Via Alpina - Blue Trail

The Via Alpina is a network of five long-distance hiking trails that cross the entire Alpine region – and thus the most diverse natural and cultural environments –. The Blue Trail largely follows the Grande Traversata delle Alpi through Piedmont. First it runs along the Italian-Swiss border through the Valais Alps, where small Walser settlements can be found in secluded high valleys. From the southern foot of the mighty Monte Rosa massif, the route descends into the Aosta Valley, then climbs again into the unspoilt nature of the Gran Paradiso National Park. With a bit of luck, we may even be able to observe stone beasts here. We continue down into the Susa Valley and the Cottian Alps. We pass the highest mountain of the mountain group, the impressive Monviso, at the foot of which the Po rises. Through unspoilt nature in many places, past deserted mountain villages and through many small side valleys, the Blue Trail finally crosses the border into France, into the Maritime Alps. Here