My First 4000m Peak on Monte Rosa: Mountaineering Course in Italy
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMonte Rosa Massif - France / Valais
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions4.97 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Monte Rosa, the second highest massif in the Alps, will captivate you with its vast glaciers and majestic peaks soaring above 4,000 meters. You'll be immersed in this breathtaking scenery from your very first day of trekking, which will take you gently to the refuge at 3,400 meters. The following day, you'll set off to conquer the Vincent Pyramid, crossing the symbolic 4,000-meter mark and fully experiencing the unique atmosphere of the high mountains. Join us and push your limits in an exceptional setting.
The highlights
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An introduction to mountaineering with a gradual ascent, allowing for acclimatization in
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Internship with small groups of maximum 5 people
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Exploring a unique glacial atmosphere in the heart of the Monte Rosa massif
Photos
Sarah - verified review - july 2025
Sarah - verified review - july 2025
Sarah - verified review - july 2025
Loïc - verified review - june 2025
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
These two days in the mountains are designed for people who want to discover high-altitude mountaineering and alpinism. The program will focus on learning how to move across a glacier while roped up, wearing crampons and using ice axes. The ice climbing course will allow you to understand the unique characteristics of this environment and the physical demands required to traverse glacial slopes.
The prerequisites for these two days are essentially related to physical fitness.
For 36 hours you will be at altitude, between 3500m and 4200m; the night will be spent in a mountain refuge at 3498m. This has an immediate impact on the body, with the first signs being shortness of breath, fatigue, and physical discomfort. Everyone reacts differently to altitude, and the best way to prepare is to be in good physical condition and to have acclimatized by spending time in the mountains at progressively higher altitudes.
Furthermore, the elevation gain achieved at altitude "counts double"! It is therefore essential that you are used to hiking in the mountains with elevation gains ranging from 1200m to 1700m.
Finally, good weather isn't always guaranteed. You need to be prepared for some adversity if the wind picks up or sleet starts to fall.
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 935 m
- Average daily descent: 650 m
- Maximum altitude: 4215 m
Management
French
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.
Program
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Staffal - Trek - Citta di Mantova Refuge 3498m
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Maximum altitude 3500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 8:45 am in Staffal, the last hamlet at the foot of Monte Rosa, directly opposite the Punta Indren cable car station. After a quick equipment check, we will board a 4x4 to reach the start of a trail located at 2,300 meters altitude.
We will then begin a gradual ascent along a wild path, where it is not uncommon to spot ibex. The landscape is magnificent, dominated by the Lys Glacier which descends from peaks rising to over 4,000 meters. We will arrive at the refuge quite early, which will allow us to go over the equipment together and adjust it in preparation for the next day's climb. The guide will also give a full briefing: the day's schedule, timings, and options depending on the weather.
The Città di Mantova refuge is a magnificent high-altitude mountain hut, offering a dining room with breathtaking views of the glaciers at sunset. The dormitories and bathrooms are adequately comfortable, with duvets provided. However, water is scarce at this altitude, so there are no showers and the available water is not potable: you will need to purchase it on site. Furthermore, to prevent acute mountain sickness, it is essential to stay well-hydrated and drink regularly.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Città di Mantova refuge.
Day 1 -
Città di Mantova Refuge 3498m - Ascent of the Vincent Pyramid (4,215m)
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 770 m
- Negative elevation 1250 m
- Maximum altitude 4215 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We will depart early in the morning, at sunrise. We will immediately put into practice the techniques learned the previous day as we progress across the Indren Glacier, which will lead us to the foot of the Vincent Pyramid, our objective for the day.
The ascent will be steady and gradual, and we will soon exceed 4,000 meters in altitude. You will then discover the unique sensations of high altitude, where the body must adapt to sustain the effort. As we climb, a magnificent panorama will unfold, offering a spectacular view of the majestic peaks of the Monte Rosa massif.
To begin the descent, we might consider stopping at the refuge to rest. A final push will then take us to Punta Indren, where we'll take the cable car back down to Staffal.
In summer 2026, due to work on the ski lifts, a 4x4 journey will again be necessary to reach the valley.
Day 2
Note
This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather or the physical condition of the participants require it.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Meet at 8:45 am on the first day in Staffal, the last inhabited hamlet at the foot of Monte Rosa, at the Gabiet cable car station. Detailed information about the meeting point will be provided upon booking.
Price details
The price includes
- The supervision of the UIAGM High Mountain Guide and their accommodation and meal expenses
- Half-board accommodation at the refuge (dinner and breakfast) in a dormitory
- Personal technical equipment: crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness
- The Staffal cable car to Punta Indren (round trip)
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, lanyards, carabiners)
The price does not include
- Mountaineering boots
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Lunch meals, so you can eat as you wish at altitude
- Your travel insurance (cancellation and mountain rescue are mandatory)
- Lunches
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before you leave, 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.) Also, be sure to check visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions or other 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
- Personal technical equipment: harness, crampons, ice axe and helmet
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, carabiners, etc...)
- Duvets at the refuge
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
- Meat bag
- Headlamp
- Water bottle and thermos
- Sunglasses
- Mobile phone
Clothing to bring
- Thermal and breathable T-shirt (merino wool recommended)
- Thermal and breathable tights (merino wool recommended)
- Warm socks.
- Warm and breathable technical fleece
- Windproof and waterproof mountaineering trousers
- Thin but warm down or fleece
- High-quality Gore-Tex jacket or similar, waterproof and windproof
- Warm winter hat
- Neck warmer
- Warm ski gloves
