Grande traversata delle Alpi (GTA)

The Italian long-distance hiking trail runs through the entire Piedmontese western Alps. From the Valais Alps, the Graian and Cottian Alps to the Maritime Alps and Ligurian Alps. The route mostly runs over passes that connect high valley locations. This leads to enormous differences in height that have to be overcome. The route connects original mountain farming villages, avoiding large tourist centers. No new paths were laid, but a stretch of old mountain farmer and mule paths and military roads were connected. The GTA project was inspired by the French Grande Traversée des Alpes. Technically, the path is not overly demanding, but a good level of fitness is required to cope with the long stretches and large differences in altitude. Surefootedness is also important, as the path sometimes leads over exposed areas.