A 3 day trip through Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park, taking in the country's highest peak en route, this is a brilliant adventure to a couple of gorgeous mountain huts.
LessIf you were only ever going to ski one 4000m peak it is hard to beat the Gran Paradiso; it's a superb peak in beautiful surroundings. The skiing is never really difficult but altitude is a factor and it can feel like a long day. The glacier on the ascent is serious and needs to be well filled in to be suitable for springtime ski touring. Carry full glacial kit, know how to use it and carefully consider the weather as you will require reasonable visibility.
This is by far the most satisfying way of skiing back to Pont and Valsaverenche from the Vittorio Emanuelle hut. If you skied Gran Paradiso the previous day or have time and spare energy the same day it makes an excellent finale! The Vallone Della Seyva is steep sided with big slopes above you so consider the avalanche conditions and the time of day you will ski down carefully.
The Rifugio Chabod is set right in the heart of the Gran Paradiso national park. In the past the park was a personal hunting ground for King Vittorio Emmanuel II but it is now there for everyone to enjoy and to protect the wildlife. Amongst the animals that roam the park are chamois, ibex, foxes and the elusive wolf.