Activities

Vincent Pyramid and Balmenhorn

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Level: Beginners

Season: Summer

Duration: 1 day

Participants: Max 5

My goal

Join us for an adventure that will take you to the Vincent Pyramid at 4215 m and to Balmenhorn at 4161 m.

Following the route on the Lys Glacier, just as mining engineer Jean-Nicolas Vincent did in 1819, you will reach the Vincent Pyramid, We will guide you to the 4000-meter peak that dominates the Italian valleys of Monte Rosa: Valsesia, Valle del Lys, and Val d’Ayas. From the summit, you will enjoy an immense panorama stretching from Mont Blanc to the Maritime Alps.

On the rocks of Balmenhorn (4161 m), we will admire the Cristo delle Vette, a large sculpture by Alfredo Bai, created as an ex-voto to express his gratitude for returning alive from World War II.

Vincent Pyramid and Balmenhorn at a glance
Difficulty: F+ (easy) – Simple glacier hike, with a short section of bolted rock wall to access the Cristo delle Vette statue.
Ascent time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Elevation gain: 950 meters – The total vertical distance covered during the hike.

Why start mountaineering? Seduced by the unnecessary, read here.

Price

1 alpinist€ 540,00
2 alpinists€ 300,00 / person
3 alpinists€ 220,00 / person
4 alpinists€ 180,00 / person
5 alpinists€ 160,00 / person

Are you alone and want to join a group? Click here

The price includes: accompaniment by a IFMGA mountain guide from Monte Rosa, ski pass, technical equipment (harness, crampons)

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

Program

Meet the guide at Passo dei Salati, which we will reach via the first lift from Alagna or Gressoney. After a thorough equipment check and distribution of technical materials, we will take the cable car up to Punta Indren and then start roped up towards the Lys Glacier. Our itinerary will first lead us to the Piramide Vincent (4215 m) and then descend towards Balmenhorn to reach the iconic Cristo delle Vette (4161 m).

Equipment required

Recommended Clothing

2 breathable shirts (short sleeves also fine)
1 long-sleeve thermal shirt
1 fleece or heavy sweatshirt
1 down jacket
1 waterproof and 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
Crampons with 10 or 12 points (included in the price)
Ice axe with steel blade (only if you have one)
Helmet (included in the price)
Harness (included in the price)
Telescopic poles

Important Accessories

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

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.

Please, pay attention here

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

F.A.Q.

FAQ #1 – Will I suffer from altitude sickness?

High altitude can cause altitude sickness, with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can vary from person to person. Gradual acclimatization helps reduce the risk and intensity of symptoms. Being in good physical shape and well-trained makes the experience less strenuous.

FAQ #2 – Are there any medications that can help with altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is highly subjective, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is advisable to bring only the headache and nausea medications that you are already familiar with and have used before. Nevertheless, we recommend consulting your primary healthcare provider for personalized advice

FAQ #3 – What happens if I feel unwell during the ascent?

If you feel unwell in the refuge, we will organize an early descent. If you feel unwell along the route, we will turn back. In the case of severe discomfort, the accompanying guide will alert rescue services, and you will be evacuated by helicopter.

FAQ #4 – Can I join a group if I’m alone?

Of course! Select the experience you would like to join, you will find all available dates on the group outings page here

FAQ #5 – Can I rent high mountain clothing and equipment?

You can rent equipment (boots, poles, ice axe) in Alagna, Gressoney and Champoluc. However, it will not be possible to rent clothing.

FAQ #6 – If I do not reach the summit, will I be refunded?

No, there will be no refunds as you will have already used the refuge, guide, and lifts.

FAQ #7 – What is the required fitness level for the excursion?

To successfully complete this experience, you need good physical endurance and training that allows you to sustain at least 4/5 hours of uphill walking plus the same amount in descent.

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Vincent Pyramid and Balmenhorn

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Categories: Activities, Monte Rosa Daily Tours, Mountaineering, SPRING, SUMMER Tags: Beginners, first steps

Insurance

If you want to go mountain climbing without worries, choose an international insurance policy like True Traveller or World Nomads: it covers mountain rescue, medical expenses, and repatriation. Also, remember to take out liability insurance to protect yourself against any accidental damage to others during your adventure.