Mountaineering course from Gran Paradiso to Monte Rosa with a private guide
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationGrand Paradis / Aosta Valley
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AgeFrom 18 - 68 years
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CO₂-Emissions16.07 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
In one week, discover the fundamentals of mountaineering in the heart of the Alps, between majestic glaciers and comfortable high-altitude refuges . This progressive program introduces you to glacier travel techniques while allowing you to gently acclimatize to the altitude . Led by an experienced, passionate, and skilled mountain guide , you will learn to move safely in a demanding yet magnificent environment.
The itinerary begins with the ascent of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) , a perfect summit for getting acquainted with altitude and honing your skills. Building on this initial experience, you'll continue your adventure towards Punta Gnifetti (4,554 m) , one of the highest peaks in the Monte Rosa massif. Up there, an exceptional panoramic view of the Alps will offer you a breathtaking moment, a unique sensation of overlooking Europe's iconic summits.
This trip is a true alpine immersion , combining technical training , professional guidance , and breathtaking scenery . An unforgettable experience for any adventurer dreaming of reaching new heights!
The highlights
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Ascent of 2 peaks over 4000m in 4 days
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Small groups, maximum 4 people
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Local guides who speak fluent French
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1100 m
- Average daily descent: 958 m
- Maximum altitude: 4554 m
Management
Danilo and his team
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.
Price for a solo departure with a guide: €3400
Price for 2 people with a guide: €1950 per person
Price for a group of 3 with a guide: €1450 per person
Price for a group of 4 with a guide: €1150 per person
Program
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Val de Rhêmes - via ferrata - Valsaverenche - refuge (2710 m)
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Maximum altitude 2710 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at 9:00 AM in the Val de Rhêmes , opposite the Hotel Granta Parey, to begin the day with a pleasant Via Ferrata . This activity is perfect for getting to know each other, exercising while having fun, and gaining confidence in technical skills. After a delicious picnic lunch, we'll drive to Valsavarenche (approximately 40 minutes) to reach the trailhead for the Gran Paradiso Refuge .
The hike to the refuge will take approximately 2 to 3 hours , during which we will admire the landscapes, fauna, and flora of Gran Paradiso National Park . Once at the refuge, after settling in, we will check our equipment for the ascent of Gran Paradiso planned for the following day. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
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 region.
Day 1 -
Chabod Refuge (2710 m) - Grand Paradiso (4061 m) - Chabod Refuge
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Maximum altitude 4061 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The departure is scheduled for sunrise . For the first hour of the hike to the glacier, the trail is poorly marked . We will be proceeding below the North Face of Gran Paradiso , where crevasses and snow bridges are numerous, but the ascent remains relatively accessible . The final meters to reach the summit require traversing between snow and rock , with an estimated time of 4 to 5 hours to reach the top and admire the exceptional panorama .
From the summit, the view extends to the Vanoise massif in Savoie , Mont Blanc , Mont Viso , and the Grand Combin in Switzerland . The descent follows the same route, skirting the glacier's crevasses, offering a more dramatic landscape than the route from the Victor Emanuele II Refuge. Starting from the Victor Emanuele II Refuge, the route is easier . The afternoon and night are spent at the refuge for a well-deserved rest.
This program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's fitness level . The guide may suggest alternatives, such as an ice climbing school day or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 2 -
Refuge Chabod - Gressoney - Cable car from Staffal to Punta Indren (3275 m) - Refuge Città
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Maximum altitude 3498 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast, we stroll down from the Chabod (or Victor Emmanuel II ) refuge to the cars in the parking lot. We then drive to Gressoney with the guide, eventually reaching Staffal , the last hamlet in the valley and the starting point for the Gabiet cable car.
In the early afternoon, we take the cable car up to Punta Indren . A 40-minute walk then leads us to the Città di Mantova refuge. This day is dedicated to rest , enjoying the magnificent views of the Monte Rosa glaciers, and acclimatizing to the altitude to be in top form for the climb the following day. We will have dinner and spend the night in this superb refuge at 3400 meters , perfect for a good recovery.
The program is indicative and may vary depending on the weather 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 region.
Day 3 -
Refuge Città Di Mantova (3498 m) - Pointe Gnifetti / Capanna Margherita (4554 m) - Refuge
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Negative elevation 1280 m
- Maximum altitude 4554 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
At daybreak, after breakfast at the refuge, we will begin our day by crossing the Lys Glacier to reach the Lys Pass (4248 m) . Before us will unfold spectacular views of the legendary Matterhorn , as well as other impressive peaks such as the Zumstein (4561 m) , the Dufourspitze (4633 m, the highest point of Monte Rosa) , and the vertiginous Lyskamm face . In 4 to 5 hours, we will reach the Gnifetti Peak (4554 m) and visit the Margherita Hut , the highest mountain hut and observatory in Europe. From the summit, the panoramic view encompasses the Swiss side of Monte Rosa and the Italian Piedmont .
The descent will follow the same route, bringing us back to the Città di Mantova Refuge , where we'll enjoy a delicious plate of pasta before continuing to Pointe Indren to take the cable car back to Gressoney . Back in Aosta with your guide, this magnificent week in the mountains will come to an end. If you wish, you can extend this adventure by spending a night in a hotel, exploring Aosta's old town , its Roman Theatre , its charming restaurants, and enjoying the Italian Dolce Vita .
The program is provided as a guideline and may be adjusted according to 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.
Day 4
Accommodation
Access
The end of the stay will take place on the last day in the afternoon between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. in Aosta (unless otherwise agreed with the guide on site).
Go to the starting point
You can reach the Aosta Valley by train: via Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Then you'll need to rent a car to reach the Aosta Valley via the Little St. Bernard Pass (2-hour drive). You save on the toll at the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Via Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Then you reach Courmayeur, and then the Aosta Valley, via the Mont Blanc Tunnel (by bus or car). At the exit of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, do not take the motorway towards Aosta, but stay on the road towards Courmayeur, to avoid an extra 20 minutes and €20 in motorway tolls. Via Martigny from Geneva Airport. Then you reach Aosta city center via the Great St. Bernard Tunnel by bus or car.
Price details
The price includes
- The supervision of the UIAGM High Mountain Guide from our team and their accommodation and meal expenses
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, carabiners, etc.)
- Personal technical equipment: crampons, ice axe and harness
- Half-board treatment at animal shelters
- Round trips from Aosta to Gressoney
- Return tickets for the Staffal cable car to Punta Indren
The price does not include
- Lunch, drinks and snacks are provided so you can eat as you wish at the refuge or in town.
- Anything not mentioned in "the price includes"
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 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 provided on site
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, carabiners, etc...)
Equipment to bring
- Waterproof and very good quality mountaineering boots, compatible with crampons (Scarpa Triolet GTX type, rental possible at Le Sport Du Pilier, at Gal Sport in Aosta or at Ravanel or Snell in Chamonix)
- Harness, crampons and ice axe (rental available at Ermanno Sport in Gressoney or at Gal Sport in Aoste)
- 40-liter backpack
- Walking sticks
- Mountaineering helmet
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.
Second layer:
- Warm and breathable technical fleece;
- Windproof and waterproof mountaineering trousers
Third layer:
- Thin but warm down or fleece
Final layer:
- High-quality Gore-Tex jacket or similar, waterproof and windproof
Don't forget:
- meat bag
- Warm winter hat
- Neck warmer
- Warm ski gloves
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle and thermos
- Sunglasses
- Mobile phone
