Ski ascent of Gran Paradiso in 3 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationGrand Paradis / Aosta Valley
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions17.93 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
In three days , this trip takes you from the forests of Valsavarenche to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) , the highest peak entirely within Italy. From Pont (1,960 m), you'll reach the Victor Emmanuel II refuge , the ideal starting point for an immersion in the high mountains. There, you'll learn the basics of glacier travel : crampon and ice axe handling, and rope techniques. On the second day, the ascent begins at the Tresenta East Pass , before reaching the slopes of the Gran Paradiso glacier. On the final day, a pre-dawn departure allows you to cross the glacier and reach the famous summit statue , perched high above the Alps. The ski descent then offers an exceptional 2,000-meter vertical drop , between high altitude and larch forests. Accessible to experienced skiers, this route is for those who wish to experience their first 4000-meter peak on skis , in a wild and pristine environment, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park . A unique experience , combining learning, commitment, and the pleasure of skiing in the high mountains .
The highlights
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Ascent of Gran Paradiso on skis, an iconic 4061m peak
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2000m descent between high mountains and larch forests
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Two nights at the Victor Emmanuel II refuge, the historic base camp of Gran Paradiso
Photos
Sport
Level
Ski touring
The expert's opinion
- You are comfortable with days of 6 to 8 hours of effort, with up to 1300m of positive elevation gain on glacial terrain, mixing skiing and walking in crampons.
- You practice an endurance sport (running, cycling, swimming) on a weekly basis.
- Experience in ski touring is required with a minimum of 1 outing per season in recent years.
- You are proficient in conversions and comfortable on wide slopes with short narrow passages (slopes up to 35°).
- You are able to carry your equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness...) and actively participate in safety and glacier progression workshops.
In figures
Ski touring
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 1000 m
- Average daily descent: 1134 m
- Maximum altitude: 4061 m
Management
French
English
My name is Patrick, I'm a high-mountain guide and a native of the Piedmont region. I became a high-mountain guide in 2018 and since then, I've never left the peaks! As a mountain rescue instructor, I love sharing my experience and knowledge. Whether it's on Monte Rosa, in my native Piedmont, or in the Aosta Valley, the Italian Alps are my playground and my home.
Program
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Ascent to the refuge and preparation
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at Pont (Valsavarenche, 1,960 m) at 11:00 AM. After introductions and a equipment check, we will set off on the path leading to the Victor Emmanuel II refuge. The route is gradual: first through the forest, then across alpine pastures already offering a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks.
Upon arrival at the refuge, we will take the time to settle in and have lunch. The afternoon will be devoted to a safety and technical workshop: you will review the basics of climbing techniques (kick turns, reading the terrain) and you will be able to test your equipment (crampons, ice axes, climbing skins).
The day will end with dinner at the refuge and a briefing for the next day, before the first night at altitude.
Day 1 -
Ascent of the Tresenta pass and learning the techniques
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at the refuge, we will set off around 7:30 am for a gentle climb, which will then become steeper towards the eastern pass of Tresenta. The final few meters, depending on conditions, may be covered on foot or with crampons.
From the pass, the panorama is breathtaking: you can admire Gran Paradiso, Ciarforon, and Grivola. We will then return to the refuge for a late lunch.
In the afternoon, there are two options: participate in a glacier workshop (roping up, progression in glacial terrain) or take a rest to recover.
Dinner and second night at the refuge.
Day 2 -
Ascent of Gran Paradiso on skis
- Activity Ski touring
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Negative elevation 2600 m
- Maximum altitude 4061 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We will set off at dawn (4 a.m.) to climb the summit via the classic route across the Gran Paradiso glacier. The last 100 meters will be on foot with crampons, and a short exposed section will lead to the statue of the Virgin Mary, an iconic landmark of the summit.
After enjoying the view, we will ski back down to the refuge for a short tea break, then continue to Pont.
The expedition will end at 4pm in Pont.
Day 3
Accommodation
You will sleep in dormitories in single beds with blankets and pillows.
Access
We'll meet at 11am in Pont.
Go to the starting point
It is possible to travel by train to Geneva station and then take a bus to Aosta.
- Departure station > Geneva station
- Geneva station > Aosta Autostazione stop (3h)
From there, it will be necessary to take a taxi to make the connection Aosta > Pont.
You can leave your car in the free parking lot at the meeting point. If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure: an opportunity to get to know each other even before your expedition begins!
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision: Throughout your stay, you will be supervised by a qualified high mountain guide who is a native of the region.
- Accommodation: Every night you will sleep in a comfortable Italian mountain refuge, where a good atmosphere and conviviality prevail.
- Meals: All meals are included, from the first evening meal to the last picnic. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine after your days of exertion.
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point.
- Technical equipment: Touring skis, touring ski boots, skins, poles, knives, lightweight ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness and avalanche transceiver safety equipment.
- Your potential personal expenses (drinks, snacks, etc.).
- First day picnic.
Options
- Extra night before stay : CHF100.63 / unit
- Mountaineering Kit Rental : CHF91.48 / person
- Additional night at the end of stay : CHF100.63 / unit
- 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 to bring
- Technical equipment: touring skis, touring ski boots, climbing skins, poles, ski crampons, lightweight ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness and avalanche transceiver (available for hire upon request)
- Backpack (30L) (star)
- Touring skis and bindings (rental available)
- Water bottle (min 1.5L)
- Ski touring boots (rental available)
- Safety pack: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe (rental available)
- Telescopic ski poles (rental available)
- Insulated water bottle (optional)
- Charged headlamp
- Lightweight crampons and ice axes (rental available)
- Ski helmet / ski touring helmet
- ABS backpack (if you have one)
- Pair of ski crampons (rental available)
- Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner/down sleeping bag
- Small personal pharmacy (ampoule kit, headache/nausea medication)
- Insurance card
- Energy snacks (bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Multitool / Swiss Army Knife
- Compeed or blister plasters
- Adhesive tape (repairs)
- Microfiber towel
- Earplugs
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs)
Clothing to bring
- Comfortable evening clothes + slippers
- Change of clothes
- Running tights or long underwear
- Long-sleeved T-shirt(s) of “microfibre”/merino type
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buf
- Warm socks (wool)
- Hat or cap
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Ski touring pants (hardshell or goretex)
- Down jacket
- Sunglasses (cat. 4)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Beanie (without pom-pom)
- Ski mask
- Lightweight gloves
- Technical and warm underwear (Merino wool)
