The walks are mostly on grass and stone paths, dirt roads, forest tracks and also some inevitable short sections on asphalt road.
Start: Aosta Finish: Cogne
Arrive in the quaint, small town of Aosta, in a valley dominated by the stunning views of Europe’s highest mountains.
Take a walk through its streets and admire some of the still well-preserved remnants of the Roman times, like the Roman Theatre, the Arch of Augustus and the town walls and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the place.
A car transfer will lead you to the small hilltop village of Thouraz, where today’s itinerary starts.
You walk through flowery meadows overlooking the valley and the high mountains around.
Finally, you will be warmly received at the accommodation, just outside the village of Vetan.
Challenge: 5 hours, 12 km / 7,5 mi, 610m ascent, 450m descent
This is a fairly demanding route due to the difference in height that must be tackled. For long stretches it offers spectacular panoramic views over the valleys and peaks of the Gran Paradiso. You can make an extention route to reach Lake Fallere. Remind customers to check the weather before starting the excursion!
Challenge: 6 hours, 12 km / 7,5 mi, 680m ascent, 680m descent
You go from east to west along the more than 2.000m high slopes of the Valle d'Aosta. Higher up are the pastures where the famous Fontina and Toma cheeses are made, and, on the lower slopes, are the mountain villages and local farms.
The small family run hotel where you stay tonight is located in a charming mountain hamlet surrounded by a wonderful scenery.
Challenge: 4 hours, 8 km / 5 mi, 325m ascent, 270m descent
From the village of Vens, stroll into the area of the old gold mines. Then you climb 2.616m high on the Oilletta peak, where your efforts will be rewarded for the stunning views of the many high peaks including the Gran Paradiso and the impressive Mont Blanc Massif which seems very close.
Challenge: 5 hours, 12 km / 7,5 mi, 963m ascent, 999m descent
The day’s walk starts in a mountain environment. The long descent along the Dora Baltea River is on good paths, alternated with flat section, where the vegetation becomes drier with fewer conifers and more fruit trees and some small vineyards. Along the itinerary you will encounter many castles and churches of different historical periods. From the end of the walk travel to Cogne by public transport or by car.
Challenge: 4 hours, 10 km / 6 mi, 21m ascent, 1081m descent
Reach the mountain village of Lillaz, also known for its the enchanting waterfall, where the day’s walk begins with a steady climb to the beautiful Loie Lake (2.354m). Walking along a mountain stream, you pass other two smaller lakes and gradually you descend to the bottom of the Urtier Valley. From here take a bus back to the accommodation.
Challenge: Option 1.- Lillaz-Bardoney. 5 hours, 11.5 km / 7 mi, 900m ascent, 908m descent
Option 2- Lillaz-Lago di Loie loop. 6 hours, 11 km / 7 mi, 900m ascent, 908m descent
From the hotel you walk through a beautiful path to the Colle Tsa Sètse (2.820m), populated by the Alpine marmots and from where you can enjoy great views of the Gran Paradiso and the Mont Blanc Mountains. On the way back, the path beyond the farm can be, for a short distance, unclear but after you walk on a downhill forest clearly visible path.
Challenge: 6 hours, 13 km / 8 mi, 1134m ascent, 1068m descent
The trip and our services end after breakfast. We suggest you to visit the centre of Aosta before leaving.
You will overnight in small, cosy and quiet family run hotels and farmhouses (agriturismi). All rooms have private en-suite facilities, except in Saint Pierre where there are also rooms with common bathroom.
During high season, you might sleep in different accommodation to the ones indicated below. In choosing alternative accommodation, we have tried to maintain the same standards and quality
Hotel *** located in the historic center of Aosta, a few steps from the Arch of Augustus and the monuments that characterize the city. Born in 1982 on the Roman Bridge, along the Via Francigena, from a Roman building.
Situated in the National Park Gran Paradiso, in our hotel you can live a natural, sustainable and healthy holiday, under the name of respect for nature and the surrounding territory, for our local products and traditions.
The Hotel Vagneur is in Vens, 8km from Saint-Nicolas and 1740m above sea level. The hotel has a panoramic terrace, a garden, Wi-Fi coverage throughout the hotel and a restaurant. Rooms are furnished according to the style of the Aosta Valley, although they are not very well maintained and a little dated and have a covered bathroom, heating and telephone. Breakfast is normal, the staff is friendly and helpful.
Hotel Grauson is in Cogne, 35km from Val d'Isère. The hotel has a sun terrace, a bar and an elevator to reach the rooms on the upper floors. Rooms are furnished in Alpine style and equipped with private bathroom, TV and central heating. Breakfast is good but not very varied, the staff kind and helpful.
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between June 1st and September 15th.
The closest airport is Turin (TRN). It is advisable to choose a morning flight and /or an afternoon flight back. Of course you can always book an extra night in Turin before and/or after your trip.
Arrival in Aosta
From Turin airport (TRN), take the train to the center of town (Porta Susa). From there, you travel by train in about 2 hours to Aosta. You then travel by bus from Aosta (Aosta-Martigny line) to Etroubles. There is a bus in the late afternoon, which takes about 20 minutes. In Etroubles you will be met by the owner of the first accommodation and driven there for a small fee.
Please call the accommodation owner the day before about the arrival time.
Departure from Cogne
At the end of the trip you travel by bus from Cogne to Aosta (about 1 hour) and from there you take a train to Turin. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.
GPS tracks are available on request.
Included
Not included
Extras
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Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)