Gran Paradiso National Park Where Marmots Are Not Afraid of People

An indescribable beauty of a place where the mountains are higher than 2000 meters above sea level and where you feel renewed in the midst of nature, animals that know they are not threatened by man

Serrù Lake, Agnel Lake, Colle di Nivolet... This is now a place that I visit every June: a unique place where you can encounter numerous marmots and a large herd of ibex.

I park my car near Lake Serrù and embark on a pleasant walk. On this occasion, I have decided to explore the Ancient Military Road. Initially, I harbored concerns about my ability to complete it following the winter season, but in the end, I managed to cover 9 km, traversing significant changes in altitude. The parking lot sits at an elevation of 2250 meters above sea level, and I ascended to the highest point at 2350 meters before descending to 2070 meters and returning to the parking area.

I often have breathing problems when walking at heights above 1500m ASL, but yesterday I felt so good — I have to say that the altitude was not felt at all. I mean, if you are afraid of feeling unwell in high mountains (which happens to many), maybe you should choose a different season. For example, June instead of July or August.

Serrù Lake, Agnel Lake, Colle di Nivolet...

The view in front of me was absolutely stunning. Majestic snow-covered mountains reached high into the sky, and crystal-clear lakes reflected the heavens above. The air was so fresh and invigorating. Walking through this peaceful place felt so refreshing. The tough alpine plants added a burst of color to the scene. Every now and then, I spotted a marmot or an ibex, which made the experience even more exciting.

As I leisurely wandered through this untamed wilderness, a sense of tranquility washed over me like a warm hug. It felt like a sanctuary of peace, providing a much-needed break from the chaos of everyday life. Even though the elements were harsh, the alpine plants thrived, showing just how resilient nature can be. Their vibrant flowers stood out against the rugged backdrop, creating a beautiful contrast with the pure white snow.

In all the breathtaking sights and the surrounding sensations, nature revealed its hidden treasures. I caught a quick glimpse of a marmot darting amongst the rocks, its agile movements a true testament to survival in difficult conditions. And then, there was the graceful silhouette of an ibex, effortlessly navigating the steep slopes with an elegance that seemed almost magical. Each encounter added to the enchantment of the experience, creating a tapestry of wonder and awe that stayed with me long after the journey was over.

Marmot living near the Serrù Lake

Tourists my age often ask me about the meaning of the letters E and EE next to itinerary descriptions. The letter E stands for “escursionistico,” indicating an easy difficulty level. However, if you have knee problems, there may be challenging sections for you.