Tor des Géants

A magnificent hike following the trail of the ultra-trail of the same name. A hike designed for experienced hikers. The sections in the southernmost part can be tricky due to late snowfields on the north-east face. The route is very well marked, so there aren’t really any problems along the way. The hike can be done in either direction. This route allows you to tackle the wildest section at the start. It is also the most technically challenging part.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 264.49 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 11 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 18,154 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 18,419 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,292 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,204 m
  • ⚐ Country: Italy
  • ⚐
    Area: Alps
  • ⚐ District: La Thuile (73190)
  • ⚑
    Start: N 45.712863° / E 6.95206°
  • ⚑
    End: N 45.791608° / E 6.970845°
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. E

Notes

There are permanent accommodation options available for this hike. In the south, camping is prohibited in the Gran Paradiso National Park. You may only pitch a tent once, at Gressonney-Saint-Jean. You must take the bus to La Thuile and then head directly to the Deffeyes Refuge, as the bus stops 2–3 km before it.

The stages in the south may seem short, but it is difficult to combine them as camping is not permitted.

The hike is done alone in the south as there are few people. The arrival in Cogne is superb as you find a magnificent mountain village. You must take the bus between Cogne and Lillaz as the route follows the road.

For those short on time, it is possible to cover the least interesting section, between Champorcher and Gressoney, by road, and to hitchhike between Champorcher and Pont Saint-Martin, then take the bus from Pont Saint-Martin to Gressoney Saint-Jean. You should then stay at the campsite in Gressoney.

On the northern section, the landscape changes completely and you can see the Grand Combin. The climbs, although long, are less steep. At this time of year, the mountain huts are empty so there’s no problem with bookings.

In fact, the Tor des Géants consists of the Alta Via No. 2 in the south and the Alta Via No. 1 in the north. By setting off early in the morning, around 6.30 am, it is possible to cover certain stages in a single day. At the cafés, you can enquire about potential accommodation.

Please note: this is a difficult hike, even though it is very well signposted. Using the VR app is highly recommended. There are also plenty of mountain huts, villages and houses where you can ask for water.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

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