long distance hiking – Summer-Ends.de

2021-11-252026-01-24

Hiking the GTA in the Italian Alps – Part 10 – Refugio Coda – Pont Saint Martin

This stage marked the final section of my second tour on the Grande Traversata delle Alpi. I set off early in the morning from Rifugio Coda, where I had recovered overnight. At altitude, the cold was intense, and I had briefly struggled with mild hypothermia, but by morning I was fit again and ready to continue.

Unfortunately, the day began entirely shrouded in fog. While the route itself was not technically difficult, the conditions made it dangerous due to poor visibility and exposed sections along the ridge. The trail followed the ridgeline for a long stretch, constantly ascending and descending. At one point, the clouds briefly lifted, revealing a spectacular view of the Aosta Valley and the surrounding valleys.

2021-09-052026-01-24

Hiking the GTA in the Italian Alps – Part 8 – Refugio Madonna della Neve – Oropa

From Rifugio Madonna delle Neve, the route first descended through dense forest into the valley below. Once at the valley floor, the trail followed a quiet road as it climbed steadily into another side valley. Later, the route left the road and passed once more through a stretch of forest before reaching the Santuario di San Giovanni d’Andorno.