Through the Italian Alps. Gillian Price

Through the Italian Alps

About the Author

Gillian Price was born in England but moved to Australia when young. After taking a degree in anthropology and working in adult education, she set off to travel through Asia and trek the Himalayas. The culmination of her journey was Venice where, her enthusiasm fired for mountains, the next logical step was towards the Dolomites, only hours away. Starting there, Gillian is steadily exploring the mountain ranges of Italy and bringing them to life for visitors in a series of outstanding guides for Cicerone.

When not out walking and photographing with Nicola, her Venetian cartographer husband, Gillian works as a freelance journalist and translator. An adamant promoter of the use of public transport to minimise impact in alpine areas, Gillian is an active member of the Italian Alpine Club and the Outdoor Writers’ Guild.

Other Cicerone guidebooks by Gillian Price

Walking in the Dolomites

Walking in the Central Italian Alps

Walking in Italy’s Gran Paradiso

Walking in Tuscany

Walking in Sicily

Shorter Walks in the Dolomites

Treks in the Dolomites: Alta Via 1 & 2 (co-author)

Walking in Corsica

Trekking in the Apennines

THROUGH THE ITALIAN ALPS

GRANDE TRAVERSATA DELLE ALPI (GTA)

Gillian Price

2 POLICE SQUARE, MILNTHORPE, CUMBRIA LA7 7PY

www.cicerone.co.uk

ISBN 1 85284 417 5

All maps and diagrams: Nicola Regine

Photos: Gillian Price

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Dedication

For dear Giorgio and his smiling face

Acknowledgements

Grazie di cuore, immeasurable thanks to the Cuneo Provincial Authority in the persons of Andrea Costa and Daniele Cantanessa, who opened all those doors to the giornalista inglese and provided mountains of material. Then there was GTA enthusiast Franco Dardanello, Nanni Villani and the directors, expert rangers and helpful personnel of the Alta Val Pesio & Tanaro and Alpi Marittime Parks. Alessandra Ravelli of the Italian Alpine Club Library kindly went to the trouble of photocopying the historic texts, ARPA Piemonte provided the meteorological data, and Señor Cabrales offered priceless advice on matters musical.

Sharing downpours, overgrown paths, nettle stings and disorienting mist, along with breathtaking views, refreshing dips, panoramic picnics and carafes of life-saving red, my trusty ‘shift-walkers’ were Nicola, Colleen, Bruno, the ‘dwarf’ family of dotto Clive, mammolo Lucy, brontolo Giles, pisolo Alice, cucciolo Holly, then Edda gamba feroce with Giampietro, and Laura and Daniele.

I am indebted to Jonathan at Cicerone for sending me on this wonderful route, and to all the staff for their great work.

Advice to Readers

Readers are advised that while every effort is taken by the author to ensure the accuracy of this guidebook, changes can occur which may affect the contents. It is advisable to check locally on transport, accommodation, shops, etc, but even rights of way can be altered. The publisher would welcome notes of any such changes.

Front cover: Lago Malinvern (Stage 8) below Rocchetta della Paur

CONTENTS

How to Use this Guide

Dos and Don’ts