Day 1 - Arrive in Chamonix

Our trip starts in Argentière in the Chamonix valley. We hold a trip briefing in the chalet, followed by our evening meal.

 

Accommodation: Chalet, dinner included

Luggage access

 

Day 2 - From Argentière to the Rifugio Chivasso

We leave our chalet in Argentière and take a trip through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, crossing from France to Italy. We then take the mountain road as far as the hamlet of Pont (1952m). After our first Italian coffee of the trip, our circuit of Gran Paradiso can begin, as we ascend steeply, but slowly, up the side of the valley to the Grand Collet (2840m). We are surrounded by rock spires and ridges as we head under the Pointe de la Roley, and into the large meadows surrounding the Laghi del Nivolet lakes. We continue past the lakes to the Rifugio Chivasso, which is our base for the night. 

 

Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx 5-7 hrs

Distance: 11km

Altitude gain / loss: +1080m / -440m

 

Day 3 - Trek from the Rifugio Chivasso to the Rifugio Benevolo

After leaving the hut we walk through grassy meadows and alpine flowers as we head to the lakes of Lago Leyta and Lago Rosset. We enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and valleys, and keep our eyes peeled for edelweiss, as we ascend to the Col Rosset (3025m). The landscape becomes steadily wilder and more remote as we climb, and from the col we look down to the glaciated terrain of the Glacier de Lavassey. We traverse the mountainside and descend steadily to the Rifugio Benevolo. The Rifugio Gian Federico Benevolo (2287m) is a traditional hut built in 1930. We always receive a warm welcome here, and ibex can often be seen grazing in the valley to the front.  

 

Accommodation : Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx 5-6 hrs

Distance: 12km

Altitude gain / loss: +590m / -870m

 

Day 4 - Trek from the Rifugio Benevolo to the Rifugio Bezzi

As soon as we leave the hut we start a steady climb towards the Col Bassac Dere at a height of 3085 metres. If the weather is good, and we have made good time, we can climb a further 336 metres and enjoy the panoramic views. We then trek past the Lac de Golette and the Glacier de Golette. From the col we can see the peak of the Grande Sassière in the distance, and the rocky ridgeline ahead. We descend into Valgrisenche, past the cascading streams and waterfalls, and on to our base for the night. At the Rifugio Bezzi we enjoy a warm welcome, hot showers, and an excellent Italian meal.

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Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx 5-7 hours

Distance: 12km

Altitude gain / loss: +830 / -860m

 

Day 5 - Trek from the Rifugio Bezzi to Rhêmes-Notre-Dame

Today is a long day, but it starts gently with a relatively easy path that traverses the mountain, and climbs gradually. We eventually reach the Chalet de l'Epée, where we can stop for lunch if the guardian is there. From here we climb over the Colle Finestra de Torrent (2875m), followed by a steep descent to the tiny commune, and popular ski resort, of Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (1723m). 

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Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx 8-9 hrs

Distance: 19km

Altitude gain / loss: +1190m / -1690m

 

Day 6 - Trek from Rhêmes-Notre-Dame to Eaux Rousses

After leaving Rhêmes-Notre-Dame we cross the river, then climb up through the forests and pastures until we reach the Plan de Feya, with its remains of old huts. We eventually climb above the treeline, where the larches and firs are replaced with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. On our way up to the Col d'Entrelor (3007m) we cross meadows and moraine, before enjoying a fabulous view of Gran Paradiso. We spend the afternoon steadily traversing and descending through pastures, and past lakes, until we reach the village of Eaux Rousses (1666m), where we will spend the night. 

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Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included

No luggage access

Walking: approx 7-8 hrs

Distance: 16km

Altitude gain / loss: +1300m / -1300m

 

Day 7 - From Eaux Rousses to Chamonix

Our last day is spent in the shadow of Gran Paradiso itself, and is one of the most spectacular days of the trip. We climb up through the larch trees, to more open landscape, where we often wander past herds of grazing chamois and ibex. Our ascent continues up to the Rifugio Federico Chabod (2750m); a charming refuge offering excellent food and wine, along with beautiful views. After lunch we traverse the slopes of Gran Paradiso on our way to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele, enjoying sensational views of the whole of the Valsavarenche. In the cafe at the bottom of the trail we can have a well-earned drink, before taking our transfer back to our chalet in Argentière.  

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Accommodation: Chalet, dinner included

Luggage access

Walking: approx 6-7 hrs

Distance: 17km

Altitude gain / loss: +1350m / -1250m

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Day 8 - Depart Chamonix

Our trip finishes after breakfast.