Gran Paradiso National Park

Welcome to Gran Paradiso National Park, a vast wilderness spanning over 70,000 hectares in the Graian Alps. Established in 1922, this is Italy's oldest national park, but its history as a protected area goes back even further. …

We begin in Cogne, the most famous village associated with the park. Nestled at the foot of the massif, Cogne retains a charming, local Italian vibe, largely free from the 'tourist trap' atmosphere of more famous Alpine resorts. …

As you hike deeper into the park, you will likely find yourself walking on a wide, well-maintained path with a remarkably gentle incline. These are the 'King's Trails,' built in the nineteenth century for King Victor Emmanuel II…

The star of the Gran Paradiso is undoubtedly the Alpine Ibex, or 'stambecco' in Italian. These magnificent wild goats are easily identified by their massive, curved horns, which can grow up to a meter in length. …

At 2,584 meters above sea level, Rifugio Vittorio Sella is one of the park's most iconic mountain huts. It was originally built as a royal hunting lodge for King Victor Emmanuel II and is named after the famous Italian…

For many trekkers, the most challenging and rewarding part of the Gran Paradiso loop is crossing the Colle del Lauson. At 3,299 meters, it is the highest pass on the classic trek and offers a truly alpine experience. …

Rifugio Federico Chabod, sitting at 2,750 meters, offers perhaps the most intimate view of the Gran Paradiso summit and its glaciers. The hut is located directly at the foot of the Moncorvé glacier, which spills down the northern…

As you descend from the high passes and return to the valleys, the name 'Gran Paradiso'—Great Paradise—seems entirely appropriate. We have explored a landscape that has transitioned from a royal playground to a pioneer in global…