Introduction to mountaineering with the ascent of Gran Paradiso
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationGrand Paradis / Aosta Valley
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions10.74 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 journey of discovery into mountaineering and take on the challenge of your first 4,000-meter peak with the ascent of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) in the Italian Alps. For three days, accompanied by a high-mountain guide, you'll learn essential techniques for navigating glacial terrain before reaching the summit via its normal route. After a night at the Vittorio Emanuele refuge, you'll set off at dawn to reach the summit and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the major Alpine peaks, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. The adventure continues with a day of training on the Moncorvé Glacier, dedicated to cramponing, ice axe use, and crevasse rescue techniques. A comprehensive experience to discover mountaineering, improve your technical skills, and gain greater independence in the mountains.
The highlights
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Learn the basics of mountaineering, guided by an experienced guide.
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A unique panoramic view from Gran Paradiso, from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc
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Nights at the Vittorio Emmanuel refuge, with Italian ambiance and delicious cuisine
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
- You do endurance sports at least 2 to 3 times a week.
- You can string together 7 to 9 hours of effort with 800 to 1200m of positive elevation gain.
- Are you comfortable carrying a bag weighing 5 to 8 kg?
- You are already comfortable in mountainous terrain (rocks, snow, glacier)
- You are comfortable with exposed passages and you are not prone to vertigo.
- You can operate at altitude (up to 4000m)
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 867 m
Management
French
English
A high-mountain guide and native of the Piedmont region, I became a certified mountain guide in 2018 and haven't left the peaks since! As a mountain rescue instructor, I love sharing my experience and knowledge. Whether on Monte Rosa, in my native Piedmont, or in the Aosta Valley, the Italian Alps are my playground and my home.
Program
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First steps in the high mountains
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 880 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We meet at 12 noon in the hamlet of Pont, in the Valsavarenche valley, to get acquainted with the mountain guide and the other participants. After an initial briefing, we begin our hike towards the Vittorio Emanuele refuge, located at an altitude of 2734 meters.
Upon arrival, the guide takes us through an initial familiarization with the equipment and teaches us the fundamentals of mountaineering: using an ice axe, cramponing techniques, rope work, and glacier travel. Essential preparation before the next day's climb!
At the end of the day, we enjoy the exceptional setting of the refuge and the light of the sunset on the surrounding peaks, including Piccolo Paradiso (3868 m), Herbetet (3778 m) and Tresenta (3609 m).
Day 1 -
Acclimatization climb to Tresenta
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1320 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The day begins very early, by the light of our headlamps. We set off to conquer Gran Paradiso (4061 m), the first summit over 4000 meters for some, taking its normal route.
As we climb, the first rays of dawn gradually illuminate the peaks of the massif and the surrounding alpine landscapes. Once at the summit, we are rewarded with a panoramic view of the major peaks of the Alps: from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, including Monte Rosa, the Écrins massif, and Mont Viso.
After savoring this moment at altitude, we begin the descent towards the Vittorio Emanuele refuge. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and recovery, before sharing a delicious Italian meal at the refuge.
Day 2 -
Ascent of Gran Paradiso and return to the valley
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, we return to the Moncorvé glacier to deepen our knowledge and put into practice the essential techniques for progressing on glacial terrain. Under the guidance of our instructor, we work on cramponing on ice, the various uses of the ice axe, and the right reflexes for moving through the mountains.
We also cover crevasse rescue techniques through several practical exercises. The program includes: setting up an anchor on ice screws or a deadman anchor in the snow, creating a pulley system, and practicing the extraction of a teammate.
The workshops are tailored to the level and expectations of the group so that everyone can progress at their own pace and acquire new technical skills for their next mountaineering trips.
In the early afternoon, we leave the glacier and descend back to the Pont car park, where our adventure in the Gran Paradiso massif ends.
Day 3
Note
The program for the stay is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Accommodation
Victor Emmanuel II Refuge
Access
We'll meet at 12 in the village of Pont, Valsavarenche.
Go to the starting point
It is possible to travel by train to Geneva station. From there, you will need to take a connecting bus to reach Aosta station.
- Departure station > Geneva station
- Geneva train station > Aosta bus station (2h20)
It is possible to travel to Pont by car and leave it in a free parking lot.
If you do not have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 10 days before departure: An opportunity to get to know each other before even starting the expedition.
Price details
The price includes
- Guide supervision: You will be supervised during these 3 days by Patrick, our experienced high mountain guide.
- Accommodation: You will sleep two nights in the Vittorio Emmanuel II Refuge, a comfortable high mountain refuge with Italian cuisine that is worth the trip.
- Half-board meals: All meals are included except for packed lunches. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine after your days outdoors.
The price does not include
- Return transport to the meeting point in the village of Pont.
- Lunch picnics, which can be ordered directly from the refuge.
- Technical equipment such as crampons, ice axes, harnesses, helmets, and safety gear is not included. You can reserve the rental package in the next step of your booking.
- To ensure optimal comfort, mountaineering boots are not provided. We strongly recommend that you try them on before departure.
- Any personal consumption at the shelter.
- Everything that is not included in “what is included”.
Options
- Mountaineering Kit Rental : CHF91.48 / person
- Additional night before the stay : CHF100.63 / unit
- Additional night at the end of your stay : CHF100.63 / unit
- 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 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) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider 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 to bring
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
- Mountaineering helmet (recommended)
- Telescopic ski poles
- Crampons and a straight ice axe (commendable)
- Climbing harness (commendable)
- Climbing shoes and chalk
- Water bottle (min 1.5L)
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Backpack (30 L)
- Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
- Charged headlamp
- A picnic
- Reusable picnic kit (Tupperware, cutlery, fabric bag)
- Waterproof plastic for ID, phone, etc.
- Passport or ID
- Credit card and cash
- Insurance card
- CAF / FFCAM / Alpine Club card (if a member)
- Phone and charger
- External battery / power bank
- Book/notebook and pen
- Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
- Compeed or blister plasters
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs)
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- SPF lip balm
- Microfiber towel
- Toilet paper / moist wipes (biodegradable)
- Earplugs
- Card game or small pocket game
Clothing to bring
- Comfortable sneakers (for the approach and breaks)
- Hiking pants
- Trousers for summer high mountaineering
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Down jacket
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Beanie (without pom-pom)
- Sunglasses (cat. 4)
- Ski mask
- Hat or cap
- Technical and warm underwear (Merino wool)
- Warm socks (wool)
- Technical socks
- Running tights or long underwear
- Comfortable evening clothes + slippers
