SCIP.be (Stefan Cruysberghs) - Gran Paradiso

Gran Paradiso: Map

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

In July 2009 I did a 6-day hike trip with 8 friends and 2 mountain guides in the national park Gran Paradiso in the Italian Alps. The park is characterized by the different high summits with glaciers and there are still a lot of marmots, chamois and rock-goats which live there. We climbed the 2 mountains, the Gran Serra (3552m) and the Grand Paradiso (4096m), the highest mountain in Italy.
(2009-07-05)

Gran Paradiso: From Valnontey to Rif. Vittorio Sella

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

From Cogne, where we stayed, we drove to Valnontey (1660m) where the hike started. After 1,5 hour of climbing, we have already arrived in the alpine meadows.
(2009-07-05)

Gran Paradiso: Marmot

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

We also observe different alpine marmots (Marmota marmota). (2009-07-05)

Gran Paradiso: Marmot

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

(2009-07-05)

Gran Paradiso: Rifugio Vittorio Sella

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

We spend 2 nights in Rifugio Vittorio Sella (2584m), which was once the private hunting lodge of the Italian king. (2009-07-05)

Gran Paradiso: Gran Serra

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

On the 2nd day we leave at sunset (5.30h) for the climb of the Gran Serra. (2009-07-06)

Gran Paradiso: Chamois

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

We also run into a lot of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). (2009-07-06)

Gran Paradiso: Gran Serra

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

As soon as we arrive on the snow of the glacier, we attach our crampons. Afterwards, as it gets a lot steeper, we also pull out our ice axes. (2009-07-06)

Gran Paradiso: Gran Serra - Stefan

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

(2009-07-06)

Gran Paradiso: Gran Serra

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

After about 5 hours of tramping and clambering, we arrive at the summit of the Gran Serra (3552m). There we have an amazing view on the glaciers and the other summits. (2009-07-06)

Gran Paradiso: Chamois

Stefan Cruysberghs — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

During the descent we again run into a family of chamois. (2009-07-06)

Gran Paradiso: Col Lauson

Stefan Cruysberghs — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

On the 3rd day we start from Rifugio Vittorio Sella over Col Lauson to Eaux Rousses. However there still is a lot of snow which asks a considerable exertion to climb the Col Lauson (3296m). This is followed by a terribly long descent to Eaux Rousses (1660m). (2009-07-07)

Gran Paradiso: To Eaux Rousses

Stefan Cruysberghs — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

In the alpine meadows a lot of flowers bloom among which are yellow bird's-foot (Lotus corniculatus) and blue spring gentians (Gentiana verna). (2009-07-07)

Gran Paradiso: To Eaux Rousses

Stefan Cruysberghs — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

(2009-07-07)

Gran Paradiso: From Pont to Rif. Vittorio Emanuele II - Jackdaw

Stefan Cruysberghs — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

On the 4th day there was only a short walk (4h) on our programme from the valley to Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II. Along the way we observe a lot of alpine jackdaws (Corvus monedula). (2009-07-08)

Gran Paradiso: Ibex

Stefan Cruysberghs — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Finally we also run into a rock-goat (Capra ibex). (2009-07-08)

Gran Paradiso: Ibex

Stefan Cruysberghs — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

We are able to draw up fairly close to him and the animal even takes the time to strike a pose. (2009-07-08)

Gran Paradiso: Ibex

Stefan Cruysberghs — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

(2009-07-08)

Gran Paradiso: Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II

Stefan Cruysberghs — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II is the most legendary hut in the whole area of the Gran Paradiso. It is a to-and-fro of alpinists who come back from the Gran Paradiso summit or who will start the climb the next morning. (2009-07-08)

Gran Paradiso: Ciarforon

Stefan Cruysberghs — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

From the hut you have a glorious view on the impressive Ciarforon (3640m). (2009-07-08)

Gran Paradiso: Ciarforon

Stefan Cruysberghs — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:00:00 GMT

(2009-07-08)

Gran Paradiso: Gran Paradiso