Gran Paradiso 4061m – with a mountain guide

High Peaks & Mountaineering

  • 2 Days

  • Level 2  ?

  • 1-4 clients per guide

  • June to September

  • See below for ideas to extend this adventure

Ascent of Gran Paradiso, first climbed in 1860, is a great introduction to alpinism, and allows you to collect your first 4000m peak.

Its climbing history is tied to its role as a reserve to save ibex from extinction, before becoming Italy’s first national park in 1922.

This ascent is a good stepping stone to prepare you for more challenging ascents like Mont Blanc 4806m. You can also add an intro day to improve your mountaineering skills.

Pricing

Pricing below is for a 2-day ascent, however, it can be extended to three days for a much more relaxed pace.

Normal Route

1 guest / guide:
€ 800 Euro (about $1,290 CAD)

2 guests / guide:
€ 850 Euro (about $1,3700 CAD)

3 guests / guide:
€ 900 Euro (about $1,600 CAD)

4 guests / guide:
€ 950 Euro (about $1,530 CAD)

More than 4 guests:
We will split the group between multiple guides and the price is calculated as you see above.

You can personalize the itinerary – for ideas on how to combine this adventure with others see the itinerary section.

Prices already include taxes but don’t include hut stay for you and the guide. Some mountain huts offer 2-4 bed private rooms, while others have dormitory style accommodation.

Normal Route

The ascent to Gran Paradiso (4061m) via the Normal Route is a classic and highly rewarding mountaineering ascent in the famed Aosta Valley. This route does not require previous knowledge of the use of crampons and ice axe. The climb itself has ideal terrain to learn the required skills.

The most beautiful part of the ascent comes at the very end, from climbing the spectacular summit rock tower.

Day 1

We meet up in late morning in Pont in Valsavarenche Valley (1941m). After checking our gear we will start our 800 m ascent to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele or the Rifugio Chabod, both offer great panoramas and typical local cuisine.
Night: Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (2732m) or Rifugio Chabod  (2750m)

Day 2

In the early morning we will hike across moraine slopes and boulders, leading us to the glacier where we will rope up and put crampons on. From there we will be ascending the glacier, until we reach, near the characteristic “donkey’s back,” near the Becca di Moncorvè. From here on the views open up towards Mont Blanc and other majestic mountains.

The ascent continues up the glacier, often passing by impressive ice seracs. The final push is up the summit tower with an easy vertical climb. The top part of the descent follows an exposed rocky ridge before it retraces the ascent route.

What’s Included

As per itinerary above.

  • Expert leadership of our fully certified local mountain guide.

  • Helmet, harness, ice axes, crampons for your use

  • Meals during the multi-day climb: Accommodation at the mountain huts always includes dinner and breakfast, plus a lunch bag to take with us.

Not Included

As per itinerary above.

  • Transportation to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in the Itinerary. However, we can arrange this for you if you like.

  • Optional gratuities to trip leaders or staff.

  • Optional travel insurance. (We recommend to have one.)

  • All beverages such as beer, wine, coffee, sodas, and bottled water are not included unless specified in the meal’s menu.

Frequent Questions

Levels explained

Please visit this page for more details on our payment, cancellation and refund policies.

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Please visit this page for more details on what kind of emergency medical and travel insurance we recommend you have for your trip and other important information.

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We had fantastic time in Valmalenco! It’s clear that you guys love your valley and know it from the old little villages to the highest peaks. Thanks for organizing everything and your patience when guiding. We are coming back :)

Yara F., Vernon, BC, Canada

Thank you for your guiding and teaching once again. We had great times exploring your mountains with you! While not as wild as Canada, it’s Europe after all, we really liked that Valmalenco is more rustic than Switzerland or Dolomites. Looking forward to see you for another adventure somewhere!

Martin C., San Francisco, USA

We hired Stano to plan out and guide us on a travel-trekking trip in Patagonia. While he has not been there before, we had a very smooth and fun trip all around! We trekked 6 days in Torres del Paine Park in Chile and 3 days under Fitzroy in Argentina. Fabulous experience!

Viki V., Vancouver, Canada

With my two daughters, over four winters, we have had magical experiences being guided and coached by Stefano in Valmalenco. His flexibility to deal with a beginner snowboarder to very experienced skier is exceptional. He is a friendly guide, true leader and a fantastic instructor!

Garfield K., United Kingdom

I have been on a couple of adventurous trips with my friends guided by Stano. We don’t like to have every detail planned for our vacation as we appreciate getting into some trouble… it’s just more authentic and fun :) We have hiked together in the Dolomites and Valmalenco, and have travelled in Canada and around the Italian island of Sardinia.

Peter H., Slovakia