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Introduction to Mountaineering – 3 Days on Monte Rosa

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Level: 1

Season: Summer

Duration: 3 days

Participants: Max 5

My goal

Learn the essential skills of glacier mountaineering over three days, with practical training and the opportunity to climb a 4,000-metre peak.

Would you like to start mountaineering but don’t know where to begin? This three-day course on Monte Rosa will introduce you to the techniques and skills you need to move on glaciers and prepare for your first alpine summits.

We will combine practical training with a high-altitude mountain experience. You will learn to use crampons, move in a rope team and understand the basic techniques of glacier travel.

Rather than learning everything in a single day, we will have time to practise, build confidence and put your new skills into practice.

Our goal is to prepare you for future mountaineering experiences. If your progress and mountain conditions allow, we will complete the course with an ascent to Capanna Margherita (4,554 m) or another 4,000-metre summit.

Where you’ll go

We will start from Alagna or Gressoney and take the Monterosa Ski lifts towards Punta Indren (3,275 m).

From there, we will reach Rifugio Città di Mantova (3,498 m), our base for the course.

The surrounding glaciers provide an ideal setting for learning mountaineering techniques. We will practise walking with crampons, moving in a rope team, tying knots and understanding crevasse rescue techniques.

On the final day, we will aim to climb Capanna Margherita on Punta Gnifetti (4,554 m) or another suitable 4,000-metre peak. Our choice will depend on your progress, the weather and glacier conditions.

What it takes

You don’t need previous mountaineering experience to join this course. However, you should have good physical fitness and feel comfortable hiking for several hours in mountain terrain.

You will spend three days at altitude, including practical exercises on snow and ice.

You should be ready to learn new techniques, follow your guide’s instructions and maintain a steady pace during the activities.

The final ascent requires greater physical effort and takes place above 4,000 metres. We will assess your preparation and progress throughout the course before choosing the most suitable objective.

How you’ll be guided

An IFMGA Mountain Guide will accompany us throughout the three days, introducing each technique step by step.

We will begin with equipment checks and basic mountaineering skills. You will then practise using crampons, managing the rope and moving on glaciated terrain.

Our guide will explain each exercise, demonstrate the techniques and help you improve through practical experience.

We will adapt the training to your learning pace and abilities. As your confidence grows, we will gradually introduce more demanding terrain.

Throughout the course, the guide will assess the weather, glacier conditions and your progress.

On the final day, we will choose an appropriate summit objective together, putting your new skills into practice in a real high-altitude environment.

Price

2 participants: €1,150.00 per person
3 participants: €850.00 per person
4 participants: €720.00 per person
5 participants: €640.00 per person

Are you alone and want to join a group? Click here.

What’s included

IFMGA Mountain Guide fees for 3 days.
Half board at Rifugio Città di Mantova.
Return lift pass to Punta Indren.
Technical equipment: crampons and climbing harness.

What’s not included

Accident insurance, meals not specified, anything not listed under “What’s included”.

Program

Programme

Day 1 – Arrival on Monte Rosa and introduction to mountaineering

We will meet at Passo dei Salati, check your equipment and discuss the three-day programme with your IFMGA Mountain Guide.

We will take the lift to Punta Indren (3,275 m) and continue on foot towards Rifugio Città di Mantova (3,498 m).

After reaching the hut, we will begin our introduction to mountaineering equipment and basic techniques.

You will learn how to wear and adjust your climbing harness and crampons. We will also introduce the essential rope techniques and explain how to use your equipment correctly.

Our first day will help you become familiar with the high-altitude environment and prepare for the practical exercises ahead.

We will return to the hut for dinner and our first overnight stay.

Day 2 – Glacier training and mountaineering techniques

After breakfast, we will head onto the glacier for a full day of practical training.

We will begin with crampon techniques, practising how to walk efficiently on snow and ice. You will learn to maintain your balance and adapt your movements to different slopes.

We will then focus on rope work and glacier travel. Your guide will introduce the essential knots, rope-team techniques and basic principles of moving across glaciated terrain.

During the day, we will practise:

Walking uphill and downhill with crampons.
Using the ice axe for balance and support.
Tying essential mountaineering knots.
Moving in a rope team.
Understanding glacier hazards and crevasse rescue techniques.

We will work through each exercise step by step, allowing time to practise and ask questions.

By the end of the day, you will have a clearer understanding of the skills needed for glacier mountaineering.

We will return to Rifugio Mantova for dinner and our second overnight stay.

Day 3 – Your first 4,000-metre summit

Today, we will put your new mountaineering skills into practice on a high-altitude ascent.

After an early breakfast, we will leave the hut and begin climbing towards our chosen summit.

Our main objective is Capanna Margherita (4,554 m), on Punta Gnifetti. Depending on your progress and mountain conditions, we may choose another suitable 4,000-metre peak.

During the ascent, you will apply the techniques we have practised over the previous two days. We will focus on crampon use, rope-team movement, maintaining a steady pace and managing your energy at altitude.

Your guide will monitor the group’s progress and adapt the route according to the conditions and your abilities.

After the climb, we will descend towards Punta Indren and take the lifts back to the valley.

We will finish the course with a review of your progress and practical advice for your next mountaineering experiences.

Equipment required

For your three-day mountaineering course on Monte Rosa, you will need:

Mountaineering clothing suitable for high altitude and changing weather conditions
Mountaineering boots compatible with crampons
30–35 litre backpack
Headlamp
Sleeping bag liner for the mountain hut

We provide crampons and a climbing harness. If you already have your own equipment, we recommend bringing it so you can learn to use it correctly during the course.

After booking, we will send you a complete equipment checklist, with practical advice on clothing, technical gear and what to pack for your three days on Monte Rosa.

Please, pay attention here

Mountaineering, ski touring, off-piste skiing and trekking take place in a natural, uncontrolled environment.
Weather conditions, snow, ice, terrain, visibility, altitude and physical fatigue can change rapidly and directly affect the course of the activity. For this reason, there is always an inherent level of objective risk, which cannot be eliminated but only managed.

All our activities are led by IFMGA Mountain Guides and Certified Hiking Guides (AMM).
The guide continuously assesses environmental conditions and the physical and mental state of participants, sets an appropriate pace, manages progression and ensures the correct use of equipment. If conditions require it, the guide may modify the itinerary or interrupt the activity, always in the interest of individual and group safety.

Participants are required to be in good physical and mental condition, adequately prepared for the level of the activity, and to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Group activities

During group outings, the pace is set according to the slowest participant. In case of fatigue or discomfort, the guide may decide to adjust the programme or return early. In the mountains, the group ascends and returns together.

Learn more here

F.A.Q.

**FAQ #1** – Do I need previous mountaineering experience?

No, this course is designed for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering. You don’t need previous experience with crampons or glacier travel.

We will introduce each technique step by step, allowing you to practise under the supervision of an IFMGA Mountain Guide.

You should, however, have good hiking experience and be comfortable spending several hours in mountain terrain.

**FAQ #2** – How fit do I need to be?

You need good physical fitness and the ability to walk uphill for several hours.

Although this is an introductory course, we will spend three days in a high-altitude environment. The final ascent may take us above 4,000 metres.

Regular hiking and cardiovascular training will help you prepare. Previous experience at altitude is useful, although not essential for the training activities.

**FAQ #3** – Will I learn how to travel safely on glaciers?

Yes. Glacier travel is one of the main subjects of the course.

We will practise walking with crampons, using an ice axe, tying essential knots and moving in a rope team.

Your guide will also introduce glacier hazards and basic crevasse rescue techniques.

The course provides a practical foundation for future mountaineering experiences. It does not, however, replace the further training and experience needed for independent glacier travel.

**FAQ #4** – Will we climb Capanna Margherita on the final day?

Capanna Margherita (4,554 m) is our main objective for the final day.

However, the ascent depends on weather, glacier conditions, your physical preparation and your progress during the course.

If another 4,000-metre peak is more suitable, we can adapt the itinerary.

Our priority is to give you a valuable mountaineering experience while applying the techniques you have learned.

**FAQ #5** – Where will we stay during the course?

We will spend two nights at Rifugio Città di Mantova (3,498 m), on Monte Rosa.

The hut provides accommodation and half board, including dinner and breakfast.

Staying at altitude allows us to dedicate more time to practical training without returning to the valley each evening.

**FAQ #6** – Do I need to bring my own mountaineering equipment?

We provide crampons and a climbing harness.

You will need suitable mountaineering boots, technical clothing, a backpack and personal equipment for three days at altitude.

If you already own crampons or a harness, we recommend bringing them so you can learn to use your own equipment.

After booking, we will send you a detailed checklist to help you prepare.

**FAQ #7** – Can the course be adapted to my experience and learning pace?

Yes. This is a private course, so we can adapt the training to your experience, abilities and progress.

If you are completely new to mountaineering, we will spend more time on the fundamentals.

If you already have some experience, we can focus on improving your techniques and introducing more demanding exercises.

Our guide will assess your progress throughout the course and help you identify the next steps in your mountaineering development.

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Introduction to Mountaineering – 3 Days on Monte Rosa

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Categories: SUMMER, Activities, Mountaineering, Capanna Margherita Tags: Beginners, first steps

Insurance

Before departure, check that your insurance policy specifically covers mountaineering, glacier travel, altitude, trip cancellation, repatriation, and personal liability. For more information, read our complete guide to mountain insurance.

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Introduction to Mountaineering – 3 Days on Monte Rosa