Whilst I am Milan bound during the week, any chance I get to escape the heat and the mosquitoes in Milan I take it. I have been to Val D’Aosta five times now, yet each time I have had a completely different experience. From skiing, to relaxing at Terme di Pre Sant Didier, to reading books in a beautiful lodge over looking the Alps. This time I decided to work my muscles and go on a weekend hiking trip in the national park: Gran Paradiso.
Just two hours away from Milan you can find unspoilt nature within the valleys that make up the Gran Paradiso. Quite simply paradise. It is very rare that I can forget absolutely everything and just focus on the present moment. Gran Paradiso is one of those places were you are taken back by the beauty and the tranquility, such that you forget absolutely everything.
We started our trek in Cogne, a former iron ore mining village and worked our way up through the valleys to Lauson situated at 2588m. There waiting for us was our mountain hut: Vittorio Sella Hut. After a warm hearty meal and a decent night sleep we worked our way back down the valleys to finish with a lunch along a stream running through Valnontey.
The trek up to Lauson should typically take 3 hours. We took about 5 hours as we stopped for quite a filling Italian style picnic and a nap along a stream! The trek up is quite difficult, but it is totally worth it. Being surrounded by endless greenery, in the aroma of wild herbs and flowers, spotting exotic butterflies and then every now and again dipping your feet in streams that run through the valleys.
I can not think of a better way to spend a weekend and all at such an economical price. For 60 euros you can stay a night stay at Vittorio Sella, which includes a hearty dinner, drinks, breakfast and a panini to take away. You can buy bed sheets for 3 euros, a 5 minute hot shower costs 5 euros and a disposable “towel” costs 2 euros. By no means luxury accommodation, but as a hiker spending minimal time in the hut, Vittorio Sella has everything you need.
Vittorio Sella, Gran Paradiso National Park, Lauson’s Valley, 003916574310, Cogne – Italy
