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Activities

Sella Ridge to Lyskamm

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

My goal

The Sella Ridge on the Eastern Lyskamm (4,527 m) is a high-altitude route for mountaineers who already have experience on ridges, mixed terrain and exposed sections.

The climb follows a mainly rocky line, with rock climbing sections up to grade III, and requires steady movement, confidence and the ability to manage several hours at altitude.

Your IFMGA Mountain Guide assesses ridge conditions, weather, timing and your level throughout the climb, deciding how to approach the route and whether it is appropriate to continue towards the summit.

The goal is to follow a less-frequented ridge on Monte Rosa and reach the Eastern Lyskamm by a more mountaineering-focused route than the normal ascent, while always maintaining enough margin on exposed and variable terrain.

If you want to understand whether you are ready, we can assess your level on a route such as the Cresta del Soldato.

You can also view the Lyskamm from the Margherita Hut.

1 alpinist: € 1250,00

The price includes: IFMGA certified mountain guide for two days, technical equipment, accommodation at Gnifetti Hut, and a round-trip lift ticket from Alagna or Gressoney to Punta Indren, valid for multiple days.

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

Day 1 – Ascent to Rifugio Gnifetti

Meet your IFMGA Mountain Guide at Passo dei Salati, check your equipment and continue to Rifugio Gnifetti. At the hut, we prepare the equipment and go through the plan for the following day. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Eastern Lyskamm via the Sella Ridge

We leave at first light to climb the Sella Ridge and reach the Eastern Lyskamm. The ascent takes approximately 5–6 hours and combines high-altitude terrain with rock climbing and exposed sections. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide manages the pace and progression throughout the climb, continuously assessing the ridge conditions, weather and performance of the rope team.

For the Sella Ridge on the Eastern Lyskamm, 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 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. For a route such as the Sella Ridge, 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.

Learn more here

FAQ #1 – Will I suffer from altitude sickness?

There is no way to predict this with certainty. The Eastern Lyskamm reaches 4,527 metres, and altitude can affect even very fit mountaineers. Good acclimatisation helps, but everyone responds differently. During the climb, your IFMGA Mountain Guide will continually assess your pace and how you are coping with the altitude.

FAQ #2 – What happens if I feel unwell during the climb?

Tell your guide immediately. The Sella Ridge is a long route with exposed sections, so it is important to assess the situation early. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide may slow the pace, change the plan or stop the climb if continuing is no longer appropriate.

FAQ #3 – Can I join if I am travelling alone?

Contact us before booking. The Sella Ridge requires previous mountaineering experience, so we need to assess your level and confirm that it is suitable for the route before organising the climb.

FAQ #4 – Can I rent high-altitude clothing and equipment?

Crampons, harness and helmet are provided by Monterosa Booking. Your clothing and mountaineering boots must be suitable for high altitude. After booking, we will check the equipment list with you and let you know what you may need to rent.

FAQ #5 – Will I get a refund if I do not reach the summit?

No. Reaching the Eastern Lyskamm cannot be guaranteed. Weather, ridge conditions, timing or your physical condition may make it necessary to change or stop the climb. The guiding service is still considered provided if the planned summit cannot be reached.

FAQ #6 – What level of fitness do I need?

You need a very good level of fitness and solid mountaineering experience. The second day involves around 1,050 metres of ascent, approximately 5–6 hours uphill and 2–3 hours of descent, with rock climbing up to grade III and exposed sections. You should be comfortable moving efficiently for several hours at high altitude and on mixed terrain.

Populate the form and secure your spot now!
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Sella Ridge to Lyskamm

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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.

GET INSPIRED

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.