6 days of intense trail adventure in the heart of the Italian Val d'Aosta, from the Mont Blanc massif to Cogne
The TOR des Géants® is a unique trail competition, combining long distance and auntonomy for runners. From the Mont Blanc massif to the charming village of Cogne, through Italy's first National Park: Gran Paradiso, 170km and 11500m of positive and negative gradient will be covered. In a wild, mineral landscape with a succession of passes over 3000m high, the feeling of freedom is increased tenfold by the sheer size of the mountains. From the Ruitor massif to the foot of Gran Paradiso, from the Gliairetta glacier to the Lauzon pass (3299m), this is a grandiose experience where adventure is the very essence of the trail.
You will like
An original route in the opposite direction along less frequented trails enabling you to enjoy a more serene "off the beaten track" mountain experience.
165 Kilometers & 11000 meters of positive and negative elevation gain in 6 exceptional stages.
Your proximity to the fabulous display of glaciers.
Advice and support from your guide, practicing and passionate about trail running.
The complete crossing from west to east of the Gran Paradiso national park.
Partial transport of your luggage between your accommodation.
Meet on Sunday at 8:15am at the Chamonix train station
LA VISAILLE PIED DU MONT BLANC - COL DU PETIT SAINT BERNARD (2188m)
A relatively easy first step to acclimatize well and gain height gently. Go up from Val Veny first by a small road to Lake Combal before tackling the first pass of the week, the Col des Chavannes (2592m). What follows is a long rolling descent into the Chavannes valley. Finally, a final gradual ascent allows you to return to the Petit Saint Bernard hospice (on the Franco-Italian border). Night in hostel, without luggage. Distance : 26km / Elevation : +1500 m ; -900 m
Day 2
PASSO ALTO (2860m) & COL DE LA CROSATIE (2826) – VALGRISENCHE
The serious stuff begins! After a gentle ten kilometres or so to reach La Thuile, a sublime sequence at the foot of the Ruitor glacier awaits the group. The first long ascent leads to the Albert Deffeyes refuge and then on to the Passo Alto... But that's not all for today! The demanding KV climb of La Crosatie is just around the corner. On the descent, we pass through the lago di fond before reaching Valgrisenche. From Planaval, a short transfer by valley shuttle to Valgrisenche. Overnight in a refuge, with your luggage. Distance : 34km / Dénivelé : +2400 m ; -2950 m
Day 3
LAGO DI SAN GRATO – RIFUGIO MARIO BEZZI
Today's main objective is to reach the sublime lac de Saint Grat (Lago di San Grato) perched at an altitude of around 2470m in the heart of a small, wild mountain cirque. It's a long climb, but there's a great view of the other main lake in the valley: the Lac de retenu de Beauregard. In the second half of the day, a descent takes you back to the Valgrisenche torrent before a final, gentle climb to the typical Mario Bezzi rifugio. Overnight in a refuge, without your luggage. Distance : 22km / Dénivelé : +1800 m -1100 m
Day 4
COL BASSAC DERE & COL ROSSET – VALSAVARENCHE
An incredible stage with a sharp gradient! First 800m positive on the edge of the Gliairetta glacier to reach the breathtaking Col de Bassac Dere (3083m). From the pass, we discover another glacier, the Goletta glacier and the lake of the same name. Here, the atmosphere is ultra-alpine. The first part of the descent is technical and stony; then the mountain pastures reappear near the Benevolo refuge... But the day isn't over yet! The Col Rosset (3023m) and the Grand Collet (2832m) must be crossed to reach the Valsavarenche, its many lakes and the foot of Gran Paradiso... a memorable stage!
Overnight in a refuge, with your luggage. Distance 29km / Dénivelé : +2200 m ; -2500 m
Day 5
COL MANTEAU & PUNTA PERCIA (3212m) – EAUX ROUSSES
After a day that couldn't be more mineral, there's a more varied atmosphere, with the impressive larch forests making a comeback. Of course, the big passes and rocky summits remain on the programme, including the Col de l'Entrelor and Punta Percia. The stage ends with the sound of marmots and a gentle forest trail to the hamlet of Eaux Rousses. Distance 26km / Dénivelé : +1600 m -1950 m
Day 6
COL DU LAUSON - COGNE
One last stage to complete and one last mythical pass to climb (Col du Lauson - 3299m) to feel the thrill of the challenge! Reaching Cognes after 6 days of intense adventure in the heart of this wild Valle d'Aosta promises to be an emotional experience. Distance : 27km / Dénivelé : +1800 m ; -1950 m
End of the trail day in the afternoon and transfer back to the Chamonix valley.
The program was established according to the latest elements known at the time of its writing; imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control can modify the course.
The trip
LEVEL ****
Elevation: +/- 2500m approximately per day. Running time: 7 to 9 hours per day. Type of trek: ON THE TRAIL OF THE TOR DES GEANTS® is a mountain route presenting no particular technical difficulty but stages that are very (or too long) for most hikers.
This trip is aimed at a well trained public who regularly practice trail running.
You must be able to easily do 50km of trail running (in the plains) and have already experienced trails in the mountains.
GUIDING
Number in a group between 5 and 10 people supervised by a qualified professional mountain leader.
It is usual to tip your guide at the end of the trek, according to your satisfaction. It is not mandatory but, it is very appreciated.
ACCOMMODATION
5 nights in dormitory, in gites, refuges or in hotel.
All accommodation offer hot showers (included in the tour price)
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your mountain leader.
Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
MAPS
IGN Top 25 - 3630 OT - Chamonix and Top 25 - 3531 ET - Saint Gervais (1/25 000)
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meeting point Sunday at 8:15am in front of the Chamonix train station.
BY TRAIN / BUS Inbound: departure from Paris-Gare de Lyon the day before at 12:18pm (or 2:18pm) arrival in Chamonix at 7:50pm (8:50pm). www.oui.sncf There are regular buses throughout the whole Chamonix valley www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines . Times given are indicative and should be verified at a train station or on the SNCF website.
BY CAR Take the A40 motorway to Chamonix. If you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact: Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71 (40 to 50€ per week).
CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Geneva (GVA) - Lyon (LYS) - Paris (PAR)
End point Saturday at 4:00pm at Cogne.
RETURN TO DEPARTURE POINT
Transfer by private bus from Cogne to Chamonix SNCF station. Arrival in Chamonix estimated at 6:00 p.m.
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER
Les Houches Hôtel St Antoine: +33 (0)4 50 54 40 10 www.hotelsaintantoine.com
Hôtel les Campanules: +33 (0)4 50 54 40 71 www.hotel-campanules.com
Le Tour Chalet Alpin: +33 (0)4 50 54 04 16
Chamonix Tourist Office : +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24 www.chamonix.com
If you book a night in the Chamonix valley, ask the hotel reception for a bus/train pass to use public transport for free in the Chamonix valley. www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines
TO CONTACT US
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Running trail boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (2 litre minimum) (a filter flask can be very usefull)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable trail backpack of 15 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks. ON THE TRAIL OF THE TOR DES GEANTS® is a real trail adventure where we will also carry our essentials for 2 consecutive days (bag sheet, change of underwear, snacks for 2 days).
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily between accommodation by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy. Baggage which is too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
6 Days
Guided / with a guide
With baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level **** 
From 895 €
Next departure on 24/08/25
