Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) is the only 4,000 m summit entirely on Italian territory and the heart of the National Park established in 1922 to protect the ibex. Val di Cogne and Valsavarenche, crossed by Alta Via 2 and the Gran Paradiso Tour, preserve among the most intact alpine ecosystems in the Western Alps: marmots, golden eagles, rhododendron and floristically rich meadows up to the moraines.
At a glance
- Gran Paradiso National Park
- Ibex and protected wildlife
- Cogne and Valsavarenche — alpine heritage
3D view of the massif
Interactive map with MapTiler terrain. Rotate and tilt to explore the mountain group.
Geology
The massif consists of diorites and gneiss of the crystalline basement (Ivrea-Verbano zone), exhumed by erosion of sedimentary cover. Valley and cirque glaciers shape Valsavarenche and Val di Cogne. Würm moraines, lacustrine deposits and ancient river terraces testify to post-glacial evolution. The rocks are relatively resistant to weathering, producing scree landscapes and stable meadows.
History and alpine culture
Hunting of the ibex — nearly extinct in the 19th century — motivated creation of the Park, Italy's first national park. Cogne, with its iron-mining and then tourist tradition, is historic heritage of the valley. Valsavarenche hosts alpine pastures and historic CAI huts. Alta Via 2, the «Shepherds' Route», highlights the southern flank and protected wildlife.
Trails and routes
Alta Via 2 crosses the park from La Thuile to Cogne via Eaux Rousses, Valsavarenche and Val di Cogne. The Gran Paradiso Tour is a classic loop around the massif. T and E trails reach lakes (Djouan, Teide), pastures and ibex viewpoints. Park rules: dogs must be on lead, stay on marked trails.
All summits
Gran Paradiso
4061m
The only 4,000 m summit entirely on Italian territory. Heart of the National Park, with diorite and gneiss basement rocks and protected alpine wildlife along the Gran Paradiso Tour.
Becca di Moncorvé
3384m
Summit above Valnontey and Cogne, cited on Alta Via 2 stages. Viewpoint over the Gran Paradiso Glacier and the Valsavarenche faces.