Walking and Trekking in the Gran Paradiso. Gillian Price

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      Lago Goletta (Walk 17)

      The park area and surroundings are naturally open all year, but access is subject to snow cover, avalanches and landslides which close paths and occasionally roads. The most suitable period for non-skiing visits is May to October. The high-altitude refuges function from late June to late September, although you can base yourself at any of the valley resorts at other times of the year. In May and June herds of ibex graze the fresh new grass on valley floors and even around roads and settlements, but by midsummer they have returned to their rocky spurs and can be seen at about 2200m, never far from chamois.

      For flower lovers, July is probably the best month. August is peak holiday time for Italians and valley accommodation for weekends is then best booked in advance. The higher refuge-to-refuge itineraries are feasible in high summer with less snow on the passes. Crowds are rare higher up although organised group tours are becoming more common on popular central routes. Late summer brings crystal clear days, burnt autumn colours and deserted paths. Italy stays on summer time until late October, meaning a bonus of extra daylight for visitors. The choice is yours.

How to use this book

      This guide does not purport to cover the whole of the Gran Paradiso and southern Valle d'Aosta comprehensively. The itineraries explore highlights and special places to whet walking appetites. With a map and a sense of adventure, you will be able to concoct scores of other delightful walks.

      We begin with the superb longdistance route, Alta Via 2. It lends itself to numerous variations and each stage could be followed as a day walk. The successive chapters of the guide contain walks suitable for visitors who prefer to make their base in a valley hotel or campsite and embark on shorter excursions. A handful of excellent traverses is also included, brilliant routes that convey walkers to wild exhilarating heights and act as inks between the inhabited valleys. Suggestions are given for combining these into a further series of long-distance routes.

      The descriptions of the individual walks and the stages on Alta Via 2 all begin with some basic information: time, distance, ascent/descent, grade and map required.

      Time

      Based on a walker of average fitness, the estimate of walking time gives a rough idea of how long it will take to complete the route in good conditions. Roughly speaking, it is based on 1h for 300m of ascent or 500m of descent or 5km on level ground (but there isn't much of that). However, it does not include stops for rests or meals, so always allow plenty of extra time. Groups should always remember that their pace will be dictated by their slowest member.

      Distance and ascent/descent

      Ascent/descent (or height gain and loss) is also provided, as is distance, although this is of limited usefulness in alpine circumstances. For instance, 1km might sound short, but combined with a height gain of 1000m, that works out at a 45° gradient, so you can be sure the path will be verging on vertical in places. Profile diagrams are also supplied for the Alta Via and include transport and accommodation information. They enable longdistance walkers to see timing, height gains and losses and the steepness involved at a glance.

      Grade

      This is an indication of the difficulty of the route. Do remember that adverse weather conditions or snow cover will increase difficulty by several degrees.

      Grade 1 – a straightforward path with moderate slope, suitable for all walkers

      Grade 2 – a fairly strenuous alpine walk, but not especially difficult

      Grade 3 – some experience on alpine terrain is a prerequisite as there may be particularly steep and exposed sections. A head for heights and orientation skills may also come in useful. (Note: walkers with little alpine experience will be comforted to learn that difficult sections of popular paths are often fitted with chains or a length of cable attached to the rock face to facilitate passage.)

Path marking