Gran Paradiso: The Alta Via 2 Trek and Day Walks (Cicerone Guides)

South of the Valle d'Aosta, in northwestern Italy is a marvelous region of magical mountains and rugged desolate valleys, verging on pristine wilderness. It's a mere alpine chough's flight from the amazing Mont Blanc range and the Monte Rosa and Matterhorn, yet walkers in the Gran Paradiso can often enjoy unforgettable days on excellent trails through spectacular valleys all to themselves, even at the height of the summer. With illustrated walks ranging from short strolls to multi-day traverses, this guide explores both highlights and little-visited places, and plenty of panoramic peaks. The excellent rifugi network allows walkers to rest overnight at high altitudes as well as feast on local gastronomic specialties. This brand new full-color book also includes a detailed description of the rewarding 12-stage Alta Via 2 that crosses the southern Valle d'Aosta, passing beneath the foot of Mont Blanc to culminate at Courmayeur.