Italian Alps / The Grande Traversata Della Alpi Cicerone | 9781852844172

A guidebook to the 663km Grande Traversata Delle Alpi trek through the western Italian Alps traversing the Ligurian, Maritime, Cottian, Graian and Pennine Alps to finish near Monte Rosa. The guide splits the route into 47 day stages of 4 to 23km. In total there is 44,000m of ascent/descent, so a good level of fitness and experience is required. Seasons: Late June to mid-September. There may be some spring snow early on, but the treks goes from south to north so this is minimised. Centres: Starts Viozene north of Genoa, finishes near Monte Rosa. Visits no main towns but public transport to Turin then Aosta always possible to leave the route. Difficulty: At 630km (400 miles) split into 47 stages it is a long way and passes through some tough but rewarding alpine terrain. Can be split for those with less time. A stern undertaking. Must See: Argentera, Monte Viso, the Gran Paradiso and the south faces of the Pennine Alps. Crosses half a dozen national parks and nature reserves.