The ascent of two 4000-meter peaks in the Monte Rosa massif
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMonte Rosa Massif - France / 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
In the heart of the Italian Alps, experience a spectacular high-altitude immersion by climbing two peaks over 4,000 meters in the Monte Rosa massif .
Starting from a pristine valley, this three-day itinerary begins with an ice climbing school session. Under strict supervision, you will learn how to use crampons and ice axes , as well as roped climbing techniques, essential for navigating alpine terrain.
Overnight stays are spent high in the mountains at the Città di Mantova refuge , perched at 3,498 meters altitude, guaranteeing gradual acclimatization and an authentic experience in the face of the glacier giants. The crossing of the Lys glacier then leads you to the mythical peaks of the Vincent Pyramid (4,215 m) and then the Ludwigshöhe (4,341 m).
From these high ridges, the panorama unfolds, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn , Mont Blanc , and the most beautiful surrounding peaks. An accessible mountaineering route, perfect for combining technical training with the conquest of legendary summits.
The highlights
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Two 4000-meter peaks to climb in three days: Pyramide Vincent and Ludwigshöhe
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Introduction to glacier techniques: crampons, ice axe and rope work
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Explore the immense Lys Glacier and the wild landscapes of Monte Rosa
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
- You already have some experience in mountaineering, trail running, climbing or long-distance hiking. You want to go further and progress to longer and more varied races.
- 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
- You can operate at altitude (up to 4000m)
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average daily elevation gain: 800 m
Management
The trip will be supervised by a qualified high mountain guide.
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Mountaineering
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 2 pm in Staffal, where we'll take the ski lifts to Punta Indren (3,275 m). Once there, we'll check our equipment together before a short hike to the Città di Mantova refuge (3,498 m). This gradual ascent allows us to acclimatize to the altitude and immerse ourselves in the high-mountain environment. At the refuge, we'll settle in, have a briefing on the rest of the program, have dinner, and then spend the night at altitude.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Mountaineering
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We set off before dawn towards the Lys Glacier. An ice climbing school session allows us to review the fundamentals of glacier travel: walking with crampons, ice axe handling, rope work, and glacier movement. After this guided session, we continue our route towards the Vincent Pyramid (4,215 m) and reach its summit. Up there, we enjoy an exceptional panorama of the peaks of Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, and the Mont Blanc massif. We then return to the refuge in the early afternoon to rest before the second ascent.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Mountaineering
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We return to the glacier to reach the Ludwigshöhe (4,341 m), the second 4,000-meter peak of this trip. The route takes us across the Monte Rosa plateau, where we put into practice the glacier techniques learned the previous day. After enjoying the high-altitude panoramas one last time, we descend back to the refuge, then continue to Punta Indren before returning to Staffal by ski lift. End of the trip.
Day 3
Note
The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions. Schedules and routes are approximate and may be adjusted by the guide according to the conditions and the safety of the group.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the Refuge Cita di Mantova, a comfortable high mountain refuge with Italian cuisine that is well worth the trip!
Access
We'll meet at 2pm in Staffal.
Go to the starting point
Travel from France: Take a TGV INOUI from Paris Gare de Lyon to Milan or Turin, then a regional Trenitalia connection to Pont-Saint-Martin station.
From the train station to the accommodation:
- By bus (VITA Company - Pont-Saint-Martin - Gressoney/Staffal line): The VITA bus network provides a very regular direct connection between the Pont-Saint-Martin train station forecourt and the Tschaval/Staffal terminus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes , and the ticket costs around €3.50 to €5.00 .
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: Allow approximately 40 minutes journey time from Pont-Saint-Martin station (estimated fare between €70 and €100 depending on the day and the number of passengers).
SR44 Outdoor Parking (Free): A large, paved, outdoor public parking lot is located just below the SR44 road, a few hundred meters before the center of Staffal. It is completely free , open 24/7, and ideal for parking for several days.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a high mountain guide.
- Accommodation at the Cita di Mantova refuge
- Half-board accommodation at the refuge (breakfast and dinner)
The price does not include
- Transportation (round trip) to the meeting point
- Lunch picnics (can be ordered directly from the refuge)
- Technical equipment: crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet
- Mountaineering boots
- The Staffal to Punta Indren ski lifts (€40 per person)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Mountaineering kit rental : CHF91.48 / 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
- Technical equipment: mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet
The Marie team
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