Italy: Gran Paradiso

About the Region

WHY SKI HERE?

Gran Paradiso may be the tallest mountain entirely in Italy, standing tall at 13,325 feet, but that’s not the main reason to climb it. There are plenty of other peaks in the region to summit for bragging rights, like nearby Mont Blanc (15,750 ft). What Gran Paradiso offers is unparalleled views of the surrounding alpine giants from the summit – like Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monta Rosa, and the Grand Jorasses – and an epic 6,550-foot ski descent.

“Once you’ve made it to the top, the views out over the Aosta Valley and toward Mont Blanc are simply stunning.”

- Daniel Dawson

Most Gran Paradiso summit attempts begin in Chamonix and take 5 to 6 days, though trips can be shortened or extended as needed. The most fit (and acclimated) can even reach the summit and return in just 2 days, but rushing is the opposite of what you want to do in terrain this beautiful. A 6- to 8-day tour will allow you much more time to explore the surrounding region, summiting additional peaks along the way, like Punta Pallato (10,000 ft) and the Gran Vaudale (11,150 ft).