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Activities

Dufour Peak – Dufourspitze

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

My goal

Punta Dufour (4,634 m), the highest summit of Monte Rosa, is a climb for mountaineers with solid high-altitude experience.

The route combines glacier travel, snow and ice slopes of up to around 40°, ridges and rock climbing sections up to grade III. It requires confident crampon technique, including on mixed terrain, good movement skills and the ability to maintain concentration and a steady pace for many hours.

Your IFMGA Mountain Guide manages the progression, timing and route choices according to the mountain conditions, but you need to arrive with a well-established technical foundation.

The goal is not simply to reach 4,634 metres, but to be able to move efficiently and with enough margin on complete and demanding alpine terrain.

If you are unsure about your level, before booking we can assess it on a route such as the Cresta del Soldato.

Check the current weather conditions through the live webcams.

1 alpinist: € 1500,00

The price includes: the accompaniment of a IFMGA alpine guide from Monte Rosa for the 2 days of the ascent, ski pass, half board at the Gnifetti hut, technical equipment (harness, crampons).

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

Day 1

Meeting with the guide at Passo dei Salati, equipment check, and ascent to Indren using the lifts. From Indren, we will proceed on foot to the Gnifetti hut. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2

Departure at 3:00 AM on the normal route to Capanna Margherita. Upon reaching Colle Gnifetti (4480 m), we will head west towards the summit of Punta Zumstein. From there, we will tackle a steep and exposed descent to Colle del Papa, then ascend the airy mixed ridge that will lead us to the summit cross. The descent will follow the same route as the ascent, returning to Alagna or Gressoney via the Punta Indren lifts.

For the climb of 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 climb such as Punta Dufour, 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.

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FAQ #1 – What happens if I feel unwell during the ascent?
In case of discomfort at the hut, we will organize an early descent. If you feel unwell along the route, we will turn back. In the event of serious illness, the accompanying guide will alert the rescue services and you will be evacuated by helicopter.
FAQ #2 – Can I join a group if I am alone?
No, we do not organize group excursions for this type of ascent.
FAQ #3 – Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No, the Monterosa huts provide pillows, duvets, or blankets! However, using a sleeping bag liner is mandatory, which can be purchased at a low cost in specialized stores. Click here for more information (affiliate link)
FAQ #4 – Can I rent high mountain clothing and equipment?
It is possible to rent equipment (boots, trekking poles, ice axe) in Alagna, Gressoney, and Champoluc. However, clothing rental will not be available.
FAQ #5 – If I don’t reach the summit, will I be refunded?
No, no refunds are provided.
FAQ #6 – What is the required level of physical preparation for the hike?
To successfully complete this experience, excellent physical endurance and appropriate training are required. This hike demands advanced technical skills, familiarity with ice and mixed climbing techniques, as well as consistent and high-level training.

Populate the form and secure your spot now!
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Dufour Peak – Dufourspitze

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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.

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.