Activities

Gran Paradiso Ski Touring – 4,061 m

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Level: 2

Season: Spring

Duration: 2 days

Participants: Max 4

My goal

Two days of ski touring in Gran Paradiso National Park, with an overnight stay in a mountain hut, a glacier ascent to 4,061 metres and a long ski descent.

We’ll climb Gran Paradiso on skis, following one of the classic ski touring routes in the Alps. Over two days, we’ll move from the forests of Valsavarenche to high-altitude glaciers, aiming for the 4,061-metre summit.

On the first day, we’ll reach the mountain hut and spend the night there. Early the following morning, we’ll set off towards the summit. During the ascent, we’ll alternate between skinning and mountaineering sections that require crampons and rope.

The descent will be an important part of the experience. We’ll have over 2,000 metres of vertical descent ahead of us, crossing different landscapes and snow conditions as we lose altitude.

This itinerary is designed for ski tourers with previous experience and good physical fitness. It’s an opportunity to climb your first 4,000-metre peak on skis or add another summit to your mountaineering experience.

Where you’ll go

We’ll start from Valsavarenche, in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park.

Depending on snow conditions and hut availability, we’ll choose one of two classic routes:

Via Rifugio Federico Chabod (2,710 m): we’ll start from Pravieux and climb through the larch forest to the hut. The following morning, we’ll cross the Laveciau Glacier and continue towards the summit.
Via Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2,735 m): we’ll start from Pont and climb the slopes above Valsavarenche to reach the hut. From here, we’ll follow the route across the Gran Paradiso Glacier.

Both routes lead to the upper slopes of the mountain. Before the final section, we’ll leave our skis and put on crampons. We’ll then continue across exposed rocky passages towards the summit.

After the climb, we’ll return to our skis for the long descent into the valley. We’ll choose the most suitable route according to snow conditions.

What it requires

Gran Paradiso ski touring requires previous experience with climbing skins and good fitness for long ascents at altitude.

On the second day, we’ll climb approximately 1,350 metres, followed by a descent of over 2,000 metres. You’ll therefore need to maintain a steady pace for several hours while keeping enough energy for the return.

In terms of technical ability, you should be able to:

Use climbing skins confidently and perform kick turns on steep slopes.
Ski safely on ungroomed snow, including hard, crusted or uneven surfaces.
Manage your skis and equipment independently.
Use crampons and rope, or have some familiarity with basic mountaineering techniques.
Move carefully across the exposed sections near the summit.

You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer. However, you should have solid off-piste skiing skills and feel comfortable in a high-altitude mountain environment.

How you’ll be guided

We’ll climb with an IFMGA Mountain Guide, with a maximum of four participants.

Before departure, we’ll discuss your previous experience. This will help us assess whether the itinerary suits your abilities and physical preparation.

During the ascent, your guide will manage the pace and organise safe glacier travel. They will also help you use mountaineering equipment and move through the technical sections leading to the summit.

Our choice of hut, ascent route and descent will depend on mountain conditions. This flexibility allows us to adapt the itinerary, look for the best available snow and maintain appropriate safety margins.

Price

1 participant €1,200.00 per person
2 participants €610.00 per person
3 participants €430.00 per person
4 participants €350.00 per person

What’s included

IFMGA Mountain Guide fees for two days.
One night in a mountain hut with half-board accommodation.
Avalanche safety equipment: transceiver, shovel and probe.
Technical equipment required for the itinerary, when requested by the guide.

What’s not included

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

Program

Day 1 – Ascent to Rifugio Chabod or Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II

We’ll meet our IFMGA Mountain Guide in Valsavarenche, at the meeting point agreed according to our chosen hut. After checking the equipment and discussing the route, we’ll begin the ascent at a steady pace. This will help us save energy for the following day.

There are two possible itineraries:

Rifugio Federico Chabod (2,710 m): we’ll start from Pravieux and climb through the larch forest. We’ll then continue across the open slopes beneath Gran Paradiso until we reach the hut.
Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2,735 m): we’ll start from Pont and climb the slopes leading to the basin where the hut stands.

Depending on snow coverage, we may need to walk some sections with our skis attached to our backpacks.

Once we arrive, we’ll settle into the hut and have time to rest. Before dinner, your guide will explain the summit route and check our equipment. We’ll also agree on the departure time according to the expected conditions.

Elevation gain: approximately 900 m via Chabod or 800 m via Vittorio Emanuele II.

Walking and skinning time: approximately 3–4 hours.

Day 2 – Gran Paradiso summit (4,061 m) and descent to the valley

After breakfast, we’ll set off early at the time agreed with our guide. We’ll maintain a steady pace, adjusting our progress to the altitude and snow conditions.

The route will depend on our chosen hut:

From Rifugio Chabod: we’ll ascend the Laveciau Glacier towards the upper slopes of Gran Paradiso.
From Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II: we’ll follow the route across the Gran Paradiso Glacier, continuing towards the summit area.

During the ascent, our guide will select the most suitable route and decide when to use ropes and crampons.

At the ski depot, we’ll leave our skis and continue on foot towards the summit. The final section includes exposed rocky passages that require careful, controlled movement.

If conditions allow, we’ll reach the summit at 4,061 metres. After a short break, we’ll return to the ski depot, following our guide’s instructions.

We’ll then begin the long descent, choosing the most suitable route for the snow conditions. We’ll pass the hut again before continuing towards Pravieux or Pont.

Where snow coverage is no longer continuous, we’ll complete the descent on foot, carrying our skis on our backpacks.

Elevation gain: approximately 1,350 m from Chabod or 1,330 m from Vittorio Emanuele II.

Elevation loss: approximately 2,230 m to Pravieux or 2,100 m to Pont.

Total duration: approximately 6–8 hours, depending on conditions and pace.

Equipment required

For the Gran Paradiso ski touring ascent, you’ll need:

Ski touring skis and boots, with climbing skins and ski crampons
Telescopic ski poles
Certified ski helmet
Backpack of approximately 30 litres, suitable for carrying skis
Layered technical clothing suitable for high-altitude conditions
Warm gloves, sunglasses and ski goggles
High-protection sunscreen
Thermos and energy snacks for the day

Technical equipment provided by us: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, harness and crampons

After booking, we’ll send you a complete and detailed equipment list, including advice on clothing, technical gear and accessories to bring. This will help you prepare your backpack according to the itinerary and the expected mountain conditions.

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** – Can I ski tour Gran Paradiso if it’s my first 4,000-metre peak?

Yes, Gran Paradiso can be a good choice for your first 4,000-metre summit on skis. However, you need previous ski touring experience and good physical fitness. You don’t need to have climbed other 4,000-metre peaks, but you should be comfortable with long ascents using climbing skins and confident skiing on ungroomed snow. Before departure, we’ll discuss your experience and preparation.

**FAQ #2** – How physically demanding is the Gran Paradiso ski touring ascent?

The ascent requires good fitness and the ability to maintain a steady pace for several hours. On the first day, we’ll climb approximately 800–900 metres to the mountain hut. The following day involves around 1,350 metres of ascent and over 2,000 metres of descent. In addition, the altitude above 4,000 metres makes the physical effort more demanding.

**FAQ #3** – Do I need experience using crampons and ropes?

Some familiarity with basic mountaineering techniques is helpful, but you don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer. During the ascent, we’ll cross a glacier and negotiate exposed rocky passages near the summit. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide will organise the rope team and help you through the technical sections. However, you should feel comfortable on steep and exposed terrain.

**FAQ #4** – Do I need to be an experienced off-piste skier?

Yes. The descent takes place entirely away from groomed pistes and may involve very different snow conditions. We could encounter soft, hard, crusted or spring snow. You should therefore be able to ski with control on challenging terrain and variable snow. The length of the descent also requires good physical endurance.

**FAQ #5** – Will we stay at Rifugio Chabod or Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II?

Both mountain huts provide access to classic ski touring routes leading to the summit of Gran Paradiso. We’ll choose the most suitable option according to snow conditions, the time of year and hut availability. Staying overnight allows us to spread the ascent over two days and start early the following morning.

**FAQ #6** – What happens if conditions prevent us from reaching the summit?

In high-altitude mountaineering, safety always comes before reaching the summit. Before departure, we’ll assess the weather forecast, avalanche risk and glacier conditions. During the ascent, your guide will continue monitoring the situation. If necessary, we may change the route, choose an alternative objective or return early.

**FAQ #7** – Can I book the Gran Paradiso ski touring ascent alone or with a small group?

Yes. This is a private programme, available for individuals or groups of up to four people. We can therefore organise the ascent around your experience and the abilities of the participants. You also won’t need to wait for a group to form before arranging your preferred date.

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Gran Paradiso Ski Touring – 4,061 m

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Categories: Activities, Ski Mountaineering Monte Rosa, Ski touring

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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Gran Paradiso Ski Touring – 4,061 m