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450.00

Activities

Tour Capanna Margherita Hut (Group Hike)

Level: Advanced
Start date: 1 June
End date: 14 September
Participants: Max 5

My goal

The ascent to Capanna Margherita is a unique and unforgettable experience, perfect for anyone passionate about the mountains and eager to challenge themselves at high altitudes. At 4554 meters, Capanna Margherita is highest refuge in Europe that offers breathtaking views from the imposing south face of Monte Rosa to the stunning Maritime Alps and across the Po Valley.

Whether you are embarking on this journey solo or looking to connect with fellow adventurers, you’re in the right place. This is not just a physical journey, but also an inner quest filled with emotions and personal challenges. While technically accessible, the ascent requires good fitness and preparation to handle high altitudes and the potential for challenging weather conditions like wind or snow.

Our experienced guides from Monte Rosa will accompany you every step of the way, customizing the route to meet your needs while ensuring your safety. They are professionals deeply connected to these mountains, ready to help you transform your dream into reality, all while respecting the mountain’s rules.

If you’re ready to join a group of like-minded adventurers or if you’re seeking companionship on your hike, this is the perfect opportunity.

Preparing with awareness is key to fully enjoying this incredible experience. Learn more here.

Check availability and choose your departure date

Summer 2025

  • June 7-8
  • June 14-15
  • June 20-21
  • June 22-23
  • June 27-28
  • June 29-30
  • July 4-5
  • July 6-7
  • July 11-12
  • July 13-14
  • July 18-19
  • July 20-21
  • July 25-26
  • July 27-28
  • August 1-2
  • August 3-4
  • August 8-9
  • August 10-11
  • August 15-16
  • August 17-18
  • August 22-23
  • August 24-25
  • August 29-30
  • August 31 – September 1
  • September 5-6
  • September 7-8
  • September 12-13

Group Hike  € 450,00 / person

The hike will be confirmed upon reaching the minimum number of participants, which is 4. The maximum number of participants is 5.

The price includes: IFMGA mountain guide for 2 days, half board at Capanna Gnifetti, round-trip cable car to Indren, technical equipment if needed (harness, crampons.)

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

Day 1

We will gather at Passo dei Salati at 2:30 PM, where you’ll meet your IFMGA Alpine Guide for a final equipment check. After distributing the necessary gear, we’ll take the lifts up to Punta Indren. From there, we’ll begin our trek towards the hut (Capanna Gnifetti or Rifugio Città di Mantova), arriving around 4:00 PM. During the roughly one-and-a-half-hour ascent, you’ll have the chance to get to know your fellow adventurers and assess everyone’s skill levels. This will be a valuable moment to share feelings and allow the guide to decide the best approach for the ascent the following day. We’ll maintain a relaxed pace with several breaks to ensure everyone feels comfortable and ready for the exciting adventure ahead.

Day 2

As dawn breaks, we’ll set off towards Capanna Margherita. The group will reach the summit in the early morning, where we’ll take time to admire the breathtaking panorama and recharge our energy. While we won’t be able to linger for too long, we’ll still have 1300 meters of descent ahead of us to return to Punta Indren, where we’ll take the cable car back down. The emotions experienced over these two days will mark the conclusion of our journey, creating lasting memories of an extraordinary adventure filled with effort, beauty, and companionship that we will carry in our hearts forever.

Upper Body:

  • Technical shirt (also short-sleeved)
  • Long-sleeved thermal shirt
  • Fleece
  • Down jacket
  • Waterproof/windproof shell jacket

Lower Body:

  • 2 pairs of thermal or ski socks
  • Thermal leggings
  • Windproof mountaineering pants

Gloves and Head Accessories:

  • Warm gloves
  • Spare lightweight gloves
  • Warm hat (covers the ears)
  • Neck buff

Eye Protection:

  • Sunglasses with category 3 or 4 protection
  • Ski goggles for low-visibility conditions

Technical Gear:

  • 30/35-liter backpack
  • 10 or 12-point crampons
  • Ice axe with steel blade
  • Helmet
  • Lightweight, adjustable harness
  • Telescopic poles

Essential Accessories:

  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Headlamp and power bank
  • 1-liter stainless steel thermos
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen
  • Hydrating lip balm
  • Energy snacks and basic medication

Essential Personal Hygiene:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Small comb
  • Lightweight, compact towel

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.

 

The ascent to Capanna Margherita is an experience designed for those with good mountain fitness and a willingness to tackle consecutive trails lasting 4-5 hours. The itinerary begins with an initial ascent of 1-1.5 hours on the first day, followed by a 4-5 hour climb on the second day, totaling an elevation gain of 1300 meters. To prepare effectively, your training should include ascents with an average vertical gain of 300-350 meters per hour.

While the hike does not present significant technical difficulties, it takes place entirely in high mountain terrain, primarily on ice. There are no exposed sections or ridges to navigate, but you will encounter short stretches of easy via ferrata to reach Capanna Gnifetti and fixed ropes to access Rifugio Mantova. The trekking involves moving over snow and ice, with certain challenging sections where you’ll need to travel as a roped team for added safety.

Acclimatization is essential: the more gradual the process, the more effective it will be. If you’re limited on time and opting for a two-day hike, consider spending at least one night before the ascent in a hut like Rifugio Mantova (3,498 m) or Rifugio Gnifetti (3,647 m) in Gressoney or Alagna to help your body adapt to the altitude.

Note: Ascents to Capanna Margherita are permitted for a maximum of 5 climbers per IFMGA alpine guide.


FAQ #1 – Will I suffer from altitude sickness?
High altitude can cause altitude sickness, with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Gradual acclimatization helps reduce the risk and intensity of symptoms. Being in good physical shape and well-trained makes the experience less exhausting.
FAQ #2 – Are there any medications that can help with altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is highly subjective, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is advisable to bring only the headache and nausea medications that you are already familiar with and have used before. Nevertheless, we recommend consulting your primary healthcare provider for personalized advice
FAQ #3 – What happens if I feel unwell during the ascent?
If you feel unwell in the hut, we will organize an early descent. In the case of severe discomfort during the hike, we will turn back. In the event of severe illness, the guide will alert the rescue services, and you will be taken to the hospital by helicopter.
FAQ #4 – Can I join a group if I’m alone?
Certainly! Choose your experience from the group hikes page by clicking here
FAQ #5 – Do I need a sleeping bag?
No, Monterosa’s refuges provide pillows, duvets, or blankets! However, the use of a sleeping bag liner is mandatory, and you can purchase it for a minimal cost at specialized stores. Click here for more information (affiliate link)
FAQ #6 – Can I rent high mountain clothing and equipment?
You can rent equipment (boots, poles, ice axe) in Alagna, Gressoney and Champoluc. However, it will not be possible to rent clothing.
FAQ #7 – If I do not reach the summit, will I be refunded?
No, no refund is provided.
FAQ #8 – What is the required fitness level for the excursion?
To successfully complete this experience, you need good physical endurance and training that allows you to sustain at least 4/5 hours of uphill walking plus the same amount in descent. Preparing with specific training will help you tackle the challenges of the route and fully enjoy the adventure.

Populate the form and secure your spot now!

Tour Capanna Margherita Hut (Group Hike)

450.00


INSURANCE

Our packages do not include insurance. Since many of you are members of mountain clubs, which offer excellent coverage for their members, or already have personal insurance, we aim to avoid redundancy.

However, if you are not yet insured (and we highly recommend you consider it) and would like coverage for:

  • Medical assistance and expenses in case of injury, 24/7 assistance and reimbursement of medical expenses, Search and rescue costs, Emergency support, Reimbursement for unused lessons, equipment, accommodations, and passes, Civil liability for damages to third parties during outdoor activities

you can explore the available options on Europ Assistance or on L’Arca Assicurazioni.