Day 1: Arrival in Alagna
Arrival in Alagna, hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 2: Equipment check and Via Ferrata
After breakfast, meet with the guide for a briefing on the week’s program and an equipment check. We’ll help you rent or find any missing gear. At 11 a.m., take the Monterosa Ski lifts up to Bocchetta delle Pisse to tackle the Cimalegna Via Ferrata. Here, you’ll learn the fundamental skills necessary for safely tackling the mountain. You’ll acquire skills such as tying proper knots, using technical equipment effectively, and moving confidently on vertical terrain. You’ll learn how to assess terrain stability and proceed safely on via ferrata routes and rock walls, building trust in your abilities—essential for confidently facing the challenges that await you in the coming days. Return to Alagna, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 3: First high-altitude test – Punta Giordani (4046 m)
After breakfast, take the lifts up to Punta Indren for the first high-altitude challenge. During the climb to Punta Giordani (4046 m), with a 750-meter elevation gain on glacial terrain and around 3 hours of ascent, you’ll face moderate slopes that allow you to practice using crampons and an ice axe. Glacier progression requires attention, but you’ll always be supported by your expert guide, who will teach you how to move in a roped team, manage crevasses, and maintain a steady pace in this fascinating and demanding environment. This first 4000-meter peak will give you a taste of great alpine achievements. Dinner and overnight stay at the Mantova Hut.

Day 4: Ascent of Piramide Vincent (4215 m)
A day dedicated to practicing crampon techniques and safety maneuvers in high-altitude conditions. The ascent of the southwest ridge of Piramide Vincent (4215 m) will be the second 4000-meter peak of the program, but with a different character from the first summit. Here, you’ll tackle a mixed route of rock and snow, perfect for consolidating your mixed-climbing skills. The ridge offers technical sections but is never too exposed, making the ascent exciting yet accessible. With the guide by your side, you can safely enjoy the high-altitude environment, surrounded by spectacular views that make every step a unique experience. Dinner and overnight stay at the Gnifetti Hut.

Day 5: Capanna Margherita – Highest hut in Europe
The ascent to Capanna Margherita, the highest hut in Europe at 4554 m, is a memorable experience. You’ll face a 900-meter elevation gain on a glacier, crossing landscapes of extraordinary beauty with views stretching across the entire Alpine range. Reaching Capanna Margherita will not only mark a significant physical achievement but also a deeply emotional moment. After the climb, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest in one of the most iconic locations in the Alps, preparing for the final major challenge of the program: the ascent of Punta Dufour. Dinner and overnight stay at Capanna Margherita.

Day 6: Summit – Punta Dufour (4633 m)
Early morning departure for the climb to Punta Dufour (4633 m). During the ascent, you’ll put into practice all the skills and techniques learned over the previous days, from equipment management to maneuvers on ice and ridges. Every step will require focus and precision, but thanks to gradual preparation, you’ll be ready to face the challenge. Once you reach the summit at 4633 meters, we will begin the descent towards Punta Indren, where we’ll take the lifts back to Alagna. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel, accompanied by the satisfaction of having conquered one of Europe’s most iconic peaks.

Day 7: Departure
Breakfast and departure for the return journey.

Recommended Clothing

• 2 breathable shirts (short sleeves also fine)
• 1 long-sleeve thermal shirt
• 1 fleece or heavy sweatshirt
• 1 down jacket
• 1 waterproof/windproof jacket
• 2 pairs of thermal or ski socks
• 1 pair of leggings
• 1 pair of windproof mountaineering pants
• Warm gloves + lightweight fingered gloves
• 1 warm hat (covering the ears)
• 1 neck warmer (buff)
• Sunglasses with category 3 or 4 protection

Technical Equipment

• 30–35 L backpack
• Backpack cover
• 12-point crampons
• Ice axe with steel blade
• Helmet
• Harness
• Locking carabiner
• Telescopic poles

A few days before departure, the guide will contact you to specify the required gear based on weather conditions and forecasted temperatures.

Important Accessories

• Headlamp and power bank
• 1-liter thermos
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Moisturizing lip balm
• Energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate…)
• Basic first aid kit (blister plasters, aspirin, personal medicines…)
• Essential personal hygiene kit

If you have doubts about the necessary equipment, click here. You will find a detailed guide and links to products recommended by the Monte Rosa Guides.

IMPORTANT:

A sleeping bag liner is mandatory in all mountain huts. We recommend bringing a lightweight, reusable liner to help reduce waste in the mountains.

We use this one.

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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