Monte Rosa in mountaineering: immersion on the high peaks
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMonte Rosa Massif - France / Italy
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions20.33 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on an exceptional alpine adventure in the heart of the Monte Rosa massif , a high-altitude region with breathtaking glacial panoramas . In just four days, you'll experience a true immersion in the high mountains , punctuated by learning glacier travel techniques : cramponing, rope work, and safety management. Under the guidance of an experienced guide , the progression is gradual, beginning with an acclimatization hike and an overnight stay in a mountain hut. Then, before dawn, the ascent of the Lys Glacier will take you to the summit of Gnifetti Peak (4,554 m) , overlooked by the famous Margherita Hut , the highest mountain hut in Europe . If conditions permit, other peaks over 4,000 meters can be added to your experience. Combining an expedition atmosphere , welcoming mountain huts , and the discovery of the glacial world , this trek is ideal for those who dream of combining technical training with iconic climbs in a magnificent setting.
The highlights
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Learning glacier techniques with a guide on the Monte Rosa massif
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Share convivial evenings in a mountain refuge after days spent in the high mountains
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Glacial ascent to Pointe Gnifetti at 4554 m altitude
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
- First experience in mountaineering. You are athletic and comfortable with mountain hiking.
- Do you do sports at least twice a week?
- You can walk for 5 to 7 hours with 600 to 900m of elevation gain.
- Are you comfortable carrying an 8 kg bag?
- You are comfortable on uneven terrain (rocks, snow)
- You've never done mountaineering (and that's OK)
- There is no climbing and very little exposure to heights.
- You can operate at altitude (up to 4000m)
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average daily elevation gain: 888 m
Management
Hi, I'm Patrick, a high-mountain guide and native of the Piedmont region. I became a high-mountain guide in 2018 and since then, I've never left the peaks! As a mountain rescue instructor, I love sharing my experience and knowledge. Whether it's 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 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at 10:00 AM in Staffal. After checking your equipment, we'll take the ski lifts up to Indren (3266 m). There, we'll learn about crampons, rope techniques, and safety procedures in case of a fall. In the late afternoon, we'll descend to the Orestes refuge for a convivial evening with a traditional mountain dinner and a briefing about the climb.
Day 1 -
Progression towards the heights
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we returned to Indren to begin the ascent. The route alternated between glaciers, rocky sections, and fixed cables, perfect for putting yesterday's skills into practice. In the early afternoon, we arrived at the Mantova refuge (3498 m), where we enjoyed a moment of rest and acclimatization in preparation for the big day ahead.
Day 2 -
Summit at sunrise
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off before dawn, around 4:30 a.m., headlamps on. The ascent via the Lys Glacier leads to the pass (4200 m), then to the summit at sunrise, a magical moment facing the blazing Alps. We continue towards the Margherita Hut (4554 m), the highest mountain hut in Europe, where we take the time to admire the view. The descent brings us back to the Mantova Hut, with the possibility of an additional summit if conditions and the group's energy allow.
Day 3 -
Final climb and return to the valley
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After an early start, we aim for one last 4000m peak: either Pointe Giordani or Pyramide Vincent, depending on the weather and the group. Once the ascent is complete, we descend to Indren to share a final meal together. We then take the ski lifts back down to Staffal, where the expedition concludes in the early afternoon.
Day 4
Note
The program for the stay is subject to change depending on weather conditions and the group
Accommodation
Access
We'll meet in Staffal at 10am.
Go to the starting point
It is possible to travel by train to Pont Saint Martin station (Aosta). From there, take a bus to Gressoney La Trinité – Staffal
If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among 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
- The supervision: During these four days you will be supervised by a UIAGM high mountain guide who will pass on his knowledge and passion to you.
- Accommodation: You will spend 3 nights in high-altitude Italian mountain huts. The huts are comfortable and have single beds with blankets.
- Meals: All meals are included except for the picnic lunch on the first day. You will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine throughout the expedition.
- The ski lifts mentioned in the expedition program.
- Rental of group mountaineering equipment (ropes, carabiners, etc.)
The price does not include
- Mountaineering equipment: Ice axe, harness, crampons and helmet are not included in the price (available for hire in the next step of the booking).
- To ensure optimal comfort, mountaineering boots are not provided. We strongly recommend that you try them on before departure.
- Day 1 picnic and water bottles at the shelters.
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point.
- Everything that is not included in “What is included”.
Options
- Mountaineering package rental : CHF137.22 / person
- The night before : CHF90.57 / person
- Additional night at the end of stay : CHF90.57 / person
- 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
- 50L backpack (for backpacking)
- Crampons & straight ice axe (commendable)
- Mountaineering helmet (recommended)
- Insulated water bottle (optional)
- Charged headlamp
- Climbing harness (commendable)
- Gourd
- To ensure optimal comfort, mountaineering boots are not provided (we strongly recommend trying them on before departure).
Clothing to bring
- Hiking pants
- Comfortable evening clothes + slippers
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Running tights or long underwear
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Warm socks (wool)
- Trousers for summer high mountaineering
- Comfortable sneakers (for the approach and breaks)
- Hat or cap
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
- Down jacket
- Technical socks
- Sunglasses (cat. 4)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Ski mask
- Cap
- Lightweight gloves
The Marie team
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