5 days mountaineering in Italy: Gran Paradiso and Monte Rosa ascent from 8 July to 12 July

Technical level
Mountain range : Gran Paradiso
5 days
2 people (2 places available)
Prices : 2170,00 €
[ + More information about fees ]

Prices on request for groups of more than 2 participants.

Five days to climb emblematic peaks at an altitude of over four thousand metres: Gran Paradiso and its 4061 metres to acclimatise and two peaks on Monte Rosa at over 4200m. This journey between Val d’Aoste and Val Gressoney is ideal for those who want to make the most of their stay in the mountains. Comfortable refuges and the Italian-style delicious meals will delight you... An anthology of high altitude summits reserved for those in very good physical condition.

Price under review. Please contact us to book your date.

Your trip day to day

Day 1 : Val Savarenche - Chabod refuge

The guide will meet you at the Bellevue cable car carpark in Les Houches and check your equipment (for those who have booked equipment, we pick it up from the hire shop). Transfer by car to the Val d’Aosta at the end of the Val Savarenche valley. From there, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour walk up to the Chabod refuge (2750m). We follow the old mule track which, after passing through the larch forest, ends on the vast flower-filled slopes where it’s not unusual to spot animals.

Night and meal at the Chabod refuge.

Ascent: + 970m.

Day 2: Gran Paradiso ascent

Departure at around 4 a.m. for the ascent of Grand Paradis, 4061m. This is a beautiful, mainly glacial route along the Laveciau glacier. You’ll need to manage your physical shape to reach the 4061 metres of altitude of this splendid viewpoint ( 4 to 5 hours walk). From the summit, you can look out over the great plains of Italy and part of the Alps. Descend via the Mont Grand Paradis glacier to the Victor Emanuel refuge at 2735m, where you can soak up the sun on the panoramic terrace.

Overnight stay and meal at the Victor Emmanuel hut.

Ascent/descent: + 1330m / - 1326m.

Day 3 : Gressonney Staffal – Quintino Sella Refuge 3585m

Descent along a magnificent paved path through a beautiful forest to the valley. Transfer by car to Val Gressoney in Italy (approx. 2h30). We take the ski lifts up to 2672 metres altitude. We then climb gently along the moraines to reach the friendly Quitino Sella refuge at 3585 m altitude.

Overnight stay and meal at the Quitino Sella refuge.

Descent/ascent: -800m / + 950m - approx. 2 hours downhill, then 2:30 hours uphill.

Day 4 : Paso Naso du Lyskamm 4272m – Gnifetti Refuge 3647m.

A beautiful day ahead. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll tackle the ascent and then the traverse of the Naso du Lyskamm, 4100m. The steep slopes require special care and precise cramponing, but what a reward to climb such an attractive route!

Overnight stay and meal at the Gniffeti hut.

Ascent/descent: +600m/-1000m. 6 to 7 hours’ walk.

Day 5: Gnifetti Refuge, 3611m – Pyramide Vincent 4215m.

We’ll round off our stay with a climb to the Pyramide Vincent, 4215m, an Alpine peak that will leave you astonished. the 360° view of the Mont Rose glaciers is breath-taking. We also could go for other summits depending on the mountain conditions and the shape of the participants: the Zumstein, the Parrot Spitze 4432m or the Signalkuppe 4554m.
After with memorable climb we take the cable car down to Gressoney then back to our starting point Les Houches.

Our journey ends at Les Houches after you have returned your equipment.

Ascent/descent: +800m / -1000m

The programme is intended as a guide only. It could be modified at any time by the mountain guide for safety reasons, weather conditions or regarding the physical and technical level of the participants.

min/max people

2 participants max. Departure is guaranteed from 2 participants. You will be notified at least 7 days before departure in the event of cancellation. Where possible, an alternative solution will be offered.

Private guiding is available, on the day of your choice, with friends or for your family, price on request.

NB : For cancellation conditions for privatised trips (made up groups) please refer to our conditions of sale.

Equipment : gear and clothing

Personal equipment

Hiking in high mountain requires being able to cope with all weather and environmental conditions which can change very quickly. Appropriate equipment guarantees safety and represents an essential part of the success and comfort of your climb/stay.}
You will not necessarily use all the items on this list which but you must nevertheless have them in your bag.

All of this equipment is technical and generally quite expensive. Please note that we offer some of this equipment for rental, they are indicated by a * in the list below, you will find rental prices in the "Gear rental and extras prices" section. Please note, the mountaineering kit that we offer for rental only includes individual technical equipment (mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet); clothing (gore tex jacket, soft shell fleece, goretex pants) are not part of it.

Equipment hire and changes to your booking are only possible before payment of the balance of your booking (45 days before departure). We advise you to take the time, upon registration, to list the equipment you already have.No equipment initially rented from ROC ECRINS and not taken or used on the day of departure will be refunded.

Important, if you have your own personal equipment: the legislation regarding P.P.I. (personal protective equipment, this is the helmet, harness, and sunglasses) limits the use of the equipment over time. They can be used for 5 years from the date of purchase. Beyond this date, your equipment is considered to no longer be up to standard. You can find all the information regarding P.P.E. here > www.inrs.fr

Headwear

At high altitudes, snow reflects UV rays and the sun’s rays are not as well filtered by the atmosphere; even a cloudy sky allows 90% of UV rays to pass through, so it is essential to protect yourself against the dangers of the sun.

  • A pair of class 4 protection sunglasses is highly recommended for everyone and very strongly recommended for sensitive eyes. They’ll come in handy on a ski holiday too.
  • Sun cream high protection (index 50 recommended) for face and lips; remember to take the smallest size possible (no large tubes)
  • a cap for the approach walk (prefer a soft model with no large seams that can be worn under the helmet)
  • a ski mask (indispensable in case of gusts of wind or snowfall)
  • a beanie hat that can be worn under the helmet (without pompoms)
  • a helmet* approved for mountaineering ( 5 years max since date of purchase)
  • a neck gaiters or Buff(avoid scarves)
  • a headlamp with loaded batteries!!!

Bodywear

When making a prolonged effort at altitude, the principle is to be able to layer different garments according to the intensity of the effort and the weather conditions (temperature, wind, snowfall, rain), in order to stay as dry as possible.

NB: ski clothes are not suitable because they are often too warm, too heavy and not very breathable.

Upper body

  • First layer: a long-sleeve base layer in a breathable, quick-drying material such as merino, wood fibre..., cotton to be avoided(to protect you from UV rays and for safety in the event of a fall).
    Second layer: a lightweight fleece or soft shell jacket*. Ideally, it should be windproof and breathable. Put it on as soon as the temperature cools, usually when you arrive on the glacier.
  • Third layer: a warm, compressible down jacket (synthetic or down, -10°C protection). It will keep you warm during a long stop on the route, at the summit while you take photos, on the refuge terrace, and sometimes even while walking in very cold weather.
    Fourth layer: a gore tex* windproof jacket to protect against rain and snow. This is the waterproof jacket that keeps you dry in bad weather. It must be lightweight and breathable.
  • a mountaineering harness* (5 years max from date of purchase)

Lower body

  • a thin pair of tights in fleece or cotton, ideally ¾ so as not to make the socks too thick. You’ll need them in case of very cold weather, and you can put them on at the hut at the start of the ascent if necessary. You can also use it as nightwear.
  • Mountaineering trousers: mountaineering trousers are water-repellent, windproof, breathable and hard-wearing. You can also take hiking or trekking trousers that aren’t too light (as long as you have a gore tex overtrouser to put over them). NB: mountaineering trousers are not available for hire
  • an overtrouser* in GoreTex or equivalent material: these are very light trousers that you put over your trousers in case of rain, wind or snow. They have zips along the legs, so you can put them on quickly at any time without having to remove your shoes.

The hands

  • a pair of thin gloves in fleece, softshell or leather for the climbs to the refuge.
  • one pair of thicker gloves like ski gloves
  • a pair of VERY WARM Mittens (if your ski gloves aren’t warm enough), which you’ll put over the thin gloves when you get to the top and for the descent.

Footwear

  • Mountaineering boots* (crampon-compatible): these boots are different from hiking boots. They are rigid, which will enable you to crampon on ice while providing good support for the ankle and crampons. They must also be waterproof and offer excellent protection against the cold.
  • Hiking or mountaineering socks : these should be warm and well-fitting and high enough to rise above boot level to avoid overheating. One pair is enough for a 48-hour mountain run. You can also take a pair of very light mini-socks to put on in the refuge in the evening while your pair of technical socks dry.
  • a pair of crampons* with anti-boot in good condition and sharp, suitable for your boots,
  • a mountaineering ice axe* light and long, suited to your height, it should almost reach the ground when in your hand with your arm extended alongside your body.
  • gaiters* which will keep your feet dry in fresh snow; they also prevent crampon points catching on the bottom of your trousers.
    NB: all refuges provide slippers, so you don’t need to take extra shoes.

Guide’s tip for 48-hour tours: as most of the time the refuge is reached on footpaths, you can plan to go up and down in trail trainers (soles with crampons) to protect your feet from the heat that can be caused by the rigidity of mountaineering boots (you’ll need to have your mountaineering boots in your bag). You can leave your trainers at the refuge before setting off on the climb and pick them up on your return.

This adds weight, but it can be very useful for those with sensitive feet - the choice is yours...

And last but not least

  • Telescopic walking poles* with snow washers (8 cm minimum diameter ). Not compulsory but highly recommended; they will help you on the way up and take the strain off your knees on the way down.
  • water : make sure you have enough water for around 2 litres, ideally a one-litre plastic bottle plus smaller ones (around 25 cl) to keep warm and close to your body in your jacket. Water bags are not suitable for use at high altitude because they freeze! You can use them, but only when going up to the refuge.
  • energy food (cereal bars, dried fruit...depending on your habits),
  • small thermos 500ML max (not compulsory, a hot drink can be comforting but it adds weight...)
  • camera: prefer a small size that you can slip into your pocket, no need to bring a large camera that risks being damaged. Besides, with the cold the battery would be empty very quickly.
  • small first aid kit adapted to your personal needs, also containing elastoplast and double-skin dressings for any blisters. If you are taking medication, take only the number of tablets you need. Pack a few paracetamol tablets as it’s not uncommon to suffer from headaches when at altitude.
  • micro Toilet Bag: just the bare essentials (toothbrush, mini tube of toothpaste...) and, very important, earplugs for a good night’s sleep in the refuge.
  • a bed liner (meat bag): compulsory for nights in refuges. All the refuges are providing pillows and duvets but these are obviously not washed after each passage.
  • a bin bag to isolate your wet stuff in case of rain or a waterproof overbag.
  • documents always useful to have with you in a small waterproof bag: ID proof, references of your assistance insurance if you haven’t taken out the policy we offer.
  • A small amount of cash for personal expenses (drinks, etc.) in the refuges (most of the refuges don’t accept payment by credit card).

And remember, all of the above must fit into:

  • A mountain rucksack* of around 35 litres (40 litres max) with ice axe holder and chest strap. The filled rucksack should not exceed 10 kg, including technical equipment (crampons, harness, helmet). Remember that weight is the mountaineer’s enemy. Once you’ve packed your rucksack, there should still be room for a picnic!

You should also bring a second bag (such as a soft travel bag) to store the items you don’t need for the nights at the refuge and to leave in your car.

High mountain : special warning

Contingencies

Mountaineering is dependent on different factors that we can sometimes neither anticipate nor control; we may therefore have to modify the programme of our high mountain holidays before or during the stay for various reasons:

  • if the weather and/or snow conditions make it impossible to carry out the planned programme and/or
  • if there is a delay in the opening or early closure of a ski lift or refuge,

In these cases, we will offer you an alternative programme, sometimes on the day of departure, which you may not refuse.

Supervision standarts

Mountain conditions change throughout the summer and these changes can sometimes alter the supervision standards for each ascent. The supervision standards define the number of people that the mountain guide can supervise for each route and that standard can be modified during the season.
These changes may affect the price of the trip or the programme. Your registration for one of our trips or ascents means that you understand and accept this possibility.

Hazards

Mountaineering exposes to random but real hazards, especially avalanches, rock falls, falls into crevasses and very low temperatures....To limit these risks, it is essential to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You must be aware of these risks and accept them when you book a trip with us.

Health condition

No medical certificate required to take part in our trips, but it may be useful to check with your doctor that you have no contraindications (particularly in the case of chronic illness) to physical activity in the high mountains.

If you are undergoing any particular treatment, please let us know so that we can take appropriate measures if necessary.

Altitude can cause acute mountain sickness when you are not sufficiently acclimatised, also known as AMS. In most cases, it is accompanied by headaches, nausea and a general feeling of discomfort, but in the most serious cases it can lead to pulmonary or cerebral oedema, requiring an immediate descent.

That’s why it’s always a good idea, before any ascent or high altitude stay wherever possible, to do some hiking in the mountains or medium mountains, especially for those who live at sea level.

Skills and stamina level

Stamina

This 5-day immersion in high altitude, with significant differences in altitude and fairly long stages, requires very good physical condition. You must be physically ready to enjoy those beautiful ascents.

If you are a good hiker or regularly practise an endurance sport, this is the ideal preparation. If not, we recommend that you train in the weeks/months leading up to your trip: brisk walking (ideally on a path with a positive elevation), cycling, running, swimming (at high intensity)... any sport that helps you increase your cardio-respiratory capacity is ideal.

If you live in a mountain environment, you can prepare yourself physically by doing hikes of progressive difficulty; doing a 1200-metre ascent without suffering will give you the fitness you need for these very beautiful climbs.

Skills

You should master mountaineering techniques and cramponing on snow and ice slopes of up to 50°.

N.B.: if your guide judges that you are not sufficiently ready for the ascent, he or she may ask you to leave the group for your safety and the safety of the group.

Guiding

By state-certified mountain guides or trainees mountain guides from the Roc Écrins team. They will have a VHF radio connected to the emergency services, a satellite phone or a mobile phone. They will also have a collective first-aid kit.

Insurances

To take part in one of our stays, you must be properly insured for the chosen activity (rescue and repatriation costs) in the event of an incident or accident occurring during the stay. (We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover). It is your responsibility to check the cover provided by your personal insurance policy. If you do not have such an insurance, you can take out the EUROP ASSISTANCE contract when you sign up. The amount of the "ASSISTANCE" insurance covering repatriation, rescue and search costs represents 2.4% of the price of the stay. MULTIRISK" insurance covering assistance, cancellation, loss of luggage and interruption of holiday, represents 5.6% of the price of the holiday.

Accommodation

First evening at the Refuge Chabod.
In Autumn 1966 a group of mountain guides members of the Valsavarenche Guide Society came up with the idea of building the Federico Chabod refuge. After many ups and downs, the refuge was finally inaugurated on 28 July 1985. In 2007, the refuge was refurbished to make it more comfortable and modern. It now has showers and a bathroom. 

Second night at the Victor Emanuel Refuge.
This CAI (Italian Alpine Club) refuge was built between 1942 and 1948. It faces the large and beautiful north-west faces of Tresenta, 3609m, Ciarforon, 3643m and Cilma di Breuil, 3454m. At the refuge, overnight stay in a dormitory with shared toilets and washbasins. Hearty Italian-style meal, picnic lunch.

On the third evening, we’ll be snug and warm at the Quintino Sella refuge: the very first refuge to be built by the CAI Biella section in collaboration with the CAI Varallo Sesia section, the refuge was inaugurated on 15 August 1885. Since then, successive refurbishments have brought it all the comforts of a modern refuge. Simple but functional, it’s a great place to spend the night.

The Gnifetti refuge will welcome you for the last night. Situated upstream from the Lys glacier basin, at 3647m on the Glacier du Garstelet, you’ll be delighted by the place. Exceptional panoramic views, large bright dining room and fine dining. The refuge has shared bathrooms, washbasins and hot showers. The rooms are heated. This refuge is the starting point for excursions to Mont Rose.

Transport and carbon footprint

Transport provided by Roc Écrins. If none of our vehicles are available, we may ask you to organise car pooling among participants. In this case, travel expenses would be refunded to the person using their vehicle.

Carbone footprint of your stay : 100 kg Co2

That’s the amount of CO2 produced by our travels during your stay!

For information :

  • Paris - Les Houches

 by car: 170 kg CO2
 by train: 1.4 KgCo2

  • Lyon - Les Houches

 by car : 64 kg CO2
 by train : 3.3 kg Co2

  • Marseille - Les Houches

 by car : 130 kgCO2
 by train : 1.1 kgCo2

Carpooling ? We can put you in touch with other participants. Contact us by email or telephone. https://www.blablacar.fr/

Meeting point

Meeting time:

9:45

The first day on the Intersport shop’s carpark in Les Houches.

Getting there

By train,

  • TGV (High speed train) Paris-Bellegarde and TGV Marseille-Lyon, connections to Les Houches by regional lines (TER)
  • The SNCF line calls at all the villages from St Gervais-les-bains-le Fayet to Martigny (Switzerland) via Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine.

by car,

  • From Italy, take the A5 motorway to AOSTE, then follow roadsigns for Courmayer. Enter France through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Les Houches.
  • From the South, A7 motorway to Valence, take the A49 to Voreppe, follow roadsigns for Chambery and Geneva to join the Autoroute Blanche to Les Houches.
  • From the north, take the A6 motorway then the A40 to Macon, the Autoroute Blanche and the N205 to Les Houches.

If you are coming by plane,

From Geneva International Airport

  • SAT bus company provides daily services between Geneva airport and Chamonix www.sat-montblanc.com
  • Léman Express rail link between Geneva airport and St Gervais- Le Fayet station

Price

Price per person : 2170,00 €

Prices on request for groups of more than 2 participants.

Price includes:
  • Mountain guiding service , including their meals, overnight accommodation and lift passes
  • Full board accommodation from the first evening to midday on the last day
  • Mineral water if there is no running water in the refuge
  • ski lift passes if required
  • Transport during the stay
Price does not include:
  • Picnic on the first day
  • Personal expenses: snacks, drinks, etc
  • Individual technical equipment (mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
  • liability, repatriation and cancellation insurances
  • Transport to and from meeting point

Any other expenses not mentioned under the above section “the price includes”

How to book

Pour vous inscrire :

  • remplissez le formulaire de pré-inscription en ligne
  • Suite à la validation de votre inscription de notre part (places disponibles et validation par notre guide référent), vous recevrez par email un contrat de réservation. Il présente le détail de votre réservation ainsi que le calendrier et les modalités de règlement.
  • A réception de ce contrat, vous disposez de 4 jours pour effectuer le règlement de l’acompte d’un montant de 35% suivant les modalités qui y figurent. 
  • L’inscription définitive n’est prise en compte qu’à réception du paiement de l’acompte.
  • Le solde est à régler 45 jours avant la date de départ
  • Dans le cas d’une inscription à moins de 45 jours du départ, le montant total de la réservation devra être réglé à réception du contrat de réservation suivant les modalités qui y figurent.

Gear rental and Extras prices

  Equipment

Title Details Price
Mountaineering full pack 5 days: boots, helmet, ice axe, crampons, harness
Mountaineering boots
Helmet
Ice axe
Crampons
Harness
165.00 €
Gore-Tex Gaiters 5 days
Gore-Tex Gaiters
25.00 €
Soft shell jacket 5 days
Soft shell jacket
27.00 €
Gore-tex jacket 5 days
Gore-tex jacket
33.00 €
Poles 5 days
Poles
33.00 €
Harness 5 days
Harness
33.00 €
Helmet 5 days
Helmet
28.00 €
Ice axe 5 days
Ice axe
29.00 €
Crampons 5 days
Crampons
39.00 €
Mountaineering boots 5 days
Mountaineering boots
60.00 €
Gore-Tex trousers 5 days
Gore-Tex trousers
30.00 €

  Accommodation

  Other