Shopping Cart

Activities

The Soldier’s Ridge

Level: 4
Season: Summer
Duration: 1 day
Participants: Max 2

My goal

The Cresta del Soldato is a route for mountaineers who already have some alpine experience and want to become more confident moving continuously along a high-altitude ridge.

The route combines rock and alpine terrain, with exposure that is present but never extreme. It requires confident movement, concentration and the ability to maintain a steady pace for several hours.

Your IFMGA Mountain Guide manages the progression and assesses conditions, timing and the level of the rope team, also deciding whether it is appropriate to continue to Piramide Vincent.

The goal is to build confidence on ridge terrain and understand how you move on more technical and exposed ground, developing experience that will be useful for more demanding objectives such as Punta Dufour or the Lyskamm Traverse.

If you want to prepare more thoroughly for routes of this kind, you can first work on elevation gain, altitude and technique with our mountaineering training for 4000-metre peaks.

1 alpinist  € 520,00
2 alpinists € 300,00 / person

The price includes: IFMGA mountain guide for the day, round-trip cable car to Indren, technical equipment if needed (harness, crampons).

Not included in the price: accident insurance (recommended), meals not mentioned for yourself and the guide, everything not specified under ‘the price includes’.

Day 1 – Cresta del Soldato and Piramide Vincent

Meet your IFMGA Mountain Guide at 08:30 at Passo dei Salati, check your equipment and collect any technical gear you need. From here, we begin the approach on foot towards Cresta del Soldato.

The route follows the ridge towards Punta Giordani, combining rocky terrain with climbing sections. From Punta Giordani, we continue along the ridge towards Piramide Vincent, with further passages over blocks and high-alpine terrain.

After reaching Piramide Vincent (4,215 m), we descend via the normal route. Throughout the day, your guide manages the progression and pace according to ridge conditions and the level of the rope team.

For Cresta del Soldato, 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

Crampons, harness and helmet are included and 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, adapted to Cresta del Soldato and the expected conditions.

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 – What happens if I feel unwell during the climb?
If you feel unwell at the hut, we will organize an early descent. If you feel unwell along the route, we will turn back. In case of serious illness, the accompanying guide will alert 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. The climbing team must have good preparation and confidence.
FAQ #3 – What is the altitude reached on this excursion?
By traversing the entire ridge, you will reach Punta Vincent at 4215 meters.
FAQ #4 – Can I rent high mountain clothing and equipment?
You can rent equipment (boots, poles, ice axe) in Alagna, Gressoney, and Champoluc. However, clothing rentals are not available.
FAQ #5 – If I do not reach the summit, will I be refunded?
No, there is no refund policy.
FAQ #6 – What is the required level of physical preparation for the excursion?
To successfully complete this program that combines rock and snow climbing in high mountain terrain, a good level of physical endurance and technical preparation is required: rock climbing of grade IV. Difficulty: moderately challenging, it is ideal as a first approach to technical alpine terrain. The estimated duration is 4.5/5 hours from Punta Indren to Punta Vincent and 1.5/2 hours for the descent.

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

The Soldier’s Ridge

0.00


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.