In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMonte Rosa Massif - France / Italy
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AgeFrom 18 - 68 years
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CO₂-Emissions5.99 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a conquest of Monte Rosa , the second highest massif in the Alps, amidst a spectacular backdrop of shimmering glaciers and peaks soaring over 4,000 meters . This guided mountaineering course is designed for those with some prior experience who wish to take their skills to the next level on challenging yet accessible glacial routes. From the very first day, a gradual ascent allows for optimal acclimatization , ensuring a confident approach to the main objective the following day: Punta Gnifetti (4,554 m) , one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Alps. The climb is roped up, traversing spectacular glacial ridges , offering a complete immersion in the world of high altitude . An ideal route to hone your technical skills while enjoying an unforgettable alpine experience .
The highlights
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Two 4000m peaks in two days
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Technically accessible and progressive ascents
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View of the most beautiful 4000-meter peaks of the Alps
Photos
Damien - verified review - august 2025
Damien - verified review - august 2025
Jean-louis - verified review - july 2025
Anne Flore - verified review - july 2025
Anne Flore - verified review - july 2025
Anne Flore - verified review - july 2025
Anne Flore - verified review - july 2025
Anne Flore - verified review - july 2025
Sylvie - verified review - july 2025
Sylvie - verified review - july 2025
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 910 m
- Average daily descent: 915 m
- Maximum altitude: 4554 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
Experienced mountain guides Danilo and his team accompany you on all types of terrain: mountaineering, multi-pitch climbs, ski touring, and high-altitude treks. Passionate and meticulous, they prioritize safety, progress, and enjoyment on every outing. With them, each climb becomes a shared and authentic adventure in the heart of the most beautiful mountains in the Alps.
Program
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Gressoney - Ascent of the Vincent Pyramid 4215m - Refuge Città di Mantova 3498m
- Transportation 01h - 1km
- Activity Mountaineering
- Positive elevation gain 770 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 4046 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet the guide in the morning directly in Staffal, the last hamlet at the foot of Monte Rosa, opposite the departure point of the Punta Indren cable car.
After a quick equipment check, you'll take the first cable car departing at 7:30 am to ascend to 3,275 meters. Once there, you'll begin your climb up the Indren Glacier, which will lead you to the summit of the Vincent Pyramid. The ascent of the Vincent Pyramid follows an easy route, particularly suitable for beginners who want to discover the world of mountaineering ! Once at the summit, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the 4,000-meter peaks of Monte Rosa surrounding you. Depending on the group's fitness and abilities, the guide will choose the descent route back to the Citta di Mantova refuge: either via the same path you ascended, or along a rocky ridge that leads directly to the refuge.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Città di Mantova refuge.
Day 1 -
Refuge Città di Mantova 3498m - Ascent of Punta Gnifetti 4554 m - Punta Indren 3275m
- Transportation 00h30 - 1km
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Negative elevation 1280 m
- Maximum altitude 4554 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure early in the morning, at sunrise.
At the beginning, you will take the same path you took the day before, to the foot of the Vincent Pyramid, then continue to the Col du Lys at 4248 meters altitude . You will take a short break to contemplate the magnificent peaks of the Pointe Zumstein (4561 m), the Pointe Dufour (4633 m – the highest peak of Monte Rosa) and the vertiginous north face of the Lyskamm : you are in the heart of a majestic glacial atmosphere!
You'll reach the summit of Punta Gnifetti in 4-5 hours of hiking. At the top, perched at 4,554 meters, you'll be welcomed inside the highest mountain hut in Europe, the Margherita Hut : a delicious slice of pizza will recharge your batteries for the descent. After regaining your energy and admiring the panoramic views of the most beautiful peaks of Monte Rosa, you'll descend along the same path you came up to back to the hut. A delicious plate of spaghetti will be waiting for you upon your return!
After resting for a moment, one last little effort to descend to Pointe Indren and reach the cable car which will take you back to Staffal.
Day 2
Note
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as an ice climbing school day or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
- From Bourg Saint Maurice : you'll need to rent a car to reach the Aosta Valley via the Little St. Bernard Pass (2-hour drive). It's a slightly longer journey, but you can save on the toll at the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Important : upon exiting the Mont Blanc Tunnel, do not take the motorway towards Aosta, but stay on the regular road (blue signs) towards Courmayeur. This will save you an extra 20 minutes and €20 in motorway tolls!
- From Martigny : it is advisable to rent a car and reach the city centre of Aosta via the Great St Bernard tunnel (bus connections from Martigny to the Aosta Valley exist, but if you want to be free to move around we advise you to rent a car).
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a UIAGM High Mountain Guide
- Half-board at the refuge (dinner and breakfast)
- Dormitory accommodation at the refuge
- The Staffal to Punta Indren cable car ticket
- Individual equipment: harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, lanyards, carabiners)
The price does not include
- Mountaineering boots
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Lunch meals, so you can eat as you wish at altitude
- Your personal insurance
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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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 equipment for group activities (ropes, carabiners, etc...)
- Individual equipment (harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe)
- Duvets in a mountain refuge
Equipment to bring
- High-quality Gore-Tex mountaineering boots compatible with crampons (available for hire in Chamonix, Aosta or Bourg Saint Maurice)
- 40L backpack
- Walking sticks
- Sleeping bag liners for nights in mountain huts
Clothing to bring
First layer against the skin: underwear
- Thermal and breathable T-shirt (merino wool recommended)
- Thermal and breathable tights (merino wool recommended)
- Warm socks
Second layer:
- Warm and breathable technical fleece
- Windproof and waterproof mountaineering trousers
Third layer:
- Thin but warm down or fleece
Final layer:
- High-quality Gore-Tex jacket or similar, waterproof and windproof
Don't forget:
- Warm winter hat
- Neck warmer
- Warm ski gloves
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle and thermos
- Sunglasses
- Mobile phone
