The Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA) is a challenging mountain route in the Italian Piedmont region, from Ventimiglia to the Swiss border at Griess Pass. The GTA uses the Alp ranges of the Pennine, Ligurian, Cottian, and Graian. The route crosses the region against the grain -- from high col to low valley -- which makes this route very, very physically demanding.
My route:
- NOBO from Ventimiglia to Griess Pass
- ~550 miles
- ~200,000ft net gain
- ~360 ft/m
- ~8000ft gain/day
- 34 total days
- 28 hiking days
- 1 intentional zero day
- 5 weather zero days
I loved this route. The grueling ascents and descents, the friendly and charming people, the cozy inns, the amazing food, and the beautiful scenery, this route provided me with a unique and immersive cultural experience within a spectacular mountainous region. I had been told this route would not be crowded. And, that was true, even more so with a heavy snow year and a rainy spring. I had so many days out there with no one around, to the point a wilderness feel consumed me. Of course, a ton of days were in the clouds. But those glimmers! I usually only encountered locals in the borgatas or an occasional shepherd. This meant I really had some fun encounters. If you're looking for a rugged and wild route without the typical European crowds, the GTA may suit your adventurous palette. I really enjoyed the GTA, such a fulfilling experience. I had so much time to finally reflect on some things that required my full attention. The way the route is and the way the weather was really slowed me down a bit in a very, very good way.
Click the links below for the 3-part series on the GTA.
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