First experience in mountaineering and overnight stay in an unguarded mountain hut
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAosta Valley / French Alps
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions12.83 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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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
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A night in a cabin perched at 3357m facing the Alpine peaks
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A first immersion on a glacier, roped up with a guide
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The ascent of Testa del Rutor to conclude the expedition
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
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:
- 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 1,200 m of positive elevation gain;
- You are comfortable with a bag weighing 5 to 8 kg;
- You can easily navigate mountain terrain (rocks, snow, glacier) and exposed passages;
- 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
French
English
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
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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 -
Day 2
- Activity Mountaineering
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation Cabin
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After an early breakfast, we prepare our food and equipment before continuing our trek towards the upper part of the mountain range. The ascent begins on a trail before continuing across the moraine until we reach the Ruitor Glacier. Once on the ice, we put on our crampons and harnesses, then proceed roped up on snow and ice.
The guide accompanies us in discovering essential techniques: using crampons, roping up, and observing crevasses. The progression is at a pace adapted to the group, with regular technical breaks.
We then reach a mountain pass where our accommodation for the night is located: a small Italian bivouac with six places, perched at 3357 m, with a view of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. We set up camp, prepare dinner on our camping stove, and have a briefing before spending the night at altitude.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Mountaineering
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The day begins before sunrise, with breakfast at the bivouac at 3357 m. If conditions, the group's fitness and level allow, we set off for the ascent of Testa del Rutor, located at 3486 m, approximately 150 m above our accommodation.
A short climb along the ridge leads us to the summit, where we work on route reading and managing effort at altitude.
We then begin our descent into the valley and cross a stream via a rope bridge, under the guide's supervision. The final section of the route takes us back to La Joux via paths and scree slopes, with approximately 1850 meters of descent. Our arrival marks the end of the expedition and provides an opportunity for a final debriefing on the lessons learned over the three days.
Day 3
Accommodation
The night will be spent at the Albert Deffeyes refuge in a shared mixed dormitory. Blankets and a pillow will be provided. You only need to bring your own sleeping bag liner.
You will spend one night in an unguarded cabin, in bunk beds. Blankets and pillows are provided on site; you only need to bring your own sleeping bag liner.
Access
The starting and ending location of the stay is the same.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to the meeting point:
- 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 ).
- 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 ).
- 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.
- 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).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified high-mountain guide.
- Accommodation: one night in a staffed mountain refuge and one night in an unstaffed cabin
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 3
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Day 1 picnic
- Mountaineering equipment: harness, ice axe, helmet and crampons
- Mountaineering boots (we recommend trying them on beforehand)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Overnight stay in a double room before departure : CHF82.33 / person
- Extend your stay by one night in a double room : CHF82.33 / reservation
- 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.
