Alta Via n. 2 della Valle d'Aosta - Tappa 7

The Alta Via n. 2 della Valle d'Aosta - Tappa 7 is a 16-km point-to-point trail in the Valle d'Aosta, Italy, gaining roughly 1,300 m of elevation over a single full hiking day. Rated strenuous, it crosses the high Col de l'Entrelor at 3,002 m, linking Rhêmes-Notre-Dame with Eaux-Rousses through the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park.

About the Alta Via n. 2 della Valle d'Aosta - Tappa 7

Stage 7 (Tappa 7) is one of the 14 daily stages that make up the Alta Via n. 2, the long-distance high route that traverses the southern, orographic-right side of Italy's Valle d'Aosta. The full trail runs 130-plus kilometres from Courmayeur (1,224 m) to Donnas (330 m), reaching a maximum altitude of 3,299 m and threading through six major side valleys of the Aosta region. This particular segment is a Regional Walking Network (RWN) route managed by the Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta.

This stage carries hikers from Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (1,722 m) in the Val di Rhêmes over the Col de l'Entrelor (3,002 m) and down into the Valsavarenche at Eaux-Rousses (1,658 m). Despite the modest 16-km horizontal distance, the day is demanding: the net climb to the col is close to 1,300 m, and almost every metre of that elevation is given back on the descent. The route lies entirely within the Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy's oldest national park, established in 1922, which protects ibex, chamois, marmots and golden eagles across its 700 km² of high terrain.

Stage 7 also forms part of the legendary Tor des Géants route, the 330-km ultra-endurance trail that follows the combined Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2 loops. Walkers tackling the Alta Via 2 at a sensible pace, however, treat this as a self-contained day between two valley hamlets, each with its own refuge and bus link. The crossing is unmistakably alpine in character — open larch woodland gives way to high pasture, then to the bare rock and snow patches of the watershed ridge.

Route Overview & Stages

The table below places Stage 7 within its immediate neighbours on the Alta Via n. 2. Distances and elevation figures are approximate and rounded; on the ground, signage marks the Alta Via 2 with yellow-and-black route numbers.

The defining feature of Stage 7 is its single high pass. Unlike stages that string together two or more cols, this day funnels all its effort into one sustained climb to the Col de l'Entrelor, making pacing and weather timing simple to plan but physically uncompromising.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (1,722 m) — The trailhead hamlet at the head of the Val di Rhêmes, surrounded by larch forest and dominated by the Granta Parey peak. A quiet base with a handful of hotels and the start of the day's climb.
• Plan des Fées (2,393 m) — A broad alpine shelf of meadow and scattered boulders reached after the first major ascent, named for its fairy-tale openness; a natural rest point before the steeper upper section.
• Lago Djouan (2,515 m) — A clear high-mountain lake set in pasture, a classic spot for marmot sightings and reflections of the surrounding ridges. The trail skirts its shore on the climb toward the col.
• Col de l'Entrelor (3,002 m) — The day's high point and the watershed between Val di Rhêmes and Valsavarenche. From here the panorama opens onto the Gran Paradiso massif, the only 4,000-m peak entirely within Italy.
• Gran Paradiso National Park — The entire stage sits inside Italy's oldest national park (founded 1922). The protected pastures are prime habitat for the Alpine ibex, the animal the park was created to save from extinction.
• Orvieille viewpoint — On the descent into Valsavarenche, the former royal hunting lodge area of Orvieille offers sweeping views across the valley and a network of old hunting paths laid out under King Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Eaux-Rousses (1,658 m) — The stage finish in Valsavarenche, named for the iron-rich "red waters" of nearby springs. A small roadside hamlet with a refuge, a bus stop and onward access deeper into the valley.

Best Time to Hike the Alta Via n. 2 della Valle d'Aosta - Tappa 7

Because the route crosses a 3,002-m pass that holds snow well into early summer, the practical hiking window is short. The Col de l'Entrelor is typically free of significant snow from early July to late September, and the single best month is August, when daytime highs in the valleys reach 18–24 °C, the col is reliably clear, and the high refuges are fully staffed.

As of 2026, expect snow on the upper approaches into the first half of July following an average winter; in heavy-snow years, full clearance can slip toward mid-July. June can be feasible in a light year but demands microspikes and an early start. September brings crisp, stable air and excellent visibility, though refuges begin to close around the third week and overnight temperatures at altitude can drop below freezing. July through mid-September also coincides with the most settled weather, when afternoon thunderstorms — common in the Graian Alps — are easiest to avoid by reaching the col before midday.

Whatever month you choose, treat the col crossing as a morning objective. Start from Rhêmes-Notre-Dame at first light so that you are over the watershed and descending before the typical afternoon storm build-up, a pattern that holds across the entire Alta Via 2.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Both ends of the stage offer lodging, and the valleys on either side hold additional refuges. In Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, small family-run hotels and guesthouses typically charge €60–95 for a double room, often with half-board options around €55–70 per person. At the Eaux-Rousses finish, the historic Hostellerie du Paradis and nearby refuges offer half-board dormitory or room rates of roughly €55–75 per person. Mountain refuges along the wider Alta Via 2, such as the Rifugio Vittorio Sella (2,584 m) on the following stage, charge approximately €25–35 for a dormitory bunk and €50–60 with half-board; members of CAI or reciprocal alpine clubs receive a discount.

Wild camping is restricted inside Gran Paradiso National Park: bivouacking is tolerated only above 2,500 m, for a single night, between dusk and dawn, and pitched tents in the valleys are prohibited. Budget walkers should plan around refuges and valley accommodation rather than camping.

Getting There & Back

The nearest mainline rail station is Aosta, about 35 km away, reached by train from Turin (around 2 hours) via Ivrea/Chivasso. From Aosta, regional Arriva/SVAP buses run up the Val di Rhêmes to Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes, seasonal frequency) and up the Valsavarenche to Eaux-Rousses (roughly 1 hour). The nearest international airport is Turin Caselle (TRN), about 2 hours by road; Geneva (GVA) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) are each around 2–2.5 hours away. Because Stage 7 is point-to-point between two different side valleys, plan the bus connections carefully: returning from Eaux-Rousses generally means descending to Aosta first, then re-ascending the Val di Rhêmes if you left a vehicle there.

Permits & Fees

No permit or entry fee is required to hike the Alta Via 2 or to enter Gran Paradiso National Park on foot — access is free and open year-round. Hikers must, however, respect park rules: no dogs (even leashed) on trails, no off-trail wandering in protected zones, no fires, and no collecting plants or minerals. The full code of conduct and current trail-closure notices are published by the Gran Paradiso National Park authority, worth checking before you travel. The only costs are accommodation, refuge meals and transport. Guided crossings of the col, available through Valle d'Aosta mountain-guide associations, are optional and typically priced per group. The official route description and stage data are maintained by the Valle d'Aosta regional tourism board, the body that signs and manages the Alte Vie network.

Gear & Packing List

A high alpine pass like the Col de l'Entrelor demands more than a fair-weather day kit. You will gain and lose roughly 1,300 m, cross terrain above 3,000 m where weather changes fast, and likely encounter snow patches early in the season. Pack layered clothing (base layer, insulating mid-layer, hard shell), a warm hat and gloves even in August, sturdy B1-rated boots, trekking poles for the long descent, and microspikes if hiking before mid-July. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water — alpine streams are frequent but glacier-fed sources should be treated.

For a single big-climb day, a lightweight 35–55 litre pack keeps weight low without sacrificing capacity. Reliable options include the 2400 Windrider for minimalists, the roomier 3400 Windrider for multi-stage trips carrying refuge gear, and the supportive Abisko Hike 35 for those who prefer a framed daypack. If you are weighing up the lightest setups, our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 tests seven packs head to head. Fuel matters as much as gear on a 1,300-m climb — see how much your body burns by reading how many calories you need hiking a full day before you portion your trail food.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the high-altitude pass crossings and multi-day refuge culture of the Alta Via 2 appeal to you, the Dolomites offer the same alta via tradition on dramatic limestone terrain. Each of these routes shares the numbered Italian high-route format, with waymarked stages linking mountain huts across a major massif:

• Alta Via n. 2 delle Dolomiti - Dolomiten-Höhenweg Nr. 2 (Italy), 185 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti - XI tappa (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti - X tappa (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 9 delle Dolomiti - Dolomiten-Höhenweg Nr. 9 (Italy), 140 km

For a contrasting cross-border experience with its own valley-to-valley pass crossings, the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania delivers a similar single-pass day at a fraction of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Alta Via n. 2 Stage 7?
August is the single best month, when the Col de l'Entrelor (3,002 m) is reliably snow-free, refuges are fully staffed and valley temperatures sit between 18 and 24 °C. The broader window runs from early July to late September. Cross the pass in the morning to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms common in the Graian Alps.

How difficult is Stage 7 of the Alta Via n. 2?
It is strenuous. Over 16 km you climb roughly 1,300 m to a 3,002-m pass and descend almost the same amount, on exposed high-alpine terrain that may hold snow into July. No technical climbing is required, but strong fitness, sure footing and proper gear are essential. Most fit hikers complete it in 6 to 8 hours.

How long is Stage 7 and how much do you walk per day?
Stage 7 is a single full day covering 16 km with about 1,300 m of ascent. As one of the 14 stages of the Alta Via n. 2, it represents a typical day's effort on the route, where stages average 3 to 5 hours of pure walking. Expect 6 to 8 hours including the climb, descent and breaks.

Where can I stay on Stage 7 of the Alta Via n. 2?
Rhêmes-Notre-Dame offers hotels and guesthouses (€60–95 per double, half-board around €55–70 per person). Eaux-Rousses has refuges and the Hostellerie du Paradis (roughly €55–75 half-board). Mountain refuges along the wider route charge €25–35 for a dorm bunk, or €50–60 with half-board. Book ahead in August.

Do I need a permit to hike Stage 7?
No permit or fee is needed. The Alta Via n. 2 is free to hike and Gran Paradiso National Park is open to walkers year-round at no charge. You must follow park rules: no dogs, no fires, no off-trail travel in protected zones, and bivouacking only above 2,500 m for a single night between dusk and dawn.