Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA)

The Italian long-distance trail runs through the entire Piedmont Western Alpine arc. From the Valais Alps it goes over the Graian and Cottian Alps to the Maritime and Ligurian Alps. The route mostly runs over passes that connect high-altitude valley settlements. This results in enormous altitude differences that must be overcome. The route connects original mountain farming villages, avoiding large tourist centers. No new paths were created; instead, a route on old mountain farmer and pack mule trails as well as military roads was connected. The GTA project was inspired by the French Grande Traversée des Alpes. Technically, the path is not excessively demanding, but good fitness is necessary to manage the long distances and large altitude differences. Sure-footedness is also important because parts of the trail pass exposed sections.