Gran Sertz
Resorts: Cogne
Gran Sertz or Gran Serra is in the centre of the Gran Paradiso National Park with a varied itinerary that includes a demanding segment that provides lesser known areas for mountaineering ski fans. The view of the Apostoli range is breathtaking.
Technical information
How to get here
Aosta Ovest highway exit. Continue towards Cogne to the large parking lot in Valnontey.
Description of the route
Day one:
From the Valnontey parking lot, cross the bridge and climb the summer path to the Sella hut. Climb the wide curves in the woods over the Lauson stream, (you have to remove your skis for this part in the spring) and reach the Toule pastures. Continue climbing on the easy slopes to the left of the stream. Once at the Lauson pasture, climb to the plateau where the Vittorio Sella hut is located.
Day two:
From the hut, head South-West over the easy slopes going around the right of the steeper ones to the Lauson glacier. Here you’ll find a very steep segment that leads to the glacier above. You can take the groove in the middle of the rocks at the end of the rocky Gran Vallon ramparts (this segment is often taken on foot). Climb the ridge of the glacier and follow the long crossing to the left until you’re under the peak. Climb the last metres up the final tower.
Descent down the upward itinerary.
This itinerary requires experience of high mountains and it is recommended that you get a mountain guide to accompany you.