Pont di Valsavarenche
Places
Hike·Hard·Sporty·Popular

Pont di Valsavarenche

Aosta Valley

Pont marks where the paved road gives out in Valsavarenche, leaving only trail beyond toward Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II and, for climbers, the glaciated summit of Gran Paradiso itself. Even without continuing to the top, the walk up from Pont through the last stretch of larch forest into open glacial terrain is one of the park's classic outings. Ibex frequently graze within easy sight of the path, having lost most of their wariness of humans within the old royal reserve.

Duration
5.5 hours
Distance
13 km
Elevation
+800 m
Best season
June – September

Highlights

  • Gateway to Gran Paradiso's summit route
  • Classic glacial-terrain day walk
  • Habituated, easily seen ibex

With your dog

High alpine terrain beyond the trailhead; fit dogs on leash, watch for ibex encounters.