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Activities

The Monviso

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

My goal

Although Monviso is not part of the Monte Rosa massif, we consider it an excellent mountain for developing endurance, movement on rock and confidence on more technical alpine terrain.

The normal route combines hiking, scree and rocky sections where efficient movement, concentration and a steady pace are essential. It is a useful progression for mountaineers who want to gain experience before taking on longer or more technical objectives elsewhere in the Alps.

Throughout the ascent, your IFMGA Mountain Guide observes your movement, pace and ability to manage the terrain, helping you improve both technique and efficiency. The aim is not to use Monviso simply as a training mountain, but to gain experience on a complete alpine route where movement, endurance and terrain awareness all need to work together.

Weather, rock conditions, timing and your level may require us to change the programme. We do not pursue the summit at all costs: the guide makes decisions according to the actual conditions and the margin available.

For more preparation advice, read Mountaineering: 5 mistakes mountain guides don’t make. You can also read the technical description of the Monviso Normal Route.

1 alpinist € 900,00
2 alpinists € 490,00 /person
3 alpinists € 380,00 /person

The price includes: 2 days IFMGA mountain guide,half board in the hut, 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 Rifugio Quintino Sella
Meet your IFMGA Mountain Guide at 14:00 at Pian del Re for an equipment check and distribution of the technical gear. From here, we begin the ascent to Rifugio Quintino Sella, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Dinner, preparation for the following day and overnight stay at the hut.

Day 2 – Monviso ascent
We leave at 5:00 and begin the Normal Route of Monviso. The day involves approximately 1,200 metres of ascent and a long, continuous climb with rocky sections up to grade II+. Your IFMGA Mountain Guide manages the pace, rope work and progression according to the terrain, conditions and your level. After the summit, we begin the descent, with the return to the hut expected at around 15:00.

  • layered mountaineering clothing, including a down jacket and windproof shell
  • mountaineering trousers and thermal leggings
  • waterproof mountaineering boots suitable for rocky terrain
  • warm gloves, hat and neck warmer
  • category 3 or 4 sunglasses
  • 30–35 litre backpack
  • crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness
  • telescopic poles
  • headlamp
  • water bottle or thermos
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen, snacks and personal medication
  • sleeping bag liner

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 – Can I join if I am travelling alone?
Yes, but we do not organise open-group departures for the Monviso ascent. The experience is arranged privately with an IFMGA Mountain Guide so that the pace and rope-team management can be adapted to your level.
FAQ #2 – Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Yes. The Monviso Normal Route requires mountain experience, confident movement on rocky terrain and the ability to manage a long day. The route includes climbing sections up to grade II+ and requires continuous, precise movement.
FAQ #3 – How fit do I need to be?
You need good fitness and should be comfortable with significant elevation gain. Summit day involves approximately 1,200 metres of ascent on rocky terrain followed by a long descent. You should be able to maintain a steady pace for several hours.
FAQ #4 – What happens if the weather or conditions are unsuitable?
Your IFMGA Mountain Guide assesses the weather, rock conditions, timing and your level throughout the ascent. If there is not enough margin to continue, the programme may be changed or the climb stopped.
FAQ #5 – Will I receive a refund if I do not reach the summit?
No. Reaching the summit can never be guaranteed. If the booked services have been provided, no refund is due if the climb has to be stopped because of weather, mountain conditions or the level of the rope team.
FAQ #6 – Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No. The hut provides blankets or duvets, but you must bring a sleeping bag liner. We recommend a lightweight, reusable model that is easy to carry in your backpack.

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

The Monviso

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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.