Why your fundraising matters
The money you raise will help Debra continue providing practical services and supports to individuals and families across Ireland, Together, we're helping ensure that nobody faces EB alone.
Monday, June 21st to Sunday, June 27th, 2027
Lace up. Take part. Help transform lives — one mountain at a time.
For the first time ever, Debra is inviting supporters to take part in the Alpine Butterfly Trek — an unforgettable seven-day adventure through the spectacular Italian Alps, created exclusively for Debra in partnership with Adventure.ie.
This isn’t just another trek.
It’s a journey inspired by the butterfly — our symbol of hope, resilience and transformation. At the height of butterfly season, you’ll hike through wildflower meadows, glacial valleys and breathtaking mountain landscapes while raising vital funds for people living with EB.
This is more than a personal challenge.
It’s an opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain regions while making a lasting difference to people living with eb.
Guided by International Mountain Leaders from Adventure.ie, you’ll spend five incredible days trekking between traditional alpine refuges, surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, wildflowers and, if you’re lucky, the beautiful alpine butterflies that inspired this unique challenge.
Along the way you’ll share the experience with a small group of supporters who, like you, want to do something extraordinary for an extraordinary cause.
Whether you’ve completed charity treks before or you’re looking for your next meaningful challenge, the Alpine Butterfly Trek promises memories that will stay with you forever.
Every climb, step and summit: it all helps create a better future for families living with one of the world’s most painful genetic skin conditions.
This is the first Alpine Butterfly Trek. Be one of the first to make history.
To ensure the best possible experience, places are limited to 16 participants.
Flights – Return flights into Milan Linate Airport, departing from Milan Malpensa Airport.
Airport transfers – Coach transfers from Linate Airport to the trek start point, and from the finish point to Malpensa Airport on the final day.
Bespoke 5-day Alpine Trek – A tailor-made 5-day trek through the Valle d’Aosta region of the Italian Alps, designed to showcase the very best of this breathtaking landscape. More demanding than the Camino, the daily elevation gains and losses make every kilometre count. This carefully crafted route will challenge your resilience and strength while you walk in solidarity with those living with EB — bringing immense personal rewards every step of the way.
Seasonal timing – Trek in late June when the mountain meadows are alive with wildflowers and Alpine butterflies.
Accommodation – Nights in authentic local mountain hut accommodation (Rifugi), for a true alpine experience.
Half board – A hearty mountain breakfast with hot drink and a wholesome evening meal each day. Exclusions: packed lunches, personal snacks, and beverages including bottled water — these can be ordered and paid for the evening before, ready for collection each morning before setting off.
Training and fundraising support – Dedicated training and fundraising guidance throughout your preparation. A private WhatsApp group for Alpine Butterfly Trek participants will be created, where Debra and Adventure.ie will keep you updated and on hand to answer any questions.
Training sessions – In-person and online training sessions with Adventure.ie to ensure you’re fully prepared to enjoy every step of your trek.
Exclusive trek kit – A specially designed Alpine Butterfly Trek technical top and baseball cap, yours to wear with pride on the mountain.
Kerry Challenge 2027 entry* – Your package includes entry into the Kerry Challenge 2027 (14–16 May 2027), which serves as your final training and briefing weekend.
Each day brings new challenges, unforgettable views and an incredible sense of achievement.
Participants commit to raising €5,000, along with a €300 non-refundable registration fee.
Fundraising milestones are spread across the months before departure to make reaching your target more manageable.
The money you raise will help Debra continue providing practical services and supports to individuals and families across Ireland, Together, we're helping ensure that nobody faces EB alone.
The Alpine Butterfly Trek takes place from Monday, June 21st to Sunday, June 27th, 2027
Anyone aged 18 or over with a good level of fitness and a willingness to train can register.
You’ll be trekking for five consecutive days across mountainous terrain, walking up to approximately 15km per day with significant elevation gain and descent. Each participant will also be carrying a hiking backpack of approximately 10kg throughout the trek — packed with everything you need for each day on the mountain. A full kit list will be provided after registration. Previous hiking experience is recommended.
To ensure the best possible experience, places are limited to 16 participants.
Participants commit to raising €5,000, along with a €300 non-refundable registration fee.
Fundraising milestones are spread across the months before departure to make reaching your target more manageable.
*Now over 20 years running, the Kerry Challenge is Debra’s iconic three-day trekking event through some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Alpine Butterfly Trekkers will have the unique opportunity to join this year’s Kerry Challenge as part of their preparation, for just the €80 per person (registration fee). This includes challenge entry, all transfers throughout the weekend, all meals, and accommodation at the Dingle Skellig Hotel on a twin room occupancy basis. Kerry Challenge entry is €1,080
Day 1: Arrive Milan Linate. Transfer to accommodation in Gressoney, Valle d’Aosta. Briefing and final adjustments to trekking pack
Day 2: Trekking from Gressoney base (1633m) to Rifugi 1 (2066m). Approx. stats: Elevation gain: 1,042m, elevation lost: 611m, distance 11.5km approx. The views of Monte Rosa massif are astounding and if you’re lucky, you might spot a marmot. Ibex are known to frequent this section too.
Day 3: Today is about experiencing the high mountains, a shorter day in distance, but still over a kilometre of vertical gain. The view from the valley floor boasts four peaks of over 4,000m. It is utterly breath-taking. We hike up into this view along a moraine to spend the night above 3,000m in a true mountain refuge, surrounded by glaciers. If the weather is fine, you might witness Seracs fall from the glaciers or catch sight of the Ibex who hang around near the rifugi
Day 4: A long day descending about 1,300m with a subsequent climb of 850m to our next rifugi. Today is a tough one. The abundance of wildflowers and butterflies will help you dig deep on your ascent today. The rifugi stands at 2,600m facing tomorrow morning’s route which from this perspective, looks doable even to tired legs.
Day 5: Feeling replenished from rest and good food, up we go to Col de Nanaz. There’s a very short, roped section early on and we might come across some snow on our journey as we stay high for a couple of kilometres. If we’re lucky, from the next col, we will be rewarded with the most sublime views of The Matterhorn. From here, we will wend our way downwards to Lago Lod to spend the night. Not as much ascent today, but over 1,000m of descent.
Day 6: One last push uphill before a long and steady descent. Our final day trekking will bring us back to civilisation for a well-deserved celebratory evening.
Day 7: Breakfast. Transfer to Milan Malpensa
Please note: The above itinerary may vary due to weather and other conditions.
Lunches during the trek, snacks, drinks, bottled water, cable/chairlift fees, travel insurance and personal equipment are not included.
You’ll need appropriate hiking clothing and equipment, including waterproofs, hiking boots, a 30–32L backpack and other essential gear.
A full kit list will be provided after registration.
Yes. Participants must have travel insurance that specifically covers guided trekking above 3,000 metres, including rescue and repatriation.
The €300 registration fee is non-refundable. Cancellation terms will be provided during registration, and event costs may apply for cancellations after the specified deadline.
Absolutely.
Every participant receives a personalised fundraising page, practical fundraising resources, regular support from the Debra team and access to a dedicated WhatsApp group where you can connect with fellow trekkers and the Adventure.ie guides.
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Whether you’ve completed charity treks before or you’re looking for your next meaningful challenge, the Alpine Butterfly Trek promises memories that will stay with you forever.
Every climb, step and summit: it all helps create a better future for families living with one of the world’s most painful genetic skin conditions.
This is the first Alpine Butterfly Trek. Be one of the first to make history.
To ensure the best possible experience, places are limited to 16 participants.
