The Giants' Trail: the Alta Via No. 1 of the Aosta Valley.

The experience

A journey on foot linking two iconic mountains of the Alps: the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.Far from tourist trails and chaos.Wild nature.

8 giorni

8 giorni di trekking, 2 giorni di spostamenti

Required level

Experience an 8-day trek along the Alta Via No. 1 in the Aosta Valley, a route through some of the region's most picturesque valleys. The trail connects 2 of the most iconic peaks in the Alps: starting from the Matterhorn and reaching all the way to Mont Blanc. You will walk past lakes, through silent forests, and in the presence of majestic glaciers, alternating between demanding climbs and moments of pure peace. Each stage offers new views of glaciers and striking peaks, with welcoming mountain huts or alpine villages awaiting you at the end of the day. Perfect for lovers of the authentic mountains, this journey combines adventure and daily beauty: six days of intense nature, step by step towards Courmayeur and memories that will last.

Highlights

You will have the opportunity to admire the two symbolic peaks of the Alps: the Matterhorn, the mountain with the unmistakable profile, and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe.

An authentic mountain experience: alpine huts, historic trails, and the simple pleasure of walking immersed in the silence of the Aosta Valley.

A balanced and rewarding challenge: six demanding yet accessible days, with an arrival in Courmayeur that feels like a true achievement.

Quick info

Type Trekking

Difficulty Intermediate

Designed for practitioners with decent fitness and some prior experience. Includes moderate elevation changes, sometimes rough terrain or longer daily stages. Requires good energy management and basic technical ability to handle small natural obstacles or uneven road sections.

Duration 8 giorni

Season 15 Giugno - 30 Settembre

Group max. 10 persons

Interested?

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Gallery

Detailed program

Aosta - Rifugio Barmasse (2150 mt)

5 km 2 ore

The meeting will be on the morning of the first day in Aosta. From here we will take a bus to Chatillon and then a connection that will take us to the picturesque village of Valtournanche. From here we will start the first ascent to the Barmasse refuge at 2150 mt.

Rifugio Barmasse - Rifugio Cuney (2650 mt)

16 km 7 ore

A substantial stage of 16 km towards the Rifugio Cuney. Overcoming the Col Terray at 2750 meters, we will face a positive elevation gain of 1300 meters. The route offers wild and spectacular views of the Aosta Valley, concluding with a well-deserved night in the refuge with half board.

Rifugio Cuney - Oyace (1400 mt)

15 km 6 ore

A panoramic stage of 15 km from the Rifugio Cuney to Oyace. You will climb to the 2800 meters of the Col de Vessonaz and then face a steep and challenging descent of 1800 meters of elevation. The day ends in a hotel in Oyace.

Oyace - Ollomont (1400 mt)

13 km 6 ore

A 13 km stage from Oyace to Ollomont through the 2500 meters of the Col de Brison. We will face a balanced elevation gain of 1100 meters, between constant climbs and technical descents, before rejuvenating with half board in a comfortable accommodation.

Ollomont - Etroubles (1300 mt)

16 km 8 ore

An intense 16 km stage from Ollomont to Etroubles, overcoming the 2700 meters of the Col de Champillon. With 1600 meters of ascent and a steep descent, the route offers unique glimpses before resting in a hotel in the medieval village.

Etroubles - Rifugio Frassati (2452 MT)

14 km 6

A constantly ascending stage of 14 km from Etroubles to the Rifugio Frassati. Climbing the valley along the path, we will overcome 1200 meters of positive elevation immersed in a high-altitude setting, before enjoying the warmth and half board in the refuge.

Rifugio Frassati - Courmayeur (1200 mt)

20 km 6

Final stage of 20 km from the Rifugio Frassati to Courmayeur. After 700 meters of ascent, we will face a long descent of 2000 meters, which can be shortened thanks to a free shuttle halfway. Arrival at the hotel in Courmayeur, with free dinner in the town.

Courmayeur

Final day in Courmayeur with relaxation in the town or optional trekking at the foot of Mont Blanc. For the return, comfortable buses connect the location to Aosta in about an hour, or to Geneva in an hour and a half of scenic travel.

What's included

✓ Included

● Guidance and advice from the Guide before the trip.

● Photo reportage with professional equipment (Action cam).

● Accompaniment by an expert guide for the days of the program.

✕ Not included

● Public transportation during the trip.

● Participants' travel by private car from their own homes.

● Lunches and various beverages purchased along the route.

● Overnight stays in mountain huts and affiliated accommodations.

● Everything not specified under "costs include."

Supplements on request

+ Luggage transport

+ Extra trekking days

+ Other complementary activities such as Mountain Biking, Rafting, or Paragliding

Accommodation

Planned accommodation

Le sistemazioni durante il tour saranno in rifugi alpini situati direttamente lungo il percorso. Poiché la disponibilità è limitata, faremo sempre del nostro meglio per garantire le soluzioni più adatte, assicurando comfort e accoglienza per tutti i partecipanti.

Tour info

Attrezzatura personale

• Zaino da 30–40 litri con cintura ventrale (più coprizaino antipioggia)

•⁠ ⁠Sacco lenzuolo personale (cotone o seta) — obbligatorio nei rifugi alpini. Cuscini e coperte sono forniti dai rifugi

• Occhiali da sole e crema solare (SPF 50+ consigliata in quota)

• Snack personali preferiti per il trekking

• Borraccia con capacità totale di almeno 2 litri

• Gel igienizzante per le mani

• Articoli per l’igiene personale e piccolo kit di primo soccorso personale

• Asciugamano

• Costume da bagno

• Contanti (EUR) per bevande, snack lungo il percorso, mance ecc.

• power bank per ricaricare dispositivi

• Lampada frontale

⸻

Abbigliamento

• Giacca impermeabile con cappuccio e pantaloni impermeabili

• Giacca calda (es. Primaloft) o piumino

• Pile

• Strati base in sintetico o merino

• Cappello caldo e guanti (fondamentali con meteo variabile)

• Cappello o visiera per il sole

• pantaloni/short da trekking

• Abbigliamento comodo per i rifugi dopo la camminata

• Minimo 2 paia di calze da trekking in lana o sintetico (no cotone)

• Scarponi o scarpe da trekking robuste e già rodate

• Scarpe leggere e comode per il rifugio

FAQ

What level of fitness is required?

The trekking does not present technical difficulties, but a good level of training is necessary to complete the entire itinerary. Participants should be accustomed to walking for several hours on mountain trails and able to carry a backpack for the whole day.

What happens in case of bad weather?

In the mountains, the weather can change rapidly. In the case of a brief thunderstorm, it is sufficient to wear waterproof gear and continue or seek shelter. If conditions become risky, the guide may cancel the stage and, when possible, use public transport to safely reach the next one.

Are there dangerous animals in the Alps?

In the Western Alps, there are no large predators that are dangerous to humans. Wolves are very shy and sightings are rare; no attacks have ever been recorded. The potentially most risky animal along the route... is the cow!

Difficulty levels

Easy

Ideal for those seeking relaxation or beginners. Features short routes on stable and regular terrain, with gentle gradients and low physical effort. Perfect for families, occasional cyclists and walkers who want to enjoy nature without technical stress.

Intermediate This tour

Difficult

Reserved for well-prepared athletes seeking a challenge. Characterized by sometimes steep gradients, technical sections, unstable surfaces and long distances. You need to be able to walk up to 7 hours with a backpack or cycle up to 130 km in a day. Requires excellent physical endurance, perfect knowledge of your equipment and the ability to adapt in often isolated or harsh environments.