Trekking the Giants' Trail: Alta Via 1 through the Italian Pennine Alps Beneath Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa
Trekking the Giants' Trail – Alta Via 1 in the Italian Alps
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Italian Alps with Trekking the Giants' Trail. This guidebook covers the spectacular Alta Via 1 – a 180km high-level route tracing the northern edge of the Aosta Valley from Donnas to Courmayeur. Known as the Giants' Trail, the path delivers awe-inspiring views of the towering Alpine legends: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.
Perfect for seasoned trekkers and adventurous newcomers alike, the book includes detailed route descriptions, maps, accommodation listings, and essential travel tips. Whether you're planning a full trek or a section hike, this guide is your passport to one of Europe’s most scenic long-distance trails.
OVERVIEW
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 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
OTHER INFORMATION
- ISBN: 9781852849924
- Published: 23 Feb 2021
- Edition: First
- Pages: 192
- Size: 17.20 x 11.60 x 1.15cm
- Weight: 220g
- Format: Paperback
- Authors: Any Hodges
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