2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

This high alpine journey crosses the craggy ridges and cols of the majestic Val d’Aosta, a valley ringed by the giants of the Alps—the iconic Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Mont Blanc. Our challenging hikes (with shorter options on many days) bring unforgettable panoramas as we hike into glacier-carved Gran Paradiso National Park, where high peaks pierce the sky along the most scenic sections of the Alta Via, Italy’s premier long-distance trail. The ancient mountain culture and cuisine of the Val d’Aosta reflect its shared border with France and Switzerland, and in this splendid mountain realm, we’ll enjoy the best wines and hearty mountain cuisine, from warming soups to gnocchi, polenta, and hazelnut tegole. Andiamo! Days 1-3 Aosta, Val d’Aosta / Breuil-Cervinia From the car-free village of Buisson, a cable car brings us to Chamois for our hike on the Grand Balconeta of the Matterhorn, a fantastic trail with great views of the breathtaking spire of the Matterhorn (known as Monte Cervino in Italy). The lovely mountain town of Aosta is the site of ancient Roman ruins, including a triumphal arch and portions of an amphitheater. Days 4-7 Cervinia / Gressoney-La-Trinité Hiking the Tour de Monte Rosa trail, we enter the glacier-carved Val d’Ayas, an alpine paradise framed by the superb backdrop of the Breithorn, the Matterhorn’s snowy neighbor. Other hikes lead along the Alta Via, a rugged trail encircling the Val d’Aosta, and up to the Rifugio Quintino Sella (11,762'), set on the flanks of Monte Rosa (15,203'), the “Queen of the Alps.” We pass among the unique Walser villages, settled by Germanic peoples in the 10th and 11th centuries who have preserved their language, culture, and traditions. Days 8-9 Gran Paradiso National Park A magnificent landscape of snow-covered peaks, glacial cirques, alpine lakes, and traditional villages graces Gran Paradiso. One of our hikes leads up to the Col de Fenêtre (9,318') and down into the town of Lillaz, famous for its beautiful waterfalls. Our trails follow ancient royal hunting roads built for King Vittorio Emanuele II, who donated this vast holding to the newly unified country in 1860. We may be lucky enough to see ibex or chamoix along the way. Days 10-12 Courmayeur / Mont Chétif / Glacier Hike From Courmayeur, we catch a cable car to Rifugio Maison Vieille (6,417') for our hike up Mont Chétif, a peak below Mont Blanc. A spectacular cable car ride brings us to Pointe Helbronner (11,371') on Mont Blanc for a thrilling hike on the Glacier du Géant (gear provided, no experience necessary). The views across the “Roof of Europe” are amazing! Depart on Day 12 via Torino. Italy: The Tour of the Giants SPECTACULAR TRAILS AND PEAKS OF THE VAL D’AOSTA

M. WALCH

HASHMAT SINGH

Cable cars and gondolas carry us up to stunning trails on the flanks of the highest mountains in Europe. PHOTO: JOHN WARBURTON-LEE

DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Torino • 11 nights hotels • All meals included except 2 dinners

DATES Jul 7-18, 2020 Aug 18-29

TRIP COST $6395 (11-15 members) $6895 (5-10 members) Single supplement: $800

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6

HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy exhilarating hikes beneath the giants of the Alps—the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Mont Blanc • A true “hiker’s hike” in a mountain realm, shorter options on many days, glacier hike on Col du Géant • Sample the delicious mountain cuisine of Italy’s Val d’Aosta • Discover tiny villages with distinctive Walser architecture and traditions

11 hiking days, choice of moderate to steep trails, 4-6 hours a day, altitudes between 8,000-11,700 feet, van support

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 50