Highlights
Highlights and sections
The GTA crosses varied landscapes along the Italian Alps. Below we list a few of the main highlights and sections which can serve as inspiration for a shorter hike, starting from weekend hikes up to a week. Weather and personal preference are important factors in how much you will enjoy your experience: views are better on sunny days, but it can also get very hot in summer.
Main peaks and areas
The official route passes close to some of the most spectacular peaks in the Italian alps. The main peaks along the way are:
Rocciamelone
Rocciamelone is a one of the spectacular peaks along the route. At 3538 m, it is not the tallest, but there is a hiking trail right up to the top from the Susa side. From the peaks, you have spectacular 360 degree views. On the other side, you can descend to the glacier and cross it to go down further to Rifugio Tazzetti, a small refuge that has wonderful views over the surrounding landscape and down to Lago di Malciaussia in the distance. The glacier is small and crossing it is quite safe in summer. This is a perfect center point for a two to four day hike, starting from Susa (reachable by train from Torino), Usseglio or Lago di Malciaussia (reachable by car).
Monviso
Monviso is a spectacular pyramidal peak (3841m) that towers above the surrounding mountains and is visible from a large distance. Rifugio Quintino Sella (NB: there is a rifugio with a similar name - Quintino Sella al Felik - near Monte Rosa) is located at the base of the main peak in a spectacular rocky landscape. The rifugio can be reached as day hike from Pian del Re in the Po valley, or from Castello in the Valle Varaita (longer hike). The peak of Monviso is often shrouded in clouds, so check the weather before you go. The ascent to the peak of Monviso is an alpine route, which requires ropes and crampons even in summer; we have not been there ourselves, but groups of hikers/climbers start off towards the peak from Quintino Sella in the early morning. From Rif. Quintino Sella, you can reach Rif Willy Jervis and Rif Barbara Lowrie, both of which are good destinations as well.
Marguerais
Our version of the GTA started in Viozene, with a good day hike through the Marguerais area. This is an excellent area for a shorter dayhike or a loop of 2-3 days. The huts (rifigios) are modern and well-equipped and the landscape with sandstone peaks is beautiful, while the hiking is not technical.
Gran Paradiso
The GTA does not come very close to the peaks of Gran Paradiso, but rather loops around and offers nice views of the peak and the surrounding mountains, in the section from Balme to Fonti Minerali, Noasca and San Lorenzo. This section of trail passes through a number of interesting old mountain villages. The area can be quite busy, in particular around ferragosto (15 August). The Alta Via 1 in the Aosta valley offers a good alternative for visiting the area (on the north side of Gran Paradiso).
Monte Rosa
Monte Rosa marks the border between Italy and Switzerland and with its 4634 m height, it is visible from a large distance. Monte Rosa is more of a massif than a single mountain. The GTA passes through Alagna at the base of the massif. There is also tour of Monte Rosa trail.
Highlights: mountain huts
Rif Migliorero
Rifigio Migliorero is a impressive almost castle-like building at the end of a valley, surrounded by a number of small lakes. Despite this, it is does not seem to be very busy.
Valle Maira: Chialvetta and Chiappera
The section from Sant'Anna via Rif Migliorera, Ferrero, Chialvetta and Chiappera is a varied multi-day hike which passes through some great mountain towns. Not quite the spectacular high-mountain landscape that you get around Monviso, Rocciamelone and in the north near Monte Rosa, but interesting hiking and some great places to stay.
Rif Quintino Sella
Rifugio Quintino Sella is spectacularly located at an impressive altitude of 2640m, at the base of the peak of Monviso. The terrain around is rocky high-mountain terrain, but there are no difficulties reaching the Rifugio in summer. It is a large hut and it can be busy, since it is also the starting point for climbs to the top of Monviso. Watch the weather when you plan a trip.
Rif Coda
Rifugio Coda sits at a prime location on a mountain shoulder with spectacular views towards the plains of the Po Valley (Torino). When we were there, the rifiugio was run by a very welcoming elderly couple. The structure is relatively small and with an almost historical vibe.
Rif Rivetti
Spectacularly located at the end of a high valley, close to a pass on the GTA, this hut is run by a young and energetic crew, who cook simple but excellent meals.
Alpe Veglia
Alpe Veglia is a small mountain village, with two huts. A spectacular setting with morning views of Monte Leone nearby. It can be busy, but is worth staying overnight for the views.