Beginner Gran Paradiso Trek

The walk starts at the bus stop in Pravieux on a wide and comfortable track. It leads through open meadows with a few small farm buildings around. The ground is flat at first, and you follow the valley toward the forest that sits at the base of the mountain.

Once the path reaches the trees, the climb begins. Here you follow a long series of short, steady switchbacks through light larch forest. The path is clear and well-maintained, with a surface of dirt and small stones. Even though you are going uphill, the turns make the ascent manageable and regular.

As you get higher, the trees become fewer and the slopes open up. The trail now makes wider bends and longer stretches across grassy and rocky ground. You may notice more stones along the way, but the path stays easy to follow and the incline remains steady.

Further up, the terrain becomes more open and alpine. Vegetation is thinner, and the trail crosses a mix of grass, gravel, and small rocks. The hillside is broad and even, and the route continues in a clear line without any tricky sections.

Near the end of the stage, the path moves across more rocky terrain with only small patches of grass left. The climb becomes a little steeper but stays straightforward. The refuge soon appears on a flat platform above you.

The final approach is simple: the path leads directly to the terrace where Rifugio Frédéric Chabod stands. This is where the stage ends.

The stage starts at the Chabod Hut on a clear path that first goes gently downhill across open alpine terrain. The ground consists of grass patches, rock slabs and scattered stones, and the route follows a steady line away from the refuge.

After this short descent, the path begins a gradual climb. Here you walk over wide, smooth rock plates mixed with areas of loose stones. The surface is mostly even, with a few slightly uneven spots created by natural rock layers. Because this is all high-alpine terrain, the surroundings are open and the trail stays easy to follow.

As you continue, the route crosses a broad rocky plateau. The area is mostly filled with stone fields, with small bits of grass in between. The trail weaves lightly through the rocks but remains well-defined. The incline remains mild and consistent throughout this section.

Further on, the path passes several natural viewing points along rock ridges. From here you get clear views toward the Nivolet valley and the surrounding slopes. The route remains straightforward, without technical challenges.

After these viewpoints, the landscape becomes more uniform. You walk across large rock slabs with fewer loose stones. The trail takes a mostly straight course with gentle bends, following a gradual slope upward. Vegetation is minimal, limited to occasional patches of grass or moss.

Toward the end of the stage, the path descends slightly onto the plateau where the Vittorio Emanuele II Hut is located. As you approach the hut, you pass above Lago di Moncorvé, the elongated green-blue lake that sits directly in front of and slightly below the refuge. The trail remains wide and stable all the way to the hut.

Once you arrive at Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II, you will also find a second, smaller lake located directly behind the hut on the upper side of the plateau. This lake is not visible from the approach and only appears once you reach the refuge area.

The stage ends at Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II.

The route starts at the Vittorio Emanuele II Hut and follows the same wide path you used on the way in. The first part of the trail moves gently across open alpine terrain with scattered rocks and patches of grass. The ground is mostly even, and the trail follows a clear line toward the lower valley.

As you leave the hut area, the path begins to descend steadily. You walk over a mix of rock slabs and compact dirt, with occasional small stones along the way. The route stays open and easy to follow as it moves across the high plateau above Lago di Moncorvé. After a short while, the path continues along the slope and gradually transitions into easier ground with more grass and soil.

On the way down, the trail passes several long traverses before reaching the top of a series of well-built zigzags. These switchbacks help you lose height in a controlled and comfortable way. The ground is stable, and the turns are regular and predictable. This section brings you closer to the tree line and marks the shift from alpine terrain to more mixed vegetation.

Once the zigzags end, the trail enters a more gentle slope and approaches the edge of the forest. The scenery changes to small clearings with groups of trees. Here the surface becomes softer, mainly dirt with fewer rocks. The path leads to a marked highlight point where a small waterfall can be seen just off the trail. This area is easy to reach and lies close to the main route.

After passing the waterfall, the trail enters denser woodland. You follow a clear path through the trees as the descent continues at a steady pace. The forest floor is mostly compact soil with occasional roots, but the route remains straightforward without any technical difficulties. Several small bends guide you through the trees while keeping a steady direction down the valley.

As the forest opens again, the trail reaches a wider track near the Torrent Savara riverbed. You briefly follow this track across open meadows, where the ground levels out. The surroundings are a mix of grass, open space, and scattered trees. The path then joins a larger gravel road leading toward the valley floor.

In the final section, the route continues along this wide track until you reach the parking area near Albergo Gran Paradiso. This area serves as the main access point for visitors and is easy to identify due to the large parking layout. The stage ends at the bus stop next to the hotel, marking the end of the Gran Paradiso Trek.