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Activities

The Monviso

Monte Rosa Booking > Products > The Monviso
Level: 3
Season: Summer
Duration: 2 days
Participants: Max 3

My goal

Where you’ll go

We’ll start from Pian del Re, near Crissolo, and make our way to Rifugio Quintino Sella, at 2,640 metres.

From the hut, we’ll climb towards Passo delle Sagnette before crossing the rocky terrain of the Vallone delle Forcioline. We’ll then continue towards Bivacco Andreotti, at 3,225 metres, where the main climbing section begins.

From here, we’ll follow Monviso’s Normal Route across rocky ledges, gullies and scrambling passages, making our way towards the summit at 3,841 metres.

We’ll descend along the same route. The descent requires just as much care as the climb, especially after a long day on the mountain.

You can explore the technical description of the Monviso Normal Route for a closer look at the terrain.

What it takes

Monviso is suitable for mountaineers with good physical fitness and previous experience on rocky alpine terrain.

You should feel confident scrambling over rock, using your hands for balance and moving through exposed sections. Some passages may require roped climbing, depending on the terrain and conditions.

Good endurance is essential. Summit day is long, and the descent demands concentration even when you’re tired.

Although the climbing is generally moderate, Monviso is a serious alpine objective. Exposure, altitude, loose rock and changing mountain conditions all add to the difficulty. Snow or ice can make the ascent more demanding.

How we’ll guide you

Throughout the climb, your IFMGA Mountain Guide will help you move more efficiently on rock, choose secure footholds and maintain a steady pace.

We’ll pay particular attention to exposed passages and technical sections. Your guide will manage the rope when needed and help you understand how to move safely across different types of terrain.

We’ll also focus on pacing and endurance. You’ll learn how to manage your energy during a long ascent and maintain concentration on the descent.

Weather, rock conditions and the group’s progress will guide our decisions. If necessary, we’ll change our plans or turn back to maintain an appropriate safety margin.

Our aim goes beyond reaching the summit. We want you to enjoy a complete mountaineering experience, strengthen your skills and gain useful experience for future alpine climbs.

2 alpinists € 580,00 /person
3 alpinists € 430,00 /person

What’s included

  • IFMGA Mountain Guide for 2 days
  • Half board at Rifugio Quintino Sella
  • Technical equipment: climbing harness, helmet ice axe and crampons

What’s not included

Personal accident insurance (recommended), meals not specified for you and your guide, and anything not expressly mentioned under “What’s included”

Day 1 — From Pian del Re to Rifugio Quintino Sella

We will meet at Pian del Re, at 2,020 metres, near Crissolo. After meeting your IFMGA Mountain Guide and checking our equipment, we will begin the approach to Rifugio Quintino Sella.

We will follow the mountain trail past Lago Fiorenza and continue towards Colle del Viso, with impressive views of Monviso’s northern face.

The first day gives us time to settle into a comfortable pace and prepare for the more demanding ascent ahead.

Once at the hut, we will review the following day’s route, check the weather forecast and organise our equipment for an early departure.

Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Quintino Sella, 2,640 m.

Elevation gain: approximately 620 m
Walking time: approximately 2.5–3 hours

Day 2 — Monviso summit (3,841 m) and descent to Pian del Re

We will leave the hut before dawn, using our headlamps for the first section of the route.

Our first objective will be Passo delle Sagnette, at 2,991 metres. The trail becomes steeper here, with exposed sections equipped with chains where careful footwork and concentration are essential.

From the pass, we will descend briefly into the Vallone delle Forcioline before continuing across rocky terrain towards Bivacco Andreotti, at 3,225 metres.

Beyond the bivouac, the route becomes more technical. We will follow Monviso’s Normal Route up the southern face, combining scrambling, rocky ledges and short climbing passages. Depending on conditions, we may also encounter snow or ice.

Your guide will help you move efficiently through these sections, choosing secure footholds and maintaining a steady rhythm. We will adjust our pace to the terrain, keeping enough energy for the descent.

If conditions allow, we will reach the summit of Monviso, at 3,841 metres, with an extensive panorama across the Cottian Alps and the surrounding valleys.

After a short break, we will descend along the same route, taking particular care on the exposed and rocky sections. We will return to Rifugio Quintino Sella and continue down to Pian del Re, where our programme will end.

The descent is long and physically demanding. Good endurance and concentration remain essential throughout the day.

Elevation gain: approximately 1,300–1,400 m, including intermediate descents and re-ascents
Total walking and climbing time: approximately 10–12 hours

Actual times and route conditions may vary depending on the weather, terrain and pace of the group.

For the Monviso ascent, you will need:

  • mountaineering clothing suitable for changing alpine conditions
  • sturdy mountaineering boots with good grip, suitable for rocky terrain
  • 30–35 litre backpack
  • waterproof and windproof jacket
  • warm insulating layer
  • mountaineering trousers
  • lightweight gloves and warm spare gloves
  • sun hat and warm hat
  • sunglasses with category 3 or 4 protection
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen and protective lip balm
  • headlamp with spare batteries
  • sleeping bag liner for the mountain hut
  • water bottle or thermos, minimum 1.5 litres
  • packed lunch and energy snacks
  • personal medication and essential toiletries

Technical equipment, including a climbing harness and crampons, is provided by us. If you have your own equipment, we recommend bringing it so your guide can check its suitability for the climb.

After booking, we will send you a complete equipment checklist, including clothing, technical gear and practical advice for preparing your backpack. You can also consult our mountaineering equipment guide.

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

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

Yes. Monviso’s Normal Route involves scrambling, exposed rocky passages and sections where you will need to use your hands for balance and progression.

You should already have experience hiking on demanding alpine terrain and feel comfortable with exposure. Previous scrambling experience is strongly recommended.

If you’re unsure whether your experience is sufficient, contact us before booking. We can help you assess whether Monviso is the right objective for you.

**FAQ #2** – How fit do I need to be?

You need good physical fitness and experience with long mountain days.

The summit day typically involves 10–12 hours of walking and climbing, with approximately 1,300–1,400 metres of cumulative ascent.

You should be comfortable maintaining a steady pace over several hours and have enough energy for the long descent, which requires just as much attention as the ascent.

**FAQ #3** – Is Monviso a technical climb?

Yes. Although the Normal Route is the easiest way to reach the summit, it is a mountaineering route rather than a hiking trail.

The climb includes rocky gullies, ledges, scrambling passages and exposed terrain. The technical difficulty is generally moderate, but the length of the route and the need for continuous concentration make it a demanding ascent.

Your IFMGA Mountain Guide will manage the technical sections and use the appropriate protection according to the terrain and conditions.

**FAQ #4** – Where will we sleep during the climb?

We will spend the night at Rifugio Quintino Sella, at 2,640 metres.

Accommodation is in shared mountain hut rooms, with dinner and breakfast included.

Staying at the hut allows us to start early the following morning and complete the summit climb and descent within the day.

**FAQ #5** – Is Monviso good preparation for the Matterhorn or other technical Alpine climbs?

Yes. Monviso is particularly useful for developing endurance, balance and efficient movement on rocky alpine terrain.

The Normal Route gives us the opportunity to practise scrambling, choosing secure footholds and maintaining concentration over a long ascent and descent.

These skills are valuable for objectives such as the Matterhorn, although Monviso alone does not provide all the technical preparation needed for more difficult climbs.

Your guide can help you understand which skills you should continue developing.

**FAQ #6** – What happens if the weather is bad or conditions are unsuitable?

Before the ascent, we will assess the weather forecast and mountain conditions.

If necessary, your guide may modify the itinerary, adjust the departure time or decide not to continue towards the summit.

The decision will depend on the actual conditions, the available time and your ability to complete the route safely.

Reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed. Any cancellation or refund will be handled according to the booking conditions applicable to your reservation.

**FAQ #7** – Can I climb Monviso without bringing my own technical equipment?

We provide the technical equipment specified in the programme, including a climbing harness and crampons.

You will need your own suitable mountaineering boots, clothing, backpack and personal equipment.

After booking, we will send you a detailed checklist so you can prepare everything you need for the climb.

If you have your own technical equipment, you are welcome to bring it. Your guide will check whether it is suitable for the route.

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The Monviso

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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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WINTER

Level 1 – Explore
First freeride experiences. Controlled turns and a relaxed pace on accessible terrain.

Level 2 – Advanced
Confident skiing on ungroomed snow and able to maintain a good pace throughout the day.

Level 3 – Technical
Regular freeride experience, including on steeper terrain and in more exposed situations.

SUMMER

Level 1 – First experience
You should be comfortable with normal mountain hiking. No previous mountaineering or glacier experience is required.

Level 2 – Basic experience
You should already have completed hikes of several hours on mountain trails. Previous glacier experience or use of crampons is not required, but you should be ready to use them for the first time.

Level 3 – Mountaineering experience
Previous experience using crampons and travelling roped together on a glacier is required. The route may include short exposed sections.

Level 4 – Advanced experience
Solid experience using crampons and travelling roped together is required. The route may include exposed ridges, steep slopes and mixed terrain.

Level 5 – Experienced mountaineer
Strong experience on technical high-mountain routes is required. The route may include very exposed sections, climbing on rock, ice or mixed terrain, and may require knowledge of the main rope techniques.

The level indicates the technical experience required, not the physical effort.
The actual difficulty may vary depending on mountain conditions and the route.