A complex glacial journey to a stunning summit with an exposed final ridge, this is a brilliant route on a famous summit. There isn't too much technical difficulty but you'll need to be physically fit and able to move safely through alpine terrain to complete this fabulous route safely.

Following a well made path through beautiful larch forests to a stunning hut, the trip up to the Chabod is a great day on its own. The fact that the hut is warm and welcoming only adds to the experience, as does the fact that it's the launching pad for the journey to the summit of Italy!

A steep walk through a larch forest leads to the largest mountain hut in the area, serving the Gran Paradiso. The Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele itself is wonderful, with the cold stone walls of the hut contrasting the warm welcome (and excellent food!) you'll find inside.

A beautiful way to traverse 2 majestic peaks, including Italy's highest, this route should be better known and more travelled. The Piccolo Paradiso is - compared to its marginally higher and much more famous neighbour - not often climbed so you are likely to enjoy some solitude on much of the route to this wonderful summit.