Race to Alpe Money - Ring tour

The Race to Alpe Money - Ring tour is a difficult jogging route in Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park, covering 9.9 miles (15.9 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2444 feet (745 metres). You can expect to complete this challenging loop in about 3 hours and 17 minutes. The trail starts with an easy walk through a forest along the Valnontey River, but quickly transitions to steep uphill sections and switchbacks, demanding very good fitness and alpine experience.

To tackle this route, you need sure-footedness, sturdy shoes, and waterproof footwear with good grip, as you will cross small streams that can be muddy or slippery after rain. Be aware that some sections have ropes and metal steps, indicating mild exposure. Recent floods have damaged parts of the trail, creating unstable terrain, collapsed paths, and destroyed bridges, making navigation challenging and recommending it only for experts.

This trail offers unparalleled views of the Gran Paradiso Mountain range, including the Money and Tribolazione Glaciers, without requiring technical climbing. You will pass stunning waterfalls, expansive meadows, and the old stone houses of Money village, all set against snow-capped peaks like the 4,000-meter Mt Gran Paradiso. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, as chamois are commonly sighted, and signs of wolves and ibex are present.