Gran Paradiso 13,323
Located between Valle D'Aosta and Piemonte Regions
One of the most enjoyable ways to spend the summer or early autumn in Italy is hike or climb in the mountains. There is a very extensive hut system across the mountain ranges that allows one to venture into the mountains carrying only a few essentials. Typically, only a small backpack is needed as the huts provide food and shelter (and wine). You need only carry extra clothing, ample water for the days outing, a compulsory sheet and any climbing gear needed for the objective you have set.
One can hike on dry casual paths considered easy from one valley to the next or utilize the more advanced via ferrate system that is considered more intermediate or advanced as you must have special gear to securely travel the steel ladders and more rigorous paths. Then there is the true mountaineering experience that place you on glaciated mountains that lead to the summits of some of the most breathtaking mountains in Italy. What makes this so comfortable is that no tent, stove or fuel is required for shelter, so you carry only a light load. Those of us used to climbing mountains almost consider this a form of modern-day glamping. It does allow you the option to do a fast out and back hike for one night or you can link numerous huts together to do a circuit which includes several days of travel.
This past June my husband and I ventured to climb the highest mountain fully within the borders of Italy that shares the same name as the National Park in which it resides, Gran Paradiso. There are two mountains higher in Italy, but one shares a border with France, Mt. Bianco (Mont Blanc), while the other shares a border with Switzerland, Mt. Cervino (Matterhorn). This has been a goal of mine for many years.
It turned out to be a glorious yet challenging climb. The first day we drove six hours from the coast to the park and hiked to the hut. There was no park entry or permit fee required but we did reserve the hut a few weeks in advance. The huts can fill up very fast. We were able to park free at the trailhead which was equipped with nice bathrooms and a small mini market for procuring last minute rations. The hike to the hut took us just about three hours. Upon arrival we enjoyed a cold beer on the deck with some of the most beautiful views of the surround peaks. We could not see Gran Paradiso for it is hidden off in the distance.
After a great meal, had a good night sleep as most huts require complete silence from 10:00 pm on. Each bed offers numerous blankets and a pillow. It is expected you will carry a compulsory sheet to sleep in which ensures the bedding stays clean. We awoke for a fast breakfast at 4:00 and we were hiking by 5:00. The path to the top is generally well marked with cairns. Given we would be on a glacier we used crampons, carried ice axes and had a rope for the travel through the crevassed sections. This gear added a bit of weight to our load.
Every summit has something marking the top. Crosses are common but this particular peak had a statue of the Madonna on top. We arrived tired but were pleased to have clear skies and no storms. There were many people on the mountain that day, but we all worked well together. The decent back to the hut took us just under four hours. We again arrived to a cold beer on the deck which was followed by a great three-course dinner and good night of sleep. We descended back to the car on day three. The hike down offered a few waterfalls where we could soak our tired feet in a stream of super cold water. Of course, for the drive back to coast we grabbed a cold Coke from the mini mart.
I decided the mountain is appropriately named as it is truly a Great Paradise!
By Tonya Clement