Day 1: Approach to the Hut (Chabod or Vittorio Emanuele)
Depart from Pont (Valsavarenche) and ascend to one of the two available mountain huts:

• Rifugio Chabod (2750 m): A route through larch forests and gentle snowy slopes, with stunning views of the Laveciau Glacier.
• Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2735 m): A more direct path through dramatic valleys, offering glimpses of the Gran Paradiso Glacier.

Both huts provide cozy accommodations and a convivial dinner. The evening concludes with a technical briefing for the next day’s ascent.

Elevation gain: 900 m
Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Day 2: Summit Ascent and Descent
Set off before dawn to tackle the most challenging stretch up to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4061 m).

• From Rifugio Chabod: Traverse the Laveciau Glacier, navigating technical sections of snow and ice.
• From Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele: Gradual ascent via the Gran Paradiso Glacier, leading to the summit.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360° view of the Alps. The descent retraces your ascent route back to Pont, with moments to soak in the scenery along the way.

Elevation gain: 1300 m ascent, 2200 m descent
Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Two intense and unforgettable days: a journey of effort and triumph, crowned by one of the most exhilarating descents of your life.

– 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

ATTENTION: The sleeping bag liner is mandatory in all shelters. We recommend a lightweight but, above all, reusable sleeping bag liner. Let’s protect the mountains from waste. We use this one.

Monte Rosa guides ascend Gran Paradiso with a maximum of 5 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.