Gran Paradiso Summits - Trek the Alps of Italy

Day 1: Arrive in Chamonix (Argentiere)

The group will rendezvous at our chalet in Argentiere, just a short distance from Chamonix. Here, your guide will meet you at 7 p.m. to welcome you and for an informal chat about the week ahead. KE Land Only package services begin with dinner at the chalet. Meals included: Dinner (D)

Day 2: Cross to Italy, hike to Rifugio Bezzi

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will meet you at 9.30 a.m. to talk through the equipment requirements for the week. There will be an opportunity to make last minute purchases and to pick up hire equipment if needed. Then, at around 11 a.m. we will drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel and into Valgrisenche, where we will have a picnic lunch. After lunch, we will begin our approach to the Rifugio Bezzi from Usellieres (1800m / 5900ft). On foot, we now continue up Valgrisenche, ascending gently to the comfortable Bezzi Hut. Good facilities are found in this hut and the food is excellent. 2 hours walking in total, allowing time for some gentle acclimatisation. The Rifugio Mario Bezzi (2284m / 7493ft) was built in 1931 and has since been rebuilt in grand Italian style. It has 90 beds, washing facilities, showers and hydro electricity for lighting. The refuge also has a bar and excellent restaurant. (B, D)

Day 3: Cross the Col Bassac and climb Becca Traversiere

From the refuge we make a gradual ascent of the west facing slopes below the Grand Traversiere (3496m / 11,470ft), crossing many mountain streams which descend from the glaciers above. A final ascent across a moraine slope leads to the Col Bassac Dere (3082m / 10,112ft), which we reach after approximately 3 hours. There are great views from this pass of the north-east face of the Grand Sassiere. From here, conditions permitting, we will make an ascent of Becca Traversiere (3334m / 10,938ft) which is a return trip of 2 hours from the col. The descent from the col crosses the remains of the Glacier de Golette to reach Lake Goletta. The exit from this hanging valley winds its way steeply down many zigzags to the Refuge Benevolo. This is an older style of hut than the Bezzi and provides a traditionally warm welcome for mountaineers. An open valley lies in front of the hut and this is a favourite grazing area for groups of ibex. 5 to 7 hours walking in total. The Rifugio Gian Federico Benevolo is at an altitude of 2287 metres (7500 feet). It was built in 1930 and has 60 beds, hydro-electricity and basic washing facilities. The water is drinkable and there is always plenty of wine available. (B, D)

Day 4: Cross the Col Nivolettaz and climb Punta Basei

Following the left bank of the Doire de Rhemes Gorge, we leave the hut and gradually ascend to the Col Nivolettaz (3120m / 10,236ft), which takes 3 hours. From the col, we cross the remains of the Bassey Glacier and make our descent between rock bands leading down to the Col Nivolet. This col has a small road leading to it from the south side of the Grand Paradiso National Park and thus gets busy with tourists during the day. From the col, weather permitting we will ascend our second summit Punta Basei (3338m / 10,951ft) which presents little more than a rope assisted scramble. Tonight we will stay in either the Refuge Chivasso, or the Refuge Savoie. Both are situated close to the Col Nivolet. The Rifugio Citta di Chivasso was built in 1940, has 36 beds, solar lighting, basic washing facilities and a bar. The Rifugio Savoie (2534m / 8310ft) was built in 1920, has 70 beds, drinking water, washing facilities and mains electricity. Just occasionally, when these huts are over-booked and therefore severely crowded, we will be obliged to descend to valley accommodation (taking an extra 2 hours). (B, D)

Day 5: Trek to Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele

From the refuge we descend past the Nivolet lakes and follow the Doire de Nivolet, with its beautifully clear water, first along a flat plain, often scattered with grazing cattle and scampering marmots and then we drop steeply down to the Albergo Paradiso. (2 hours of descent). Here, we can treat ourselves to a hot Italian lunch and a shower at the local campsite. This is also the rendezvous point with our technical climbing equipment and an opportunity to re-arrange the rucksack (note that on GPA.1 departures, group members may have had to carry this equipment from the start of the trek). In the afternoon we make the steep, 2 to 3-hour ascent to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (2735m / 8973ft). The old hut (still there) was built in 1884, whilst the new one did not appear until 1932. There are beds for 120 people and there is good drinking water, washing facilities, a lake, hydro electricity, bar and restaurant. This large, lively hut is friendly and well organised, with good food, coffee and wine! (B, D)

Day 6: Ascend Gran Paradiso and descend to the Rifugio Chabod

A pre-dawn start from the hut to climb this isolated peak, crossing boulders and snow fields which lead us onto the Glacier du Mont Gran Paradiso and towards the Becca de Montcorve. We cross snow slopes to reach the Fenetre du Mont Roc, crossing a rimaye (a large crevasse separating the glacier from the permanent snow field above) and ascending a steep slope to give access to the final rocky summit ridge. The final 100 metres is an exciting exposed scramble though we are well protected. The summit supports a recently renovated ‘Madonna’ which is fortunately well attached to the rocks. This is a fantastic viewpoint particularly of the Mont Blanc Massif. 5 hours and 1300 metres (4265 feet) of ascent. The return journey is made via the same route for a short distance, then down the Glacier de Laveciau. This is usually a fairly intricate maze of crevasses which we wind our way through, eventually exiting onto the moraines through which a trail leads down to the Rifugio Chabod. This is a good place to bask in the sun and admire the north face of the Gran Paradiso (a popular ice climb) and our route down through the icefall. 7 to 8 hours in total. The Rifugio Federico Chabod is at an altitude of 2750 metres (9022 feet). It was built in 1985, has accommodation for 100, drinking water, washing facilities/showers and hydro-electricity. (B, D)

Day 7: Walk to road and drive to Chamonix

From the hut we ascend gently initially and then more steeply below the cliffs of the Pyramid du Grand Neyron (3255m / 10,679ft). This is usually a great place to spot herds of chamois and ibex. A hidden rocky col is finally reached and we prepare for an exciting descent, using fixed chains and ladders to take us down to the moraines of the Timorion Valley. Finally, we reach a pleasant path leading to the old cattle byres at Levionaz Dessus, from where we descend zigzags to the Leviona valley. Finally we finish our trek with a steep zigzagging trail through pine forests and below the Leviona waterfall to the hamlet of Tignet, a beautifully restored collection of buildings. A short descent along a road leads to our pick up point in Degioz, Valsaverenche. 7 hours walking. After a late lunch (time permitting), we board our transport for the return drive to the Chamonix Valley and the group's hotel in Argentiere. In the evening, we have the opportunity to reflect on the adventures of the week, during the course of a celebratory dinner. (B, D)

Day 8: Services end with breakfast

KE Land Only package services end with breakfast. (B)