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Activities

Mountaineering Introduction – Margherita hut(Group)

Level: 1
Season: Summer
Duration: 3 days
Participants: Max 5

My goal

The Mountaineering Course in Gressoney is designed for anyone who wants to start mountaineering and learn the essential skills needed to move more safely on glaciers and at high altitude.

Over three days, we work on crampon technique, roped glacier travel, pacing, equipment and movement on glaciated terrain, always accompanied by an IFMGA Mountain Guide. Three days are not enough to become completely independent, but they provide a solid practical foundation and help you understand which skills you still need to develop.

The course takes place on Monte Rosa and can be a good preparation for future objectives such as the Margherita Hut or other 4000-metre peaks in the massif.

During the course, you also learn to recognise your sustainable pace at altitude and understand how your body responds to fatigue and reduced oxygen.

The goal is not simply to reach a summit, but to build the skills and awareness needed to approach your next mountaineering objectives with better preparation.

If you want to arrive with more specific physical preparation, you can read our training advice.

Recommended reading

Group hike € 640,00 / 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: three days of guidance by an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, half-board accommodation at Rifugio Città di Mantova for two nights, return cable car ticket, technical equipment if needed (harness, crampons), and half-board accommodation for the guide.

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 – Ascent to Rifugio Mantova and introduction to equipment

Meet your IFMGA Mountain Guide at Passo dei Salati at 2:30 pm. After checking the equipment and distributing the technical gear, we take the cable car to Punta Indren (3,260 m) and continue on foot to Rifugio Mantova, which we reach in around one hour. We keep a relaxed pace to give the body time to adjust to the altitude. At the hut, we begin the technical session, looking at carabiners, ropes, harnesses and the main types of ice axe and how they are used. Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Mantova.


Day 2 – Glacier travel and mountaineering techniques

The day is dedicated to practical training on the glacier. We work on crampon and ice-axe technique, basic knots, roping systems and the correct spacing between members of a rope team. We also cover movement uphill and downhill, different types of glacier terrain and an introduction to crevasse rescue techniques. The aim is to understand how to use the equipment correctly and learn the fundamental principles of glacier travel. Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Mantova.

Day 3 – Practical application at high altitude

We leave at dawn to put into practice what you have learned over the previous two days. Depending on the weather, glacier conditions and the level of the group, your IFMGA Mountain Guide will choose the most suitable objective: the Margherita Hut or one of Monte Rosa’s 4000-metre peaks. The day becomes a practical high-altitude climb where you apply crampon technique, roped progression, pacing and glacier travel skills in real mountain conditions.

For the Mountaineering Course in Gressoney, you will need:

  • mountaineering clothing suitable for high altitude
  • mountaineering boots
  • 30–35 litre backpack
  • category 3 or 4 sunglasses
  • warm gloves
  • headlamp
  • telescopic trekking poles
  • sleeping bag liner for the mountain hut

Crampons, harness and helmet are provided by us when required of the programme. If you have your own ice axe, bring it with you.

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, expected temperatures and glacier conditions.

If you are unsure what to bring, you can read our mountaineering equipment guide for Monte Rosa.

  • 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 – Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
No. The course is also suitable for people approaching mountaineering for the first time. However, you need good general fitness and should already be comfortable walking in the mountains for several hours.
FAQ #2 – What happens if I feel unwell during the course?
Tell your guide immediately. Depending on the situation, your IFMGA Mountain Guide may slow the pace, change the programme or organise the descent. If necessary, mountain rescue services will be contacted.
FAQ #3 – Can I join if I am travelling alone?
Yes. You can book individually on one of the available group departures. You can check dates and availability <a href=”https://monterosabooking.com/it/prodotto/corso-alpinismo-monte-rosa-2/”>here</a>.
FAQ #4 – Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No. Mountain huts provide blankets or duvets, but you must bring a sleeping bag liner. We recommend a lightweight model that is easy to carry in your backpack.
FAQ #5 – Can I rent high-altitude clothing and equipment?
Mountaineering boots and poles can be rented from specialist shops. Technical clothing is generally not available for rent. Crampons, harness and helmet are provided by Monterosa Booking.
FAQ #6 – What level of fitness do I need?
You need good fitness and the ability to walk for several hours at altitude. The course combines technical glacier training with a final high-altitude climb, so it is important to maintain a steady pace and recover well from one day to the next.

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Mountaineering Introduction – Margherita hut(Group)

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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.