6-day Grand Paradis Traverse

Day before departure – Arrival in Saint-Gervais
Meeting at 6:30 PM at the Saint Gervais Guides’ office for the briefing.

Day 1 – Pont – Savoia – Nivolet Valley (2,550 m)
Meet in Saint-Gervais early in the morning. Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Villeneuve in the Aosta Valley, then transfer (leaving your packs prepared for the hut with the transporter) to Pont (2,000 m). Gradual ascent toward the Grand Paradis summit into a surprisingly flat high valley at 2,500 m. Keep your eyes open—golden eagles or bearded vultures may soar overhead at any moment. At the end of the day, we reunite with our luggage at a family-run hut ideally located by a high-altitude lake.
Elevation gain +790 m / loss -320 m – Actual walking time: 6 h. Duration excludes morning transfer.

Day 2 – Savoia – Valley of the 5 Lakes – Vaudaletta Glacier (3,088 m)
Among ibex, chamois, and marmots, ascent to the Val de Rhêmes viewpoint, a perfect walk from lake to high-altitude lake, embracing the spirit of nature exploration. Overnight again at the same hut.
Elevation gain +580 m / loss -580 m – Actual walking time: 6 h.

Day 3 – Grand Vaudalaz Valley or Lavassey Glacier
Depending on the weather, cross either Col Rosset (3,023 m) or Col Nivoletta (3,130 m). Stunning panoramas—if the weather is clear, prepare to be amazed! Views extend over 100 km, with peaks over 4,000 m guaranteed: the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Grande Casse, Monte Rosa, and all the other landmarks. Easy off-trail descent along rocky paths beside glaciers, or in search of the alpine ptarmigan, a symbol of the alpine birdlife. Overnight in the Benevolo hut (2,285 m) facing the imposing Granta Parei. That evening we reunite with our luggage.
Elevation gain +600 m / loss -850 m – Actual walking time: 6 h 30.

Day 4 – Between Becca de la Traversière and Pointe de Bassac Dure (3,082 m)
A change of scenery in the mineral Goletta cirque and its glacial lake. Along the way, you may still encounter remarkable plants such as the Mont Cenis bellflower or génépi. Cross Col Bassac Déré (3,082 m) with its striking landscapes and true high-mountain feel. Descend along the Vaudet Glacier via flower-strewn grassy slopes. Overnight at the comfortable Bezzi hut (2,240 m). That evening we do not reunite with our luggage (the backpack weight is not excessive).
Elevation gain +690 m / loss -816 m – Actual walking time: 7 h.

Day 5 – Panorama over Valgrisenche, on the French border
Morning ascent to the fresh mountain air at Lago di San Martino (2,770 m), in a bucolic setting. A beautiful off-trail section and a long panoramic path lead to the Épée hut (2,370 m), built entirely of wood and stone. That evening we reunite with our luggage. Lovely hut atmosphere.
Elevation gain +850 m / loss -850 m – Actual walking time: 6 h 30.

Day 6 – Col della Fenestra (2,840 m), Descent to Rhêmes Notre Dame
Pleasant ascent at the foot of Mt Forclaz (3,244 m); keep your eyes open—ibex are often present. After a short photo stop at the col, a fairly long descent follows along an impressive trail at the start (descent only possible in good weather; an alternative route is planned in case of rain). Mid-afternoon transfer to Villeneuve, where you retrieve your vehicles for the return to Saint-Gervais in the late afternoon.
Elevation gain +500 m / loss -1,100 m – Actual walking time: 6 h.

The mountain leaders may adjust the program according to weather conditions, mountain conditions, and the participants’ skill level.