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Activities

The Gran Paradiso

Level: 3
Season: Summer
Duration: 2 days
Participants: 4

My goal

The Gran Paradiso (4,061 m), starting from Valsavarenche, is one of the classic 4,000-metre ascents in the Alps and a good way to gain experience on glaciers and at high altitude. First climbed in 1860, it remains a natural progression for those who want to build confidence before moving on to other high-altitude objectives, including routes on Monte Rosa.

The ascent takes place over two days, with an overnight stay at either the Vittorio Emanuele II Hut or the Chabod Hut. Summit day involves around 1,350 metres of ascent and approximately 10–11 hours of climbing and descent. Technically it is not one of the most difficult 4,000-metre peaks, but it still requires good fitness, a steady pace and careful glacier travel.

The route is graded PD- and may include glaciated terrain, snow or ice slopes of around 34–40°, and some rocky sections. The final part requires particular attention, and conditions can change significantly during the season.

Throughout the ascent, your IFMGA Mountain Guide manages the rope team, helps you use crampons correctly and controls the pace according to the glacier conditions, weather and your response to altitude.

The goal is not simply to reach the summit, but to learn how to move more confidently and efficiently on glaciated terrain, building useful experience for future high-altitude climbs.

If you want to prepare in advance, you can read Mountaineering: 5 mistakes mountain guides don’t make.

1 alpinist € 930,00
2 alpinists € 510,00 / person
3 alpinists € 370,00 / person
4 alpinists € 300,00 / person

The price includes: IFMGA mountain guide from Monte Rosa, half-board in the hut, and technical equipment (harness, crampons).

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

Day 1 – Ascent to the hut

Meet at 13:30 in Pont Valsavarenche for an equipment check. From here, we begin the ascent to either the Vittorio Emanuele II Hut (2,735 m) or the Chabod Hut (2,710 m), depending on the planned itinerary. The approach follows a hiking trail and takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Elevation gain is around 775 m to the Vittorio Emanuele II Hut and 890 m to the Chabod Hut. Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.

Day 2 – Gran Paradiso summit

We leave at dawn and begin the ascent towards the summit of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m). The route continues over glacier terrain, roped together and using crampons. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide manages the pace and progression according to the glacier conditions, weather and your level. After the summit, we begin the long descent back along the route to Pont Valsavarenche.

For the Gran Paradiso ascent, you will need:

  • high-altitude mountaineering clothing
  • mountaineering boots compatible with crampons
  • warm gloves, hat and neck warmer
  • category 3 or 4 sunglasses
  • 30–35 litre backpack
  • crampons, helmet and harness
  • ice axe, if you have one
  • telescopic poles
  • headlamp
  • water bottle or thermos
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen, snacks and personal medication
  • sleeping bag liner

Crampons, helmet and harness are included and provided by us when required of the programme.

When you book, we will send you the complete equipment list. In the days before departure, your IFMGA Mountain Guide may suggest adjustments according to the weather and mountain conditions. If you are unsure what to bring, read our mountaineering equipment guide.

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 – Could I suffer from altitude sickness?
Yes, it is possible. Everyone reacts differently to altitude, and symptoms may include headache, nausea, fatigue or difficulty concentrating. Good acclimatisation before the climb can help, but it does not eliminate the risk. Tell your IFMGA Mountain Guide immediately if you feel unwell.
FAQ #2 – What happens if I feel unwell during the climb?
The guide will assess the situation and may slow the pace, stop the ascent or organise the descent. In an emergency, mountain rescue services will be contacted.
FAQ #3 – Can I join if I am travelling alone?
No. We do not organise open-group departures for this ascent. The programme is arranged privately with an IFMGA Mountain Guide.
FAQ #4 – Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Advanced mountaineering experience is not required, but you should be well trained and comfortable spending many hours in the mountains. During the ascent, you will learn how to use crampons and move roped on the glacier.
FAQ #5 – Will I receive a refund if I do not reach the summit?
No. Reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed. Weather, glacier conditions, altitude, timing or your physical condition may make it necessary to stop the ascent. If the booked services have been provided, no refund is due if the summit is not reached.
FAQ #6 – How fit do I need to be?
You need good fitness and the ability to manage a long day at high altitude. The ascent involves around 1,350 metres of elevation gain and approximately 10–11 hours of climbing and descent, maintaining a steady pace for several hours.

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The Gran Paradiso

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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.