Italy
Country
5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days
Duration
Moderate
Difficulty
Full board
Board
Yes
Luggage transfer
Yes
Dog friendly
- Comfort
- Deals and discounts
- Dog Friendly
- Family
- Hiking
- Hut-to-hut
- Italy
- Lys Valley
- Moderate
- Most Popular
- Self-guided
- Summer
Explore the Wonders of the Lys Valley and the Majestic Monte Rosa
Get ready for an extraordinary hiking experience in the heart of the Italian Alps, as you traverse the Gressoney Valley, also known as the Valley of Lys. Named after the meandering Lys River, this remarkable valley is the longest in the Aosta Region. During this journey, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the unique blend of Italian landscapes, from picturesque vineyards in Donnas to authentic mountain villages, imposing glaciers, and awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Monte Rosa.
Tour Highlights:
- Epic Alpine Hiking: Covering a distance of 8-15 km per day and ascending up to 1300 meters in vertical gain, this tour caters to hikers with a moderate level of experience. Expect reasonable daily distances that allow you to fully appreciate the breathtaking surroundings, all while carrying only a daypack.
- Mountain Refuge Bliss: As you embark on this hiking adventure, you’ll rest your head in cozy, small mountain refuges where the local hosts will ensure you feel at home. Each evening, tantalize your taste buds with traditional dishes and delicacies, complemented by a wide selection of local wines.
- Carefree Exploration: Say goodbye to logistical concerns. This package includes half board with breakfast, a lunch package for your daily hike, and a three-course dinner in the evenings. Comprehensive maps and luggage transport between cabins are also provided, allowing you to relish every moment of the magnificent landscapes with utmost ease.
Moreover, for your convenience, all preparations are taken care of, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. From the moment you arrive, you can relish a splendid dinner and a restful night’s sleep.
For those with an adventurous spirit, it’s possible to extend this tour to six, seven, or nine days, completing the full 93 km of the Sentieri del Lys trail. Please note that bookings in April and May may involve limited variations from the standard itinerary.
Get ready to explore the wonders of the Lys Valley, and experience the heart of the Italian Alps like never before. With vineyards, villages, and glaciers, this journey promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and unforgettable memories in one of Italy’s most captivating regions.
| Start | Flexible | |||||
| Time of departure | Flexible | |||||
| INCLUDED IN THE PRICE |
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| NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE |
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*This tour is based on a minimum of two participants. Only services mentioned above are included in the price.
Additional information
| Month | April, August, July, June, May, September |
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Example
1
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Pont Saint Martin and check in at hotel. Dinner and briefing with our local guide in the evening. Enjoy an evening in this historical town nestled by the Lys River, as it flows from the Glaciers of Monte Rosa and into the Aosta Valley.
You will be able to park your car safely, and at the end of your hike, we will arrange a transfer back to the start.
2
Day 2: Pont Saint Martin to L'Etoiles du Berger
Hiking up the beginning of the valley, you will cross an ancient roman bridge and pass by the many small vineyards covering the lower mountains in this part of the Lys Valley.
Data:
Distance: 11 km
H+: 1370
H-: 300
Time: 5.15 to 8.30 hours.
3
Day 3: L'Etoiles du Berger to Le Soleil
A magnificent first step in an alpine environment. After the Col Portola, the wild environment and the first glimpse of the Monte Rosa chain accompany you along the mountain pastures.
Data:
Distance: 7,2 km
H+: 600
H-: 584
Time: 3.10 to 5 hours.
4
Day 4: Le Soleil to Rif. Barma
In the heart of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve, you hike along part of the picturesque route. where a procession devoted to the Black Madonna has taken place every 5 years since 1500 AD. The power of the nature, Mont Mars and the possibility of a refreshing in the mountain lakes near the refuge makes this an unforgettable experience.
Data:
Distance: 6.8 km
H+: 910
H-: 280
Time: 3.20 to 5.20 hours.
Rifugio La Barma
https://www.rifugiobarma.it/
5
Day 5: Rif. Barma to La Gruba
This stage is for experienced hikers in good shape. Overcoming the challenges of this stretch, you will be rewarded with a spectacular landscape. Less experienced hikers will be able to chose an easier path, which can be planned during the initial briefing.
Data:
Distance: 15.8 km
H+: 1090
H-: 1575
Time: 6.30 to 10.30 hours.
Rifugio La Gruba
https://www.lagrubarelais.com/
6
Day 6: La Gruba to La Cialvrina
On this stretch, you officially enter the land of the Walsers: The characteristic wooden chalets and the nature shaped by this age-old culture has already seen in parts along the decent of the beautiful Vallone of Loo. In the distance, you will now notice the snowcladden peaks of the Monte Rosa massif.
Data:
Distance: 14.7 km
H+: 1130
H-: 1030
Time: 6.00 to 9.30 hours.
7
Day 7: Rif. Alpenzu to Anderbatt
This is a very easy stage taking you through the main town of Gressoney-la-Trinité. Here you can also visit the Walser museum, and perhaps stock on supplies.
Data:
Distance: 7.3 km
H+: 314
H-: 315
Time: 2.30 to 4.00 hours.
8
Day 8: Anderbatt to Orestes Hutte
This is the stage that finally leads to the great glaciers of Monte Rosa. The climb follows the right side of the deep Moos Valley. In the central part, parts of the trail may not be very visible. When reaching the top, the Monte Rosa Massif will present itself in all its grandeur.
Data:
Distance: 7.5 km
H+: 840
H-: 0
Time: 3.00 to 5.50 hours.
Orestes Hutte
https://www.oresteshuette.eu/
9
Day 9: Orestes Hutte to Staffal
After breakfast, you will return to Staffal at the bottom of the valley, where you transfer will be waiting to take you back to start.
Equipment and clothing to bring for Alpine hikes and runs
We’ve compiled a list of essential items you’ll need to take on your adventure in the Great Outdoors. While each trip has its own minimum requirements, we have split the list into “need-to-have” and “nice-to-haves”.
Need to have:
Lightweight, waterproof shell
Sunscreen with a high factor
Smartphone with a relevant trip app and a WhatsApp and code number for your local representative
Survival blanket
Thin hat, cap, and thin gloves (merino or similar)
Daypack for hiking (tours with luggage transport)
Duffel bag or similar (trips with luggage transport) — DO NOT pack in suitcases.
30 L rucksack on trips up to six days (without luggage transport)
40 L rucksack on trips of more than six days (without luggage transport)
Quick-drying inner layer
Shorts (quick drying)
Technical t-shirt (quick drying)
Fleece sweater for cool evenings
A pair of comfortable jogging bottoms or similar for the cabins
Good mountain shoes — trail running shoes or hiking boots
Light towel
Water bottle (1.5 L)
A pair of thick socks or light slippers (you can often borrow a pair in the cabins)
Sunglasses
A few energy bars, fruits or similar snacks for the trip
Sheet liner — can also be purchased on-site (only if you are staying in a dormitory)
Small first aid kit
Comped or similar
Sleeping bag (on selected tours)
Nice to have:
Walking poles
Power bank
Chocolate
Sandals for the cabins
Plastic bags to keep things dry
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Tour Reviews
We had a wonderful trip. The hike was beautiful and varied. Both in terms of physicality and nature. We think it was fantastic to experience the green lower alpine landscape and to reach the height above the tree line with snow, barren rocks and marmots. As a regular family in good shape (not athletes as such), the level of physicality was appropriate. In relation to temperature / climate, it was a great advantage (for us Scandinavians) that the trip took place at altitude.
Sincerely, Rolf and Vibeke
Hi Benjamin!
Normally you are asked to evaluate everything, which I find very tiring – but just in terms of our hike, which I have not been asked to evaluate, I really want to give you feedback on it!
We were in Lys Valley for 7 days and it was just a great trip! The concept worked so well with overview cards, small daily cards and the little signs that we came to love as well as the app!
The difficulty level of the trip and the daily trip lengths suited us perfectly and it was great that there were several varieties of day trips, but we still had the beautiful views!
We enjoyed our luxurious nights and that we also got to experience the atmosphere at refuge Barma! We managed to finish with a trip with a view of the Monterosa glacier – and discovered that we had been there on a skiing holiday from Champoluc!
So thank you for a fantastic trip, also to Stefano!
The best greetings
Jytte and Jens
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