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Activities

Rey Ridge to Dufour Peak

Level: 5
Season: Summer
Duration: 2 days
Participants: Max 1

My goal

The Rey Ridge on Punta Dufour (4,633 m) is a high-altitude route for mountaineers with solid experience on rock, snow and mixed terrain.

The climb follows the south-southwest spur of Punta Dufour, entirely at altitude, with rock climbing sections between grades III and IV and terrain that can change significantly depending on snow and rock conditions.

Your IFMGA Mountain Guide manages the pace, progression and route decisions, assessing conditions, timing and the level of the rope team throughout the climb. To take on the Rey Ridge, however, you need to arrive with well-established technical skills and endurance.

The goal is to reach the highest summit of Monte Rosa by a more technical line than the normal route, while maintaining continuity and enough margin on varied and demanding terrain.

If you want to understand whether your level is suitable, we can assess it beforehand on a route such as the Cresta del Soldato.

You can also view the Lyskamm from the Margherita Hut.

1 alpinist:  €1,500.00

The price includes: IFMGAcertified Monte Rosa mountain guide for two days of the ascent, technical equipment, overnight stay at the Gnifetti Hut, ski pass for Alagna/Gressoney – Punta Indren (valid for multiple round trips)

Not included in the price: accident insurance (recommended), meals not mentioned for both the client and the guide, anything not specified under “the price includes.”

Day 1 – Ascent to Rifugio Gnifetti

Meet your IFMGA Mountain Guide at Passo dei Salati, check your equipment and take the lifts towards Punta Indren. From here, we continue on foot to Rifugio Gnifetti, where we prepare the equipment and go through the plan for the following day. Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.

Day 2 – Punta Dufour via the Rey Ridge

We leave at first light for Punta Dufour via the Rey Ridge. The route combines glacier terrain, snow, rock and climbing sections, with an estimated ascent time of around 6–7 hours. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide manages the pace and progression throughout the climb, continuously assessing the conditions, weather and performance of the rope team.

For the Rey Ridge on Punta Dufour, you will need:

  • mountaineering clothing suitable for high altitude
  • mountaineering boots
  • 30–35 litre backpack
  • category 3 or 4 sunglasses
  • warm gloves
  • headlamp
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen
  • sleeping bag liner for the hut

Crampons, harness and helmet are provided by us when required for the programme. If you have your own ice axe, bring it with you.

After booking, we will send you the complete equipment list. For a route such as the Rey Ridge, the exact gear may vary depending on snow, ice and rock conditions, as well as the expected temperatures.

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 – Will I suffer from altitude sickness?

There is no way to predict this with certainty. Punta Dufour reaches 4,633 metres, and altitude can affect even very fit mountaineers. Good acclimatisation helps, but everyone responds differently. During the climb, your IFMGA Mountain Guide will continually assess your pace and how you are coping with the altitude.

FAQ #2 – What happens if I feel unwell during the climb?

Tell your guide immediately. On a long and technical route such as the Rey Ridge, it is important to assess the situation early. Your guide may slow the pace, change the plan or stop the climb if continuing would no longer be appropriate.

FAQ #3 – Can I join if I am travelling alone?

Contact us before booking. The Rey Ridge is a technical climb, so we need to assess your previous mountaineering experience and ability before confirming the climb.

FAQ #4 – Can I rent high-altitude clothing and equipment?

Crampons, harness and helmet are provided by Monterosa Booking. Your clothing and mountaineering boots must be suitable for high altitude. After booking, we will check the equipment list with you and let you know what you may need to rent.

FAQ #5 – Will I get a refund if I do not reach the summit?

No. Reaching Punta Dufour cannot be guaranteed. Weather, mountain conditions, timing or your physical condition may make it necessary to change or stop the climb. The guiding service is still considered provided if the planned summit cannot be reached.

FAQ #6 – What level of fitness do I need?

You need a very good level of fitness. The second day involves around 1,300 metres of ascent, approximately 5–6 hours uphill and 4–5 hours of descent, much of it above 4,000 metres. You also need solid mountaineering experience on rock, snow and mixed terrain.

Populate the form and secure your spot now!
Choose your departure date

Rey Ridge to Dufour Peak

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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.

GET INSPIRED

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.