In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationGrand Paradis / Aosta Valley
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions8.31 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a two-day adventure in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park , to enjoy its unspoiled nature and gradually progress along an accessible route . You'll discover high mountain terrain and learn rope techniques and progression skills before the ascent of Gran Paradiso at 4,061 meters ! The via ferrata will have familiarized you with rope handling and the mountains.
The highlights
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Perfect program for beginners in mountaineering
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A via ferrata and a 4000m peak in 2 days
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Ascent in small groups, max 4 people.
Photos
daviet - verified review - august 2025
daviet - verified review - august 2025
daviet - verified review - august 2025
daviet - verified review - august 2025
daviet - verified review - august 2025
Thierry - verified review - june 2025
Thierry - verified review - june 2025
Thierry - verified review - june 2025
ALEXANDRE - verified review - september 2024
Mélissa - verified review - june 2024
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
The Gran Paradiso is possible for beginners provided of course that they are in very good physical condition and able to walk for long hours with significant elevation changes (between 1200m and 1700m).
No technical skill required but there is a small rocky ridge, like a Via Ferrata, at the top (can be avoided).
Note that altitude strongly influences your usual physical fitness.
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 8h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 1325 m
- Average daily descent: 1275 m
- Maximum altitude: 4061 m
Management
French
English
Experienced mountain guides Danilo and his team accompany you on all types of terrain: mountaineering, multi-pitch climbs, ski touring, and high-altitude treks. Passionate and meticulous, they prioritize safety, progress, and enjoyment on every outing. With them, every climb becomes a shared and authentic adventure in the heart of the most beautiful mountains in the Alps.
Program
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Via Ferrata of Valsavarenche - Refuge Chabod
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 4km
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Maximum altitude 2710 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will get acquainted with the Valsavarenche valley in the Gran Paradiso National Park by tackling the via ferrata located near the hamlet of Degioz . You will discover rope handling and learn how to move on a via ferrata, which will allow you to feel comfortable on the summit of Gran Paradiso the next day in the rocky section at 4000 meters altitude.
After lunch at the summit, we'll descend to the starting point of the trail to the Chabod refuge, a 10-minute drive from Degioz. The ascent is on foot via a beautiful path and takes approximately two hours, allowing us to arrive at the refuge early enough to collect our crampons and ice axes. With your guide, you'll learn how to adjust your crampons so your equipment is ready for the next day. We'll go to bed quite early tomorrow, as the wake-up call is rather early; your guide will give you the exact time depending on the weather and the group's fitness level.
Day 1 -
Chabod Refuge - Grand Paradis (4061m) - Valsavarenche
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Negative elevation 2200 m
- Maximum altitude 4061 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off at night, ascending the Laveciau Glacier before reaching the shoulder of Gran Paradiso, where we rejoin the normal route to the summit. The route via the Chabod Refuge is more varied, featuring a superb glacier, larger than the Victor Emmanuel II side, with beautiful passages between the crevasses. The north face of Gran Paradiso, with its spires, is quite impressive. We descend via the same route to retrieve our belongings from the refuge, allowing us to travel light. We enjoy a delicious plate of pasta at the refuge before each making our way back down to the car.
Dispersal point: at the Chabod Refuge, descent from the autonomous refuge.
Optional: If you prefer, to shorten your day, you can book an extra night at the Chabod Refuge. This will allow you to descend peacefully the next morning, well-rested, before continuing your journey.
Day 2
Note
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as an ice climbing school day or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Accommodation
Access
Transportation from Arvier on the first day is included in the stay.
At the Chabod Refuge on the last day, the descent is self-supported.
Go to the starting point
🚗 From Chamonix train station: you can reach Courmayeur via the Mont Blanc Tunnel (bus connections exist from Chamonix to the Aosta Valley, but if you want the freedom to travel around, it's advisable to rent a car). Important: upon exiting the Mont Blanc Tunnel, do not take the motorway towards Aosta, but stay on the regular road (blue signs) towards Courmayeur; this will save you an extra 20 minutes and €20 in motorway tolls!
🚗 From Bourg Saint Maurice train station, you'll need to rent a car to reach the Aosta Valley via the Petit Saint Bernard Pass (2-hour drive). It's a slightly longer journey, but you can save on the toll at the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Price details
The price includes
- The supervision of the UIAGM High Mountain Guide of our team
- Transportation from Arvier
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, carabiners, etc...)
- Personal technical equipment: harness, crampons, ice axe, lanyards and helmet
- Half-board accommodation at the Chabod refuge (dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2)
- The meal at the Chabod refuge after the ascent of Gran Paradiso on Day 2
The price does not include
- Mountaineering boots
- Lunch is provided on Day 1 so you can eat what you want.
- Travel to the starting point, carpooling available
- Drinks and personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, carabiners, etc...)
- Personal technical equipment: crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet and lanyards
Equipment to bring
- High-quality Gore-Tex mountaineering boots compatible with crampons (available for hire in Chamonix, Aosta or Bourg Saint Maurice)
- 40L backpack.
- Walking sticks
Clothing to bring
First layer against the skin: underwear
- Thermal and breathable T-shirt (merino wool recommended)
- Thermal and breathable tights (merino wool recommended)
- Warm socks.
2nd layer:
- Warm and breathable technical fleece;
- Windproof and waterproof mountaineering trousers
3rd layer:
- Thin but warm down or fleece
Final layer:
- High-quality Gore-Tex jacket or similar, waterproof and windproof
Don't forget:
- Warm winter hat
- Neck warmer
- Warm ski gloves
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Mobile phone
