The Valle d'Aosta side of the Gran Paradiso National Park, the oldest in Italy (established in 1922), is a blend of wild nature, majestic mountains, wild wildlife, and small villages where Alpine culture is still alive. More intimate than the Piedmont side, this area is ideal for hikers, families, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking silence and authenticity.
Valsavarenche: the alpine heart of the parwith
Valsavarenche is the most "pristine" valley in the park: narrow, high, and dominated by the Gran Paradiso massif (4,061 m), it is the starting point for memorable hikes. Here, you can still breathe in authentic mountain life, far from mass tourism.
Don't miss:
- Climb to the Vittorio Emanuele II refuge (2,732 m): ideal for approaching high altitude
- Chabod Refuge (2,750 m): access to the wildest route to the summit
- Nature Trail: easy, suitable for families
- Waterfalls and stone bridges along the Savara stream
- Wildlife spotting: here it is easy to see ibex, marmots, chamois, birds of prey
Interesting fact: Pont is the last village in the valley and one of the quietest and most evocative places in the entire park.
Cogne and Valnontey: Nature, Culture, and Tradition
Cogne is the most well-known and accessible gateway to the park. The neat and lively village is surrounded by flower-filled meadows (the famous Prati di Sant'Orso) and spectacular mountains.
Things to do and see:
- Valnontey: a hamlet nestled in the park, a base for many excursions
- Vittorio Sella Refuge (2,588 m): an iconic hike among wildlife, glaciers, and history
- Paradisia Alpine Garden: one of Europe's richest collections of alpine flora.
- Lillaz Waterfalls: A captivating spectacle of water and mountains
Colle del Nivolet: the suspended plateau
Climbing from Valsavarenche, you reach Colle del Nivolet (2,612 m), one of the most spectacular Alpine plateaus in Italy. With its alpine lakes, green expanses, and sweeping views, it's ideal for easy hikes or simply to stop and breathe in the beauty.
Not to be missed:
- Lake Rosset, Lake Leità, Lake Nivolet
- Panoramic excursions
- Close encounters with alpine fauna
Trekking, refuges and authentic experiences
The Park offers many hiking itineraries for all levels:
- Alta Via n.2: crosses the entire park and reaches the main refuges
- Chabod – Vittorio Emanuele II Crossing: a spectacular loop between moraines and ice
- Circular routes between mountain pastures and glacial lakes
- Guided treks with a park ranger: for those who truly want to learn from the mountains
Camping life and sustainable tourism
For those who want to fully experience the mountains, there are campsites like Camping Gran Paradiso in Valsavarenche, surrounded by nature and the perfect starting point for day trips. Here, you can rediscover the slower pace of life, filled with fire, hiking, stars, and silence.
Gran Paradiso isn't just a peak. It's a world to be explored slowly, with eyes open, and a heart ready to marvel.
