iSentieri Gran San Bernardo: Your Ultimate Guide to Hiking Trails

The "iSentieri Gran San Bernardo" app is designed to make accessing the main hiking trails in the Great St. Bernard Valley more convenient and enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this app offers a comprehensive guide to help you plan your journey and stay informed along the way. The app provides detailed information about various trails, allowing users to search for routes either by map or by name. Each trail comes with extensive details that include how to reach the starting point from Aosta or via the Great St. Bernard Tunnel, a general overview of the route, and key technical data such as elevation, difficulty level, vertical drop, distance, and estimated time for both ascending and descending.

Trail Details and Features

For each trail, the app offers a thorough description of the path, highlighting notable features and points of interest. These include waypoints (WP) which serve as markers for areas of attention like bifurcations or points of interest such as scenic landscapes or cultural landmarks. For attention-worthy spots, there’s a brief description, whereas points of significant interest receive a more detailed explanation. The underlying cartography leverages OpenStreetMap, providing essential features like contour lines and trails, ensuring an accurate representation of the terrain.

The app includes several practical features to enhance your hiking experience. Using Google Maps integration, it helps navigate to the trailhead. Acoustic alerts notify you when approaching a waypoint if the tracking feature is enabled. Similarly, audio warnings alert you if you stray from the correct path under the same condition. Users can view their current altitude and WGS84 geographic coordinates, along with dynamic technical data until reaching the end of the trail. There’s also the option to record your trail and send it via email for later reference.

Battery Life Considerations

It's important to note that GPS usage significantly drains battery life, typically lasting between two to five hours. To address this issue, carrying a portable battery pack is highly recommended. Alternatively, the app allows you to suspend GPS functionality, extending battery life considerably.

Points of Interest and Additional Resources

The app showcases images of individual trails and provides links to relevant websites. Key points of interest include accommodations, dining options, heritage sites, and services. Detailed information about these points ensures that users have all necessary resources at their fingertips. However, given that some areas lack mobile network coverage, preloading basic maps within the app is advisable. It’s always prudent to carry a physical map as a backup, especially in case of app malfunctions or battery issues. Having a spare battery remains a must-have precaution.

Conclusion

The "iSentieri Gran San Bernardo" app stands out as an indispensable tool for anyone exploring the trails in the Great St. Bernard Valley. With its user-friendly interface and wealth of features, it caters to both beginners and experienced hikers alike. From offering precise trail information to providing essential safety features, this app ensures a memorable and safe hiking adventure. Remember to prepare adequately, including checking battery levels and carrying a backup power source, to fully enjoy your outdoor escapades.