– Anna Gualdi
A high-altitude dream that takes strong legs, steady breath… and a true love for the mountains. Reaching the Capanna Margherita (4554 m) is one of the most intense and rewarding experiences you can live in the Alps.
You don’t need to be an expert alpinist, but it’s essential to be well-prepared: the entire route unfolds at high altitude, across glacier terrain, and includes long stretches roped together, always accompanied by a certified UIAGM mountain guide.
There are no major technical difficulties or exposed sections without protection: you’ll find fixed ropes along the way, and some ladders at the beginning of the route up to Capanna Gnifetti. But don’t underestimate the physical effort: walking for hours above 3000 metres on snow and ice, under a strong sun and in thin air, is demanding.
This ascent is ideal for those who already have experience with 3–4 hour mountain hikes and are ready to take on a high-altitude challenge. Besides the views from the highest mountain hut in Europe, what you’ll gain is a deep, lasting sense of achievement.
Capanna Margherita Climb: Prices and Ascent Options to Suit Your Pace and Style
Each climb to Capanna Margherita has its own rhythm and spirit. You can do it in 2, 3, or more days, depending on your fitness level, mountain experience, and how you wish to live this adventure.
Capanna Margherita guided tours and rates
2 days climb: the Capanna Margherita Classic
The most dynamic option for those with little time but well-trained legs.
This is the classic ascent par excellence. You start in the afternoon of the first day with a hike up to the mountain hut (either Capanna Gnifetti or Rifugio CittĂ di Mantova), where you spend the night. The next morning, you wake up at dawn to tackle the final ascent to Capanna Margherita.
Day two is long and demanding, requiring punctuality and determination: in the morning, the glacier is more stable, while in the afternoon, rising temperatures can increase the risk of weak snow bridges and slower progress.
Ideal for fit climbers with limited time who want to make the most of their experience.
Capanna Margherita classic climb prices Prices (private):
- 1 mountaineer: €1150.00
- 2 mountaineers: €650.00 / person
- 3 mountaineers: €490.00 / person
- 4 mountaineers: €420.00 / person
- 5 mountaineers: €370.00 / person
- Want to join a group? €450.00 / person (max 5 people per guide)
The price includes:
- UIAGM guide for 2 days.
- Half board (Capanna Gnifetti or CittĂ di Mantova).
- Round-trip cable car ticket.
- Technical equipment (harness, crampons).
đŸ‘‰ Click here to see available group excursion dates
đŸ‘‰ Click here to see available private excursion dates
3-Day Trip (Overnight at Capanna Margherita)
A slower pace means better acclimatisation and a more immersive experience. You reach the hut on the first day, ascend to Capanna Margherita on the second day and – yes – spend the night at 4554 m.
But be warned: sleeping at that altitude is not easy. The air is thin, and even fit participants may struggle to sleep or feel some altitude discomfort. Still, waking up to a sunrise over the Lyskamm, Castor and the Matterhorn… that’s something you won’t forget.
đŸ‘‰ Best suited for those who want to savour every moment and embrace the atmosphere at Europe’s highest refuge.
PROGRAM
Day 1: Meeting at Passo dei Salati at 2:30 PM. Equipment check and hike to the refuge. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Ascent to Capanna Margherita at dawn. Light lunch and rest. Dinner and overnight stay at Capanna Margherita.
Day 3: Descent passing Cristo delle Vette and Piramide Vincent. Return to Punta Indren and then to Alagna or Gressoney by cable car.
Capanna Margherita Overnight Stay Climb Prices (private):
- 1 mountaineer: €1850.00
- 2 mountaineers: €1100.00 / person
- 3 mountaineers: €850.00 / person
- 4 mountaineers: €730.00 / person
- 5 mountaineers: €660.00 / person
- Want to join a group? €730.00 / person
The price includes:
- UIAGM guide for 3 days.
- Half board (Capanna Gnifetti and Capanna Margherita).
- Round-trip cable car ticket.
- Technical equipment (harness, crampons).
đŸ‘‰ Click here to see available group excursion dates
đŸ‘‰ Click here to see available private excursion dates
Trekking to Capanna Margherita (Without Cable Cars)
This is the most authentic and balanced way to reach Capanna Margherita. No lifts, no rush – just your steps, your breath, and the joy of experiencing the mountain like the early alpinists did.
Starting from Alagna, you hike up through the peaceful Otro Valley, crossing forests, remote meadows and rocky terrain, sleeping in mountain huts along the way. Day by day, your body adapts, your mind slows down, and your heart fills up.
Perfect for those who want total immersion and a complete experience, making the journey itself part of the reward.
PROGRAM
Day 1: Meeting in Alagna at 1:00 PM. Independent hike in Val d’Otro. Dinner and overnight stay in a cabin.
Day 2: Hike to Colle di Zube and descent to Rifugio Gabiet.
Day 3: Ascent to Capanna Gnifetti.
Day 4: Ascent to Capanna Margherita.
Day 5: Return to Alagna on foot (optional cable car at extra cost).
Prices (private):
- 2 mountaineers: €1400.00 / person
- 3 mountaineers: €1100.00 / person
- 4 mountaineers: €950.00 / person
- 5 mountaineers: €850.00 / person
- Want to join a group? €860.00 / person
The price includes:
- UIAGM guide for 4 days.
- Half board at listed refuges.
- Technical equipment (harness, crampons).
đŸ‘‰ Click here to see available group excursion dates
đŸ‘‰ Click here to see available private excursion dates
3-day mountaineering course from Gressoney
A unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in a safe and supportive setting. You’ll practise walking roped up on glaciers, using crampons and an ice axe, and managing altitude safely. On the third day, you’ll put your new skills to the test with the ascent to Capanna Margherita.
đŸ‘‰ Designed for those who want to climb safely and learn to move independently above 3000 m.
Please note: reaching Capanna Margherita is not guaranteed. Weather, glacier conditions, or insufficient physical preparation might require an alternative route. But that’s no failure – you’ll still gain essential experience and be ready for your next step. Sometimes, the best way to reach a goal is first learning how to get there.
Prices (group – max 5):
- 1 mountaineer: €630.00 / person
Day 1: Meet your guide at Passo dei Salati at 2:30 PM. Take the lifts up to Punta Indren (3260 m) and hike to Rifugio Mantova. After settling in, you’ll dive into the basics of mountaineering gear—how to use carabiners, harnesses, and the different types of ice axes.
Day 2: Full day of practical training on the glacier. Learn how to use crampons safely, tie essential knots, rope up properly, and understand glacier travel techniques, including crevasse rescue basics. Dinner and overnight stay at Mantova hut.
Day 3: Summit day! You’ll apply everything you’ve learned with an ascent to Capanna Margherita (the highest hut in Europe) or a 4000 m peak, depending on weather and group level.
The price includes:
- UIAGM guide for 3 days.
- Half board at listed refuges.
- Technical equipment (harness, crampons).
- Lifts round trip.
Necessary Equipment
- Clothing
- Technical equipment
- Advice on altitude sickness
- Tips for Hydration and Acclimatisation at High Altitude
- Tales of mountaineering adventures on Monte Rosa
- Into the mountains: why we go, and how we grow
Boots can be rented in Alagna, Gressoney, or Ayas.
đŸ‘‰đŸ‘‰đŸ‘‰ From April to June, we train on 1000–1750 m elevation gains to prepare for the mountaineering season. Training together is motivating and fun!
TRAIN WITH US: discover our guided training days.
Ready to climb? Get in touch now
