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 the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions28.24 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
It's the only 4,000-meter peak entirely in Italy : this famous ascent of the Gran Paradiso , with its vast glaciers and manageable slopes, is an iconic yet accessible peak. It's undoubtedly an ideal destination for anyone dreaming of summits and high altitudes to cross the mythical 4,000-meter mark . From the Valsavarenche Valley in Italy, we'll ascend at a leisurely pace to our first refuge, Chabod (2,750m). Then comes the big day: the ascent of the monarch of this National Park, Gran Paradiso, at 4,061m. A beautiful glacial climb with a rocky finish leads to the summit statue of the Virgin Mary. We'll be rewarded with a descent to the Victor Emmanuel II refuge. On the final day, a peaceful return to the valley, to Pont, awaits, with a lovely descent through wildflowers and larch trees. On the third day, we'll admire the Gran Paradiso massif from a pretty, easy summit, Tresenta (3,609m), before descending back into the valley.
The highlights
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A 3-day ascent for those with limited time.
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A cross-country program to vary the landscapes and discover this Italian Natural Park
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A first 4,000 accessible
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
This trip requires excellent physical fitness as you will be climbing a peak over 4000m. You will have little time to acclimatize, so it may be beneficial to have already done some classic mountain hiking in the days prior.
The main difficulties lie in the final meters before the summit due to a few exposed climbing sections . The rest of the ascent is primarily on the moraine and glacier. Prior experience with crampons is recommended to fully enjoy this weekend.
Management
The trip is led by a high-mountain guide for a group of 4 participants, who will provide the necessary technical information for a successful trip. The guide may need to modify the program to ensure safety depending on mountain weather conditions or the physical condition of the participants.
Program
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Chamonix - Pravieux (1834m) in the Valsavarenche - Chabod Refuge (2750m)
- Transportation Car - 01h - 70km
- Activity Mountaineering
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet in Chamonix early in the morning. You will be greeted by your guide, given a presentation about the trip, and have your equipment checked (rental available if needed) before departing for the Valsavarenche Valley in Italy (70km). Arrive at the Pravieux alpine pasture (1834m) where you will leave your cars for the trip, then hike up to the Chabod refuge (2750m) via a good trail.Day 1 -
Ascent of Gran Paradiso (4061m) - Victor Emmanuel II Refuge (2732m)
- Activity Mountaineering
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A very early start for the ascent of Gran Paradiso. It's one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Alps, offering views of Mont Viso, Monte Rosa, the Mont Blanc massif, and so many other peaks! The route features varied glacial slopes, culminating in an airy, rocky section to reach the summit statue of the Virgin Mary. A photo will immortalize this magical moment! Then a leisurely descent to the Victor Emmanuel II refuge for the night.Day 2 -
Safety day for attempting the summit or Guide's program
- Activity Mountaineering
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You have two options today:
- If you were able to attempt the summit of Gran Paradiso the day before, your guide will offer you several activities today around the refuge or in the valley (ascent of another summit in the massif, via ferrata...)
- If the weather conditions did not allow you to attempt the summit of Gran Paradiso yesterday, then you will attempt it today!
Before returning to the valley and making our way to Chamonix in the afternoon for the end of the stay.
Day 3
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
The two nights at the Chabod and Victor Emmanuel refuges are spent in dormitories; blankets are provided. Toiletries will be minimal. Slippers are available, so there is no need to bring shoes for the refuge.
Access
Go to the starting point
🚂 Rail network Saint Gervais les bains le Fayet, then take the Saint Gervais - Martigny connection, stop at Chamonix-centre station.
🚗 Direct access via the Autoroute Blanche connected to the European motorway network as far as Chamonix.
Price details
The price includes
- The technical organization of the stay
- Supervision by a high mountain guide
- Half-board accommodation in dormitory-style mountain huts
- The collective equipment necessary for safety
The price does not include
- Transportation will be provided by participants' vehicles (if none of the participants have a vehicle to transport the group by carpooling, a private transfer will be offered: €450 round trip for the entire group, payable on site).
- Race provisions
- Picnics
- Individual technical equipment
- Drinks in mountain huts and personal expenses
- The round trip between Chamonix and Valsavarenche
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 group equipment (ropes) is provided
- Slippers (Crocs) and blankets/duvets are available in the shelters.
Equipment to bring
- High-altitude mountaineering boots with rigid soles and crampon compatibility are mandatory: trekking-type shoes are not sufficient.
- A comfortable 40/50 liter mountaineering backpack: it must have attachments for crampons, ice axe and helmet
- An ice axe, crampons, a harness equipped with a locking carabiner (note that carabiners cannot be rented; you will need to buy them if you don't already have them), a helmet
- One or two telescopic ski poles (depending on your preferences): we highly recommend them, especially for downhill runs.
- A water bottle/thermos of at least 1.5 liters
- A headlamp, with spare batteries and bulbs
- A pocket knife
- A rain cover for the bag (not mandatory)
- 1 waterproof pouch with your money, identity documents (and if possible, blood type/contact lens wearer information, etc.), insurance/assistance contract and emergency telephone numbers
- A pair of gaiters (not available for rent)
- A sleeping bag liner (mandatory, and there are blankets in the refuge): SLEEPING BAG UNNECESSARY
- A Ziploc bag with medication and toiletries (bare minimum: toothpaste + contact lens solution + hand sanitizer): there is generally no running water in the shelters, so bring some alcohol-free wipes if you wish (be mindful of the weight).
- A small tube of SPF 50 sunscreen (face and lips) + after-sun lotion
Clothing to bring
- Cap
- Hat (or cap) for sun protection and/or scarf
- Glacier sunglasses (category 4 protection) + ski goggles
- A balaclava (like a balaclava that covers the whole head) (very useful in very cold weather)
- 1 pair of very warm mittens
- 1 pair of fleece or wool gloves
- 1 pair of glove liners
- 2 or 3 breathable, long-sleeved technical base layers
- Breathable technical base layer (carline, lightweight fleece...)
- Thick fleece jacket
- Down jacket or vest (not mandatory but appreciated if it's very cold on summit day)
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
- 1 pair of comfortable mountain pants for approach trails
- 1 pair of Gore-Tex type windproof trousers when you are on a glacier
- 1 pair of breathable technical tights
- Socks: 3 thin pairs and 2 thicker pairs
- 1 night outfit for the evening of Day 3 at the Tour chalet + toiletries
- A few hand and/or foot warmers can prove useful for those who get cold easily on summit day.
This list is general and intended to cover all weather conditions you might encounter in the high mountains. It should be adapted to the specific conditions expected during your stay. Always pack warm clothing, even when temperatures are high in the valley.
They traveled with us
They traveled with us
GAELLE
- 40 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
september 2026
In a group
Léa
- 28 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2026
In a group
david
- 54 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2026
In a group
Nadège
- 51 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
july 2026
Among friends
Pierre-Edouard
- 40 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
july 2026
In a group
Eric
- 61 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
july 2026
In a group
Julien
- 31 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
june 2026
In a group
Jérémy
- 35 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2025
In a couple
laurent
- 56 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2025
In a group
Hello Laurent,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are delighted that the stay went well overall, although we understand that the start may have marred the experience.
Indeed, the guide's absence led to unusual arrangements, and we sincerely regret that you had to begin the climb without assistance. We fully understand that this may have caused some tension at the start of your trip.
Our local partner also regrets this situation, which remains exceptional. Your feedback allows us to increase our vigilance to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again in the future.
We hope that you will nevertheless retain fond memories of this mountain adventure and that we will have the pleasure of seeing you again soon for new sporting experiences.
The Decathlon Travel team
Cédric
- 34 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2025
In a group
The Alexandre team
We are sorry to hear that.
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