Gran Paradiso - Normal Route
Valle D'aosta - Valsavarenche / Two Days
Gran Paradiso
A Journey into the Wild Heart of Valsavarenche
In the most authentic heart of the Aosta Valley, nestled within the folds of the Gran Paradiso National Park, rises one of the wildest and most untamed 4000-meter peaks in the Alps. Here, nature still speaks with a strong and gentle voice, and every step toward the summit is an embrace with the mountain.
Valsavarenche, one of the most historically rich valleys, preserves its primal spirit. Once the royal hunting reserve of the King of Savoy, today it stands as a sanctuary of biodiversity, where flora and fauna live freely and protected. There are no ski lifts, no shortcuts—only the silence of the forest, the scent of pine, the soft rustle of footsteps on grass, and the distant call of a chamois.
As you ascend toward Rifugio Chabod, your soul begins to open. Vast valleys stretch out before you, the air grows thinner, and your heart feels lighter. It’s not uncommon to spot marmots, ibexes, or golden eagles. Each encounter is a gift, each gaze a memory to treasure.
And the refuge—it's truly a refuge. Warm, welcoming, real. Hospitality here feels like home, with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. After a long day’s hike, a hot meal and a genuine smile warm you more than any fire.
And then... the first light of dawn. When the glacier blushes pink and the summit slowly awakens, time stands still. It's an eternal moment. A breath, a tear, a joy that only the most authentic mountain can offer.
You don’t come to Valsavarenche just to climb a peak. You come to remember how to breathe. And to never forget again.
Send Request:
For any inquiries, don't hesitate to
contact us.
Message us on WhatsApp or call:
+39 348 24 21 308
Email:
Highlights
The Refuges
Chabod
Day 1
Ascent elevation gain: 890 m
Ascent time: approximately 2 hours
Meeting point: at Pravieux in Valsavarenche or directly at the Chabod Hut.
From the parking area in Pravieux (1,830 m), in Valsavarenche, follow the trail that winds through the forest and climbs up the valley toward the Chabod Hut. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful alpine scenery and may spot some of the local wildlife that inhabits the Gran Paradiso National Park.
Day 2
Ascent elevation gain: 1,360 m
Descent elevation loss: 2,250 m
Total ascent/descent time: 10–11 hours
The climb from the Federico Chabod Hut begins along a moraine before continuing across the Laveciau Glacier. After ascending the glacier, you reach the “Schiena d’Asino” (Donkey’s Back), where the route joins the one coming from the Vittorio Emanuele II Hut. From there, the path leads to the iconic statue of the Madonna at the summit of Gran Paradiso.
The descent follows the same route taken on the way up.
If you're feeling tired or would simply like to enjoy a few more hours of rest at the hut, you are welcome to return to the parking area on your own.
Skills
We require a reasonable level of physical fitness. No prior mountaineering experience is necessary.
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
FITNESS LEVEL
Where
Equipment list
Mountaineering boots
Harness
IceAxe
Crampons
20 L backpack
1L minimum water bottle or thermos
Energy bars or dried fruits
Wool hat or hat with fleece lining
Buff (neck gaiter)
Glacier/high mountain sunglasses and Ski goggles
Down jacket
Waterproof jacket
Windstopper sweater or insulating garment
Fiber turtleneck
Breathable T-shirts
Spare lightweight gloves
Base layer or thermal leggings
Mountain socks
