protected wilderness in the Aosta Valley where towering peaks, emerald valleys and glacial tarns define one of the Alps’ most scenic trekking regions. Running east-to-west from Chardonney to Courmayeur, the Alta Via 2 is a classic long-distance trek that threads through rugged alpine terrain, past mountain huts and panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Italian Alps.

This trusted Cicerone trekking guidebook gives you everything you need to plan and walk the Alta Via 2 route, combining practical planning advice with clear, stage-by-stage descriptions of this scenic alpine trek. Featuring detailed route guidance and essential logistics information, it provides walkers with the knowledge to tackle the route’s challenging high-mountain terrain, including steep ascents, exposed ridges, and long daily distances, with confidence.

• Covers the full 12-day Alta Via 2 trek (148 km) between Chardonney and Courmayeur, with daily stages described in detail, including distances, ascent, and terrain notes — making it ideal for a two-week walking holiday.
• Practical planning chapters cover transport logistics, mountain hut network details, accommodation options and kit recommendations for trekking in the high Alps of the Aosta Valley
• GPX files are available to download for use on GPS devices and smartphone apps, helping you navigate the varied alpine trails of Gran Paradiso throughout the route
• Trek-specific Italian-English glossary, alpine flora and wildlife information are included to enrich your understanding of the natural and cultural environment you’ll encounter
• The route is described from east to west, showcasing the beauty of Mont Blanc and rewarding trekkers with stunning views at the end of this challenging trek

From soaring ridgelines to peaceful alpine valleys, this guidebook provides everything you need to get the most out of your experience on the Alta Via 2. Embark on your next long-distance trekking adventure and explore one of Italy’s most iconic high-mountain routes.

Gran Paradiso: Alta Via 2 – Quick Facts

Trail name: Alta Via 2
Location: Gran Paradiso National Park, Aosta Valley, Italy
Distance: ~148 km / 92 miles
Typical duration: 12 days (can be done in ~2 weeks, including rest or side options)
Start: Chardonney
End: Courmayeur
Route format: Linear long-distance trek
Stages: 12 main stages, with an optional 4-stage alternative for stages 6–7
Navigation: Step-by-step route descriptions, GPX files, and OS-style mapping
Terrain: High-mountain paths, ridgelines, alpine valleys, glacial passes
Difficulty: Challenging – suitable for walkers with some alpine experience
Best season: Summer (mid-June–September) for favourable weather, snow-free passes and longer daylight
Accommodation: Mountain huts (rifugi), small hotels, guesthouses along the route
Special features: Stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Italian Alps, alpine flora and fauna, Italian-English glossary included

Author Highlight

“Trekkers will enjoy unforgettable days on excellent trails through spectacular valleys that they have all to themselves, even at the height of the summer season. It spells 12 memorable, energy-packed days on a roller-coaster walk dipping in and out of Vallon di Cogne, Valsavarenche and Val di Rhêmes, then on to Valgrisenche, Valle de la Thuile and Val Vény. Magnificent peaks dot the way – standouts include the Grivola, Herbetet and Ruitor, along with the massive Gran Paradiso. Europe’s sovereign Mont Blanc – Monte Bianco to the Italians – provides the trek’s breathtaking finale.”

- Gillian Price, author of Trekking Gran Paradiso: Alta Via 2

CONTENTS

Map key

Overview map

Overview profile

Route Summary Table

Introduction

The Gran Paradiso National Park

Alta Via 2

Wildlife

Plants and flowers

How to get there

When to go

Shorter and longer itineraries

Accommodation

Food and drink

What to take

Maps

Languages and place names

Dos and don’ts

Emergencies

Using this guide

Further suggestions

Alta Via 2

Stage 1 Chardonney to Rifugio Dondena

Stage 2 Rifugio Dondena to Rifugio Péradza

Stage 3 Rifugio Péradzà to Cogne

Stage 4 Cogne to Rifugio Vittorio Sella

Stage 5 Rifugio Vittorio Sella to Eaux Rousses

Extension

Stage A Pont to Col del Nivolet

Stage B Col del Nivolet to Rifugio Benevolo

Stage C Rifugio Benevolo to Rifugio Bezzi

Stage D Rifugio Bezzi to Planaval, Valgrisenche

Stage 6 Eaux Rousses to Rhêmes-Notre-Dame

Stage 7 Rhêmes-Notre-Dame to Rifugio Chalet de l’Epée

Stage 8 Rifugio Chalet de l’Epée to Planaval

Stage 9 Planaval to Bivacco C Zappelli

Stage 10 Bivacco Cosimo Zappelli to La Thuile

Stage 11 La Thuile to Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini

Stage 12 Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini to Courmayeur

Appendix A Italian–English glossary

Appendix B Useful contacts

Seasons

The trekking season corresponds to the opening period for the high altitude refuges, namely mid June through to late September. July is the best time to go for wildflowers while August and onwards usually guarantees snow-free passes.

Centres

Chardonney, Cogne, Valnontey, Eaux-Rousses, Valsavarenche, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, Valgrisenche, La Thuile, Val Vény, Courmayeur

Difficulty

While not high on the difficulty scale, Alta Via 2 is strenuous, best suited to trekkers with some alpine experience. The majority of the route rates as average difficulty (Grade 2), while a handful of stages include short demanding sections with unstable terrain and exposure (Grade 3).

Must See

Italy’s historic Gran Paradiso National Park in the northwest, close to the border with France, has resident populations of magnificent ibex, chamois, marmots, golden eagles and lammergeier vultures, along with hosts of brilliant alpine wildflowers and glacial tarns such as Lago Lauson and Lac Djouan reflecting snowcapped peaks. The Gran Paradiso mountain (the only 4000+m peak wholly in Italy), Mont Blanc, Testa del Ruitor, Grivola.

October 2025

Stage 9

February 2025

Alpine Clubs

September 2024

Updates

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