This guide describes Italy's Alta Via 1, a 180km trail through the Italian Alps following the northern flank of the Aosta Valley from Donnas to Courmayeur. The route is sometimes nicknamed the Giants' Trail because it affords fantastic views of the Alpine giants – Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa – and can be combined with the Alta Via 2 (covered in a separate Cicerone guide), which runs along the southern flank of the valley, to form the Tor des Geants.
The guide presents the route in two sections, for the advantage of those who can't spare the full fortnight-plus needed to walk the entire AV1. The trail is described in 16 stages, with alternative stages covering some popular variants, including an optional detour to visit the famed monastery at the Grand St Bernard Pass. Each stage includes clear route description and mapping, plus notes on local points of interest and accommodation options. An alternative itinerary, list of useful contacts, kitlist and glossary can be found in the appendices.