In search of wildlife in the Gran Paradiso National Park

The Gran Paradiso National Park is a protected area established by the State in 1922 with the aim to preserve the ecosystems of the valleys around the Gran Paradiso massif. This hike will allow you to experience the National Park great outdoors, with no technical difficulty, but with a bit of physical effort. The walk is technically easy, but rather strenuous, and is doable typically between May and October, when the area is snow free. PLEASE NOTE: THIS TOUR IS NOT OFFERED IN WINTER, DUE TO A POTENTIAL RISK OF AVALANCHES IN THE AREA. As a professional hiking guide (mountain leader), I have a deep knowledge of the trails in the region. I guarantee you -- this one is a trail not to be missed! The views of the mountains and glaciers are to die for, and the strong possibility of sighting local wildlife (ibex and chamois, mostly) is an added bonus.

The tour starts in the city of Aosta. We will take the public bus from there to the village of Cogne (transit time 50 minutes). We will continue to the tiny hamlet of Valnontey by local bus (in summer) or on foot, and continue walking up the valley by the same name, penetrating into the heart of the National Park. We will take the steep trail that climbs up to Pian de la Tornetta, an incredible viewpoint on the Gran Paradiso glaciers, where ibex and chamois usually graze in the alpine meadows. The hike is about 7. 5 km long, with an 800 meters elevation gain/loss, and takes approx. 4 hours in total, excluding breaks.