Hikes near Courmayeur: Gran Paradiso Hiking Routes

The Gran Paradiso Tour: a classic alpine hike which traverses the Gran Paradiso Park (Italy’s first national park) just south of Aosta and Piedmont region, with breathtaking scenery, in an unspoilt area of alpine grasslands, glaciers, forests, valleys, high mountains and an abundance of wildlife (marmot, chamois, ibex, royal eagle etc). Don't miss out on the opportunity to overnight in the Italian mountain huts & refuges and experience Italian hospitality, delicious italian food, wine and coffee!

Gran Paradiso National Park Fauna
Gran Paradiso National Park - @ Photo Jeremy Janin
Gran Paradiso National Park - @ Photo Jeremy Janin
The Grand Paradiso

Climbing: Gran Paradiso Mountain - A great introduction to your first 4,000m peak!

The Gran Paradiso peak located south of the Mont Blanc massif, is the highest mountain in Italy standing at 4,061m/3,320ft.

There are two main approaches to the peak:

  • Via the Vittorio Emanuele hut - the quickest and most common route starting at 1,960m.
  • Via the Chabod hut – a fairly new hut and not as busy although the hike is longer starting at 1,850m and includes a fantastic hike through the forest. The route from here climbs up the glaciers under the northwest side of the peak then joins the route from Emanuele hut at around 3,500m.

The route involves glacier climbing, a steep snow slope and good rock climbing before you reach the summit.