Monte Rosa “Capanna Margherita” – 4554m – with a mountain guide
Capanna Margherita (4554m) is a beautiful historical rifugio and the highest located building in all of Europe. The rifugio is perched at the top of a small summit, Punta Gnifetti, in the Monte Rosa mountain range.
While the ascent's technical difficulty is low, the high altitude presents a challenge! This can come in the form of strong winds and cold temperatures, even down to minus 30 in the summer. But when the weather is right is an incredible and rewarding experience, plus spectacular view of the famous Matterhorn.
This climb is a great introduction to high altitude alpinism. If you don't think you are quite ready, we can do a less demanding climb to prepare you for this big adventure. Alternatively, you can add an intro day to improve your mountaineering skills.
Margherita Hut
The climb to the Capanna Margerita is usually completed in two days, with an overnight at Rifugio Gnifetti (3647m) or Rifugio Mantova (3498m). From both rifugi you can enjoy the dramatic panoramas of the Alps.
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.
Climbers must be reasonably fit and in good health to sustain a high-altitude effort lasting between 8 to 12 hours. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real danger at this altitude, therefore, it is paramount that you feel well before departing on this adventure.
Day 1
We meet up in late morning in Alagna (1191m) or Gressoney (1385m). After checking our gear, we will upload a series of lifts that will bring us to Punta Indren (3275m).
Here we will start our 400m ascent to Rifugio Gnifetti or Rifugio Mantova for an overnight stay and acclimatization. The huts offer typical local cuisine and great atmosphere.
Day 2
The summit day requires 900m of elevation gain and an early start to cross the gently rising and expansive Lys Glacier. The final push to Punta Gnifetti is a moderate-steep climb that will literally bring you inside the cosy and historical rifugio.
The descent retraces the ascent route allows to really enjoy the panoramas as breathing is getting easier. Bonus is a coffee and cake at the rifugi along the way.
What’s Included
As per itinerary above.
Not Included
As per itinerary above.
Frequent Questions
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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 :)
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!
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!
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!
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.