Group tour € 510,00 / person

The tour will be confirmed upon reaching the minimum number of participants, which is 3. The maximum number of participants is 4.

The price includes: IFAGM Monterosa ski guide for both days of the tour, half board at Capanna Gnifetti, ski guide half board, technical equipment (harness, crampons), safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe)*.

* subject to availability

Not included in the price: accident insurance (recommended), meals not specified for yourself and the guide, everything not listed under “the price includes”

Day 0
5:00 PM – briefing with your UIAGM guide in the office, via call, or over the phone—whichever you prefer. We want to get to know you to ensure we understand your expectations. We will review the equipment details and prepare the plan for the following days, taking into account training level, weather, and snow conditions.

Day 1
Meeting with the guide in Alagna or Gressoney for equipment check and distribution of technical materials. The day will begin with an introduction to ski mountaineering and off-piste skiing on the Monterosaski slopes, where we’ll stretch our legs and awaken our adventurous spirit. In the afternoon, we will put on our skins and start the ascent towards Capanna Gnifetti, departing from Punta Indren. The route is short and not too challenging, but we will take it at a slow pace with several breaks to acclimatize and enjoy the scenery. Expected arrival time is 4:00 PM. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

Day 2 
At dawn, we will set off in a rope team to reach Capanna Margherita. We expect to arrive mid-morning, where we’ll take the ceremonial photos and take a break to recharge our energy. The descent awaiting us is spectacular and will bring us back to Alagna or Gressoney, with our hearts full of emotions.

Elevation Gain on Day 1: 370 m
Elevation Gain on Day 2: 900 m
Elevation Loss to Gressoney: 2750 m
Elevation Loss to Alagna: 3350 m

– Safety kit: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
– Telescopic ski poles
– Skins
– Ski touring skis and boots
– Harness
– 1 locking carabiner
– Ski crampons
– Ice axe
– Sunscreen with good protection
– Knife
– Ski gloves
– Thermos
– Sunglasses + ski goggles
– 30 L backpack
– Sun hat + windproof hat
– Wool socks
– Layered ski clothing (breathable base layer, fleece, windproof shell, ski jacket, and pants with integrated gaiters)
– Sleeping bed liner

Monte Rosa guides ascend Capanna Margherita with a maximum of 4 skiers per guide

• Monte Rosa guides may modify routes and activity schedules based on weather conditions, accessibility of refuges, and the physical fitness of participants.
• The planned periods for activities may vary due to weather conditions and the physical state of the locations (snow coverage, terrain conditions, etc.).

Ascending on skis requires a combination of technical skills and physical endurance.

• Ability to ski on black runs: while it is not strictly necessary to ski on black runs for ski mountaineering, having good downhill technique is highly recommended. Off-piste conditions can be more challenging than black runs, with untracked, crusty, powdery, or icy snow.
• Physical endurance: ski mountaineering is a sport that demands significant endurance. Ascents can be long and strenuous, often involving substantial elevation gains. Maintaining good overall fitness and adequate cardiovascular endurance is essential.
• Leg strength: strong legs are crucial not only for ascending with skins but also for navigating descents on challenging terrain. Specific training to enhance leg strength, such as squats, lunges, and calf exercises, can be very beneficial.
• Breathing capacity: excellent respiratory capacity is vital, especially at high altitudes where oxygen is thinner. Activities like running, cycling, or swimming can improve aerobic capacity and endurance.

In Summary, while the ability to ski on black runs may indicate a good level of technical preparation, ski mountaineering also requires comprehensive physical fitness and the ability to adapt to the variable mountain conditions.