Ascent of Mont Viso (3,841 m): rock climbing and mountain huts
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Italy
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions18.79 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a climb of Monte Viso (3,841 m) , the " Stone King ," an iconic pyramidal peak in the Italian Alps , facing the Queyras region. This 4-day rock climbing trip will guide you step by step: an introduction to climbing near the Alpetto refuge, a traverse of Punta Dante (3,166 m) , followed by the ascent of Punta Gastaldi (3,216 m) via an equipped rock climbing route, before tackling Viso via its normal route, traversing exposed ledges , chimneys , and the summit ridge . Each evening, you'll stay in a historic Italian Alpine Club refuge (Alpetto, Vallanta, Quintino Sella) and savor their hearty cuisine . Along the way, you'll discover the high-altitude lakes of the massif, including Lago Grande di Viso, and encounter the ibex of the natural park. Led by a high mountain guide in a small group of 3 people maximum, this stay without glacier or crampons is ideal for transitioning from hiking to mountaineering on a mythical and little-frequented summit.
The highlights
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Climb Mont Viso (3,841 m), the Italian "King of Stone".
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Punta Dante and Punta Gastaldi to progress before the summit
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3 nights in historic mountain huts, in a group of 3 maximum
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
- You already have some experience in long-distance hiking and you want to go further, on longer and more varied routes.
- You practice an endurance sport at least 2 to 3 times a week
- You can string together 7 to 9 hours of effort with 800 to 1,300 m of positive elevation gain.
- You are comfortable with a bag weighing 5 to 8 kg
- You are already comfortable in mountainous terrain (rocky slopes, steep terrain…)
- You are comfortable in exposed areas and are not afraid of heights.
- You can operate at altitude (up to 3,800 m)
- Some climbing experience is a plus but not required (sections comparable to 3A in climbing)
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 8h
- Average daily elevation gain: 1063 m
- Average daily descent: 943 m
- Maximum altitude: 3841 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
With 30 years of experience as a high-mountain guide, I share my techniques with you, but above all, my joy in experiencing nature to the fullest. Together, we will explore my vision of the mountains: fabulous landscapes, breathtaking peaks, new cultures, and perhaps… the summit of your dreams!
I'll be waiting for you, whether you're on skis, in climbing shoes, crampons, or simply in hiking boots.
Program
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From Revello to the Alpetto refuge, first climbing session
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Maximum altitude 2300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We'll meet at 10 am in Revello, from where we'll hike together to Oncino, at an altitude of 1,640 m. We'll then begin our trek towards the Alpetto refuge, perched at 2,268 m. The first refuge of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club), founded in 1866, it will welcome us for this first stage in the heart of the Mont Viso massif.
Once we'd dropped off our bags, the guide outlined the schedule for the next few days and the equipment we'd need. In the afternoon, we headed to a nearby cliff for our first climbing session, tailored to the group's level: learning knots, belaying techniques, and progressing on short routes.
The evening is an opportunity to share a first meal in a mountain refuge, to get to know the group and to become familiar with the rhythm of the mountains.
Day 1 -
Crossing Punta Dante (3,166 m) to the Vallanta refuge
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Positive elevation gain 1350 m
- Negative elevation 1170 m
- Maximum altitude 3166 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the Alpetto refuge, we ascend to the Punta Dante ridge, which we follow to the summit (3,166 m), remaining attentive to the sometimes narrow passages and the changing terrain. The descent then takes us down the Forciolline valley to approximately 2,000 m, on snowfields and scree slopes where we learn to carefully place our feet.
We then ascend towards the Vallanta refuge, at 2,450 m, in a rocky environment typical of the high mountains. This day is a first practical exercise: rope management, progression on mixed terrain, and choosing footholds are practiced throughout the route, under the guide's supervision.
Upon arrival at the refuge, we check the equipment and review the day's route over a shared meal, before preparing for the next stage.
Day 2 -
Ascent of Punta Gastaldi (3,216 m) and Viso lakes
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Maximum altitude 3216 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off from the Vallanta refuge to ascend to Punta Gastaldi (3,216 m) via the normal route, a bolted rock climb that serves as an introduction to mountaineering. We begin by following the trail to the Giacoletti pass, then we tackle bolted sections where we progress roped up under the guide's supervision.
At the summit, we take the time to observe the mountain range's topography and identify the terrain we've crossed over the past few days. We then descend via the same route, reviewing the techniques we've learned and paying particular attention to safety.
We continue our journey to the Quintino Sella refuge, located on the shores of Lago Grande di Viso, at an altitude of approximately 2,640 m. The approach to the refuge reveals another face of the massif: the high-altitude lakes, including Lago Fiorenza and Lago Chiaretto, follow one another beneath the imposing eastern face of Mont Viso, which towers nearly 1,000 m above the surrounding area.
Day 3 -
Ascent of Mont Viso (3,841 m) and return to the valley
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Positive elevation gain 1450 m
- Negative elevation 2000 m
- Maximum altitude 3841 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Wake up at dawn and have breakfast at the refuge, then set off with headlamps for the ascent of Mont Viso via the normal route. The route passes through the Passo delle Sagnette, at approximately 2,990 m, then continues along equipped, exposed ledges, rocky sections and chimneys that demand concentration and precision.
We join the east ridge before reaching the summit cross, at 3,841 m. Up there, the panorama extends over the Alps, from Gran Paradiso to Mont Blanc and the Valais Alps, while the Queyras and the Écrins are visible to the west.
We then begin the descent via the same route, before stopping at the Alpetto refuge to regain our strength. A final stretch remains to the parking lot, where this alpine adventure, marked by the ascent of the massif's iconic peak, comes to an end.
Day 4
Note
The program for the stay is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Accommodation
Access
We'll meet at 10 am in Revello, from where we'll hike together to Oncino (1,640 m), the starting point for the trek to the Alpetto refuge. The trip ends at the parking lot on day 4, after the descent from Mont Viso.
Go to the starting point
Want to avoid traffic jams and travel in comfort? The train is your best bet. Here are the connections to take:
- Departure station > Turin station
- Turin > Savigliano (regional train)
- Savigliano > Revello (by bus, with a possible connection at Saluzzo or Barge depending on the timetable)
Do you prefer the freedom of a road trip? You can drive to Revello and leave it in a parking lot for the duration of your stay.
Consider carpooling: a WhatsApp group is created 10 days before departure to help you organize with other participants.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a high-mountain guide who is an expert in the discipline.
- Accommodation: 3 nights in a dormitory in mountain refuges (Alpetto, Vallanta, Quintino Sella)
- All meals, from dinner on day 1 to the picnic on day 4
- Group mountaineering equipment: ropes, progression and belaying equipment
- Rental of personal mountaineering equipment: harness and helmet
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Day 1's picnic
- Drinks and personal consumption in the mountain huts
- Anything not listed under "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
- Group mountaineering equipment: ropes, progression and belaying equipment
- Personal mountaineering equipment: harness and helmet
Equipment to bring
- 40L backpack (for backpacking)
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Charged headlamp
- Lightweight water bottle, hydration pack or 2L water bottle
- Thermos (1 L)
- Sleeping bag liner (sleeping bag)
- Microfiber towel
- Toiletry bag
- Small personal pharmacy
- Compeed or blister plasters
- SPF 50 sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Earplugs
- Phone, charger and external battery
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit…)
- A picnic for day 1
- Passport or identity card
- Bank card and cash (the network is often too weak in shelters to pay by card)
- Alpine Club card (if a member)
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- Book / notebook and pen
Clothing to bring
- Hiking pants
- Trousers for summer high mountaineering
- Waterproof jacket with Gore-tex type hood
- Fleece (bring several layers)
- Down jacket
- Technical and warm underwear (merino wool)
- Running tights or long underwear
- Technical socks
- Warm socks (merino)
- Cap
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses (category 4)
- Good high-top hiking boots or approach shoes (no glacier: mountaineering boots not necessary)
- Comfortable sneakers (for the approach and breaks)
- Comfortable clothes for the evening
