Gran Paradiso Guided Ski Tour

Meet at the Cogne Tourist Office at 1:00 PM, then transfer to the Valnontey hamlet and begin the approach toward Vittorio Sella hut (2,584 m). The ascent takes about three hours and gains roughly 918 m, finishing at the hut where you’ll spend the night.

From Vittorio Sella you climb to the summit of Gran Serra (3,552 m), negotiate a short technical descent into the secluded Tymorion valley, then continue up to Colle del Gran Neyron (≈3,400 m). From there you cross toward the north faces of Colle di Montandaynè, Piccolo and Gran Paradiso, ending the day with a descent to the comfortable Chabod hut (2,750 m).

Ascent ≈1,370 m / Descent ≈1,250 m.

This is the tour’s most demanding stage. You cross the Laveciau glacier and follow the long ridge known as the Schiena d’asino to reach the easy rock section that leads to Gran Paradiso’s summit (4,061 m). After taking in the panoramic views you descend toward the historic Vittorio Emanuele II hut (2,730 m).

Ascent ≈1,311 m / Descent ≈1,330 m — ~6 hours.

You traverse Colle del Gran Paradiso (3,345 m) and enter Piedmont, descending into the little-known Noaschetta valley to the Ivrea bivouac (≈2,745 m). The route then climbs to Colle dei Becchi (2,990 m) before descending into the Piantonetto valley to Pontese hut (2,200 m). This is the tour’s wildest, most remote stage.

Ascent ≈930 m / Descent ≈1,200 m — ~7 hours.

On the final stage you gain about 1,100 m en route to Colle del Teleccio (3,304 m), with dramatic views of Becco di Valsoera and Gran San Pietro. From the col you descend through the Valeille to the village of Lillaz, then a short 15-minute drive returns you to Valnontey and the trip’s starting point.

Ascent ≈1,100 m / Descent ≈1,750 m — ~6 hours.

A sixth day is reserved as a backup and will be used only if poor weather forces a delay or itinerary change.