Giants' Trail Trekking the Alta Via 1 through the Italian Pennine Alps

Cicerone Press 2021 - Beneath Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa Guidebook to trekking Italy s Alta Via 1 - a 180km trail through the Italian Alps, following the northern flank of the Aosta Valley from Donnas to Courmayeur. Nicknamed the Giants Trail, the route offers fantastic views of the Alpine giants: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. With travel advice and accommodation listings. Seasons Once the rifugi open, from late June to early September each month offers different views and experiences. Centres From Donnas the route visits Gressoney-Saint-Jean before passing the world-famous Great St Bernard Monastery to finish in Courmayeur. Difficulty Regular, fit walkers will enjoy crossing cols of nearly 3000m and travelling across the grain of the mountains. Harder than the Tour of Mont Blanc, but without technical difficulty, this trek will provide a suitable challenge for those familiar with Alpine trekking looking for quiet huts and stunning views. Must See ​The Alpine giants of Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc form the stupendous backdrop to two weeks trekking through the old kingdom of Savoy. With almost 1000 years of history, the Great St Bernard Monastery is a rewarding diversion.