• First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
  • First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
Aosta Valley / Alps

First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut

Réf : EEPFBW

In summary

  • Sports
    Mountaineering
  • Duration
    3 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    Levels

    Mountaineering
    Beginner
    Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
    Intermediate
    For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
    Confirmed
    For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
    Advanced
    For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
    Expert
    For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
  • Destination
    Aosta Valley / Alps
  • Age
    From 18 - 80 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    12.83 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French
    🇬🇧
    English

In a few words

Record your first high-altitude tracks on this introductory trip to the heart of the Ruitor massif in the Italian Alps . Starting from the hamlet of La Joux, this three-day immersion offers a true high-mountain school, ideal for acquiring alpine autonomy .

Accompanied by a high-mountain guide , you will learn the fundamental techniques of progression on snow and ice, as well as rope handling and rope techniques . The itinerary is structured around two authentic overnight stays: a first stage in a cozy mountain refuge, followed by a memorable night bivouacking at an altitude of 3,357 meters .

Depending on the weather and the team's fitness, the highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the ascent of Testa del Rutor , reaching an altitude of 3,486 meters . An intense experience combining personal challenge , spectacular panoramic views of the Alpine giants, and the discovery of glaciers. A condensed adventure to help you achieve your summit ambitions.

The highlights

  • A night in a cabin perched at 3357m facing the Alpine peaks
  • A first immersion on a glacier, roped up with a guide
  • The ascent of Testa del Rutor to conclude the expedition
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Photos

Sport

Level

Mountaineering

Intermediate

Levels

Mountaineering
Beginner
Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
Intermediate
For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
Confirmed
For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
Advanced
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
Expert
For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.

The expert's opinion

You already have some experience hiking in the mountains and want to take it to the next level by discovering mountaineering under the guidance of a guide.


The level is suitable if:

  1. You practice an endurance sport at least 2 to 3 times a week;
  2. You can string together 7 to 9 hours of effort with 800 to 1,200 m of positive elevation gain;
  3. You are comfortable with a bag weighing 5 to 8 kg;
  4. You can easily navigate mountain terrain (rocks, snow, glacier) and exposed passages;
  5. You can withstand the effort at altitude (up to 4,000 m).

In figures

Mountaineering

  • Average distance/day: 9 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 734 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 3 to 5 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
August

Hi, my name is August, and I've been a guide in the Norwegian Far North for over eight years. Skiing by the sea, under the Northern Lights, or simply enjoying nature—that's what truly inspires me. Guiding is first and foremost about sharing my passion and helping you discover places I hold dear, all within a safe environment. Experiencing exceptional moments in the heart of nature is my purpose, and that's what I promise you when I accompany you.


⚠️ For this expedition, August may be replaced by another equally experienced guide, depending on availability. All our guides speak English, and many also speak French, to guarantee you an equally enriching experience.

On this expedition, you will be accompanied by a UIAGM guide who is an expert in his field.

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
  • map

    Day 1

    • Activity Mountaineering
    • Distance 6 km
    • Positive elevation gain 1000 m
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    Meet at 10:00 AM in La Joux, in the Aosta Valley, where we will meet the guide and collect the technical equipment necessary for the expedition (optional). Mountaineering boots are not included.


    We then begin our ascent through a wide valley to the small Italian refuge located on the shores of Lac d'En Bas. From the refuge, we can already see the Ruitor Glacier and the Testa del Rutor, our objective for the third day. The route also offers beautiful views of the La Thuile valley and, on a clear day, of Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses, and the Grand Combin.


    Night in a dormitory and group meal at the refuge, with time for discussion and preparation for the following day.

    Day 1

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
La Joux (La Thuile), Vallée d'Aoste, Italie
Day 1 : 10h00
End of stay
La Joux (La Thuile), Vallée d'Aoste, Italie
Day 3 - 16h00

The starting and ending location of the stay is the same.

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toAosteOrPré-Saint-Didier

From the train station to the meeting point:

  1. By bus (Arriva Italia company - Aosta - Courmayeur - La Thuile line): Regular buses connect the Aosta bus station (or the Pré-Saint-Didier train station) to the center of La Thuile. During the peak summer season, local shuttles connect the center of La Thuile to the La Joux terminus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Aosta (ticket between €3.50 and €5.00 ).
  2. By taxi / private hire vehicle: Allow approximately 45 minutes journey time from Aosta (estimated fare between €80 and €110 ) or 20 minutes from Pré-Saint-Didier (estimated fare between €35 and €50 ).
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby
  1. La Joux Parking (Free): A large open-air parking lot is located at the end of the paved road, right at the foot of the hamlet and the start of the waterfall trails. It is completely free and open to all.
  2. Parking at the Villaret hamlet (Free): If the main parking lot is full on busy summer days, free outdoor spaces are available along the road below towards Villaret (about a 15-20 minute walk).
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Price details

The price includes

  1. The trip will be supervised by a qualified high-mountain guide.
  2. Accommodation: one night in a staffed mountain refuge and one night in an unstaffed cabin
  3. All meals from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 3

The price does not include

  1. Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
  2. Day 1 picnic
  3. Mountaineering equipment: harness, ice axe, helmet and crampons
  4. Mountaineering boots (we recommend trying them on beforehand)
  5. Anything not listed under "Price includes"

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Overnight stay in a double room before departure : CHF85.50 / person
  2. Extend your stay by one night in a double room : CHF85.50 / reservation
  3. Mountaineering kit rental : CHF95.00 / person
  4. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
The Marie team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Marie team

4.4/5 (24 reviews) • 145 stays
Specializing in wilderness immersion, our local partner is a leading agency offering over 100 guided adventure trips throughout Europe. The agency distinguishes itself with a rich and varied offering, designed to place nature at the heart of the travel experience. Whether it's mountain expeditions, treks through primeval forests, or explorations of pristine coastlines, the agency leverages its logistical expertise to create authentic and safe itineraries.
Discover their team and their trips
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