Conquer the Alps on this monster ascent from the Aosta Valley, on this guided trek following World War 2 Alpine 'Freedom' trails.

Initially, those on the run who had reached the high Alpine valley's felt safe. However,as the German army retreated north they began a large scale hunt, along with the Italian Facist supporters in trying to hunt down the POW's. In a final act of desperation, those now trapped above the main

Aosta valley which was crawling with German soldiers, felt they had no alternative but to try to cross the Alps. 

This escape route was probably the most perilous of all the escape routes, even in late summer. It climbs above the permanant snowline (usually around 3000 metres). Some local Italians, supportive of the allied cause would try to find 'Guides', who for payment would escort people up to the border with Switerland. These guides were usually sheep farmers or smugglers, who although they knew the area, were not always skilled mountaineers. 

The route involved climbing to a high level abandonded hut offering limited shelter and no food. From here, weather permitting you could continue on to the Alpine ridge at around 4,200 metres, by which time you were walking on permanant ice. If you got this far you had reached the border of Switzerland and were out of reach of any pursuers. But,not safe. Beyond the ridge lays the Grenz Glacier, with it's many crevassess, it's nickname is 'the man eater'. Decending this glacier for some 10km would bring you to solid ground and a path down to Zermatt and finally a safe haven..