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Grande Traversata delle Alpi

Grande Traversata delle Alpi — the trail guide

The Grande Traversata delle Alpi is a 294.1 km trek in Italy, typically walked in 21+ days, with 23840 m of total ascent. It rates Hard on our published rubric (81 m of gain per km, topping out at 2626 m).

The Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA) runs the length of Piedmont's Alps, connecting alpine meadows with Mediterranean coastline. This lesser-known alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc passes through traditional mountain villages, crosses dramatic high passes, and offers a fascinating journey through Italy's varied alpine cultures and landscapes.

Quick facts

Distance294.1 km
Total ascent23840 m
Typical duration21+ days
Difficulty (computed)Hard
Steepness81 m gain per km
High point2626 m
CountryItaly
RegionItaly

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Hard" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 280 m · high point 2626 m · 23840 m total ascent over 294.1 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 566 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-1°87 mm
Feb97 mm
Mar11°173 mm
Apr15°204 mm
May18°10°283 mm
Jun24°15°253 mm
Jul26°17°177 mm
Aug26°16°196 mm
Sep21°13°196 mm
Oct16°307 mm
Nov11°165 mm
Dec81 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Grande Traversata delle Alpi?

The Grande Traversata delle Alpi is 294.1 km, and most hikers complete it in 21+ days. Total elevation gain is 23840 m.

How difficult is the Grande Traversata delle Alpi?

It rates Hard on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 81 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2626 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Grande Traversata delle Alpi is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Grande Traversata delle Alpi?

In Italy. The route starts near 46.007, 8.190 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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