Graian Alps

Graian Alps are a section of the Western Alps extending across southeastern France, northwestern Italy and a small part of Switzerland, notable for several 4,000 metre peaks and extensive glaciation. The range includes major massifs such as the Mont Blanc Massif and Gran Paradiso and forms a prominent high-alpine area in the Western Alps.

High-elevation routes and peaks draw mountaineers and skiers; glacier-covered summits reach above 4,000 metres and provide long alpine ridges and glacial valleys. Lower slopes host alpine pastures, forested valleys and established mountain towns and resorts.

The Graian Alps were formed as part of the Alpine orogeny and have long been a focus for Alpine mountaineering since the 18th and 19th centuries, with routes and refuges developed across the massifs. Protected areas such as national parks now conserve significant portions of the range.

Geographically the Graian Alps lie between the Tarentaise and Susa valleys, straddling the France-Italy frontier; the Aosta Valley is one of the principal Italian regions facing the Graian Alps. Major nearby centres include Chamonix on the French side and Aosta in Italy.

• Alpine conditions: Contains multiple 4,000 metre peaks, so glacier travel and alpine equipment are required for high routes and climbs.
• Transboundary range: Spans international borders between France and Italy and includes well-known mountaineering and ski areas as well as protected national parks.

What to See #

• Mont Blanc Massif: The Mont Blanc Massif contains Western Europe's highest peak at 4,808 metres and a cluster of high-alpine peaks and glaciers that form the western section of the Graian Alps.
• Gran Paradiso: Gran Paradiso is the highest mountain entirely within Italy at 4,061 metres and forms a separate core massif in the Graian Alps with its own national park and high routes.