Rifugio Mario Bezzi walks

Fourth stage between Valgisenche and Val de Rheme.

Another valley trek, the aim of today is Valsavarenche.

A short day as the next day takes you into the Gran Paradiso National Park, where camping is prohibited; I had to cut the stage short, otherwise it would have had to be extended unreasonably. The Hostellerie du Gran Paradis is the only place to stay overnight. The food is great, but be warned: at weekends there are often Italians, French people, etc. out mountain biking.

A pleasant climb with views of the lake. The Chalet de l’Épée refuge is a great place to relax before the climb up to the pass. On the other side of the pass, there may be a snowfield in a narrow gully, so be careful if you’re wearing trail shoes. The Refuge de la Marmotte is a collaborative refuge. The wardens are there for two weeks and the food is good!

A beautiful hike to admire the mountains around Tignes, with views as far as Mont Blanc. Lovely view of the Grande Motte glacier. Little elevation gain when taking the cable car.

From Valsavaranche to Val de Cogne in the middle of a herd of chamois.

A long day lies ahead with the climb to the Col de Lauzon (3,299m). This is the highest point of the TDG. The descent from the pass is pure delight. It is possible to run downhill for 3–4 km to the Vittorio Sella Refuge. It is a large refuge with plenty of people. The descent to Valnontey is also long, but there are plenty of cafés to rest in.

A long and difficult stage due to the ascension of 2 passes.

The hike begins with a long climb up to the pass. The views are magnificent. The descent to Valgrisenche is long. There is a restaurant on the descent to Planaval, run by young people who have taken over their parents’ business. It’s a lovely place to spend some time whilst waiting for the hike to end at the bottom of the valley.

Day3 of the circular loop around the Grande Casse, descent to the charming Champagny-le-Haut valley from the Refuge du Col du Palet with views of the Grande Casse.