Italy’s Grande Traversata Delle Alpi – Cicerone

Italy’s Grande Traversata Delle Alpi – Cicerone  ISBN 9781786310408 Italie – Grande Traversée des Alpes

Trek Italy’s wild and unspoilt western Alps from the Nufenen Pass on the Swiss border to Ventimiglia on the Mediterranean coast on the Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA). This often-overlooked long-distance route covers an epic 809km (503 miles) through the Lepontine, Pennine, Graian, Cottian, and Maritime Alps. 

Perfect for experienced and fit alpine trekkers, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes the full GTA in 55 stages, each ranging from 7 to 26km (4–16 miles), with a total ascent and descent of over 57,000m. The route is presented in three sections, north, central, and south, enabling flexible planning for those wishing to break the journey into shorter trips, with convenient transport options at each section end.

• Discover the majestic peaks of Monte Rosa, Rocciamelone, Rocca la Meja, Monviso, and the Argentera spires, and immerse yourself in the wildness of the Italian alpine chain, where chamois skip across scree slopes, ibex clash horns, and ancient sheepdogs still guard flocks against elusive wolves.
• Each stage is clearly described, with distance, ascent/descent, and estimated walking time, plus details on accommodation and refreshment options to help you plan every day of your GTA adventure.
• Handy route summary tables, 1:100,000 mapping, and downloadable GPX files for every stage ensure straightforward navigation and itinerary planning, whether you aim for the full two-month journey or wish to complete the GTA in shorter sections.
• Includes essential advice on preparation, weather and when to go (best walked from early June to late September), transport, mountain safety, local wildlife, history, and what to pack, ensuring you are ready for every aspect of your trek across the Italian Alps.
• The GTA is suitable for any reasonably fit walker; while the daily ascents and descents are strenuous, no technical skills are required. Public transport options let you tailor your route and avoid less interesting road sections, making the trek accessible to a range of abilities and timeframes.
• Experience authentic Walser culture, Nebbiolo vineyards, and the slow food movement as you traverse remote landscapes largely untouched by modern tourism.

Plan your journey across Italy’s Grande Traversata delle Alpi with the definitive Cicerone guidebook, and discover a classic long-distance trek where every stage brings new alpine vistas, and the spirit of wild exploration guides you from the high Alps to the shores of the Mediterranean.

Trekking Italy’s Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA): Quick Facts

Location: Western Italian Alps, from the Swiss border (Nufenen Pass) to Ventimiglia on the Mediterranean coast
Number of stages: 55 stages (can be split into 3 sections with transport options)
Distance: 809km (503 miles)
Duration: Around 2 months (full route); daily stages 7–26km (4–16 miles); also can be tackled in three separate walks of around three weeks.
Areas covered: Lepontine Alps, Pennine Alps, Graian Alps, Cottian Alps, Maritime Alps; passes Monte Rosa, Rocciamelone, Rocca la Meja, Monviso, and Argentera
Route type: Mountain trails, high passes, alpine meadows, ancient footpaths, and traditional villages
Difficulty: Strenuous long-distance trek for experienced and fit walkers; no technical skills required
Terrain: Over 57,000m of ascent/descent, wildflower meadows, sparkling lakes, remote valleys, historic Walser settlements, and vineyard slopes
Navigation: 1:100,000 mapping for each stage, detailed route descriptions, downloadable GPX files, route summary tables
Best season: Early June to late September (high passes may hold snow early in the season; accommodation closes in autumn)
Highlights: Authentic Walser culture, Nebbiolo vineyards, slow food movement, unspoilt landscapes, rich wildlife including ibex, chamois, wolves, and traditional alpine livestock
Equipment: Sturdy trekking boots, weatherproof clothing, trekking poles, lightweight sleeping bag or liner for mountain accommodation
Accommodation: Mountain inns (rifugi), guesthouses, simple hotels, and village lodgings at the end of each stage

English

Pages:  304

Dimensions:   11 X 17 X 1.7 cm

Publication: 2023