Climb from the Geant Glacier, visit the Gran Paradiso National Park and climb the Gran Paradiso 4061m peak on your long weekend. Enjoy the sunsets from mountain huts and Italian food and wine.
This is ideal introduction course to high altitude climbing.
However, you need to be physically fit.
2 nights in huts, transport and lift passes - all is included in the price!
Gran Paradiso is a beautiful 4061m peak, and is the only 4000m peak which is entirely within Italian territory. The Gran Paradiso could be therefore considered as the highest peak in Italy.
Located in the Gran Paradiso national park, it offers a challenging but beautiful ascent through picturesque landscapes rich in alpine flora and wildlife. You will also enjoy views of the majestic Mont Blanc range.
Although high, the ascent of the Gran Paradiso is not technically very demanding, making this peak the perfect introduction to high alpine climbing.
This weekend will take you up the SKYWAY to hike on the mighty Glacier du Geant. There is an amazing terrain for climbing, scrambling and crampon treks.
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Your guide will meet you in our offices in Chamonix on the evening prior start of the trip. This is a great opportunity to run the equipment check, discuss the itinerary, weather forecast & conditions and answer any questions you have.
Today is dedicated to crampon and ice axe training on glacial terrain. Depending on your previous climbing experience and size of your group, you will learn how to use crampons and basic mountaineering skills or climb one of the alpine routes in the area. You will also stay in the historical Torino hut for the night
Transport to the Gran Paradiso National Park where we will hike up to the Vittorio Emanuele II or the Chabod Refuge. The hike takes 2-3 hours and then we spend the night at either of the two mountain huts.
The big day! An early start (3am) awaits us and we set out to climb the Grand Paradiso (4016m) before dawn. The climb is varied over easy snow slopes, glacier and rocky ridge; it takes around 4-5 hours from the refuge to the summit. We'll see the sun rising along the way and the view from the top will be something special. The descent is by the same path and takes about 3 hours. You will return to Chamonix to celebrate your first 4000m peak ascent!
Previous experience in alpine climbing is an advantage but not a requirement to join our Gran Paradiso course. However, it is essential that you are in a very good physical shape, you should be able to complete a 8 hour hill hike without difficulty. Regular running or swimming and hill walking are the best forms of training for this course. If you need further advice on how to prepare for the climb, please contact us on info@chamex.com
Mountaineering boots
Warm hat
Thermal underwear
Fleece or woollen layers
Light puffer jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Windproof and waterproof trousers
Warm gloves
Thin gloves
Gaiters
Sun hat
Ice Axe
Climbing harness
Telescopic poles
Ski goggles
3 x Screwgate carabiner
Belay device
Climbing helmet
Crampons
25-30 litres rucksack
Sunglasses
Water bottle - Ideally two 1L bottles
Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Sleeping bag liner
3 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide.
2 nights in mountain huts with breakfast and dinner included.
Return transport from Chamonix to Italy.
The cost of any lift access that is required during the course for the itinerary described above.
Ropes, safety equipment, etc will be provided when needed by your guide.
Our team is based at the foot of the Aiguillle du Midi cable car and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Chamonix.
Please see the "Equipment" tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course. For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.
Travel insurance including a mountain search and rescue insurance is mandatory on all our trips (we can organise the mountai search and rescue insurance for you on request). We highly advice to have a policy covering the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.
The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own food and we can stop for a picnic, or there may be the option to buy lunch at a mountain hut. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water and snacks as we will be in the mountains for a number of hours.
Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise or organise it on request.
The price does not include flights, airport transfers or any other travel to/from Chamonix. However, we can organise airport transfers for you on request, please contact us for details.
We can help you to organise your transport to/from Chamonix. We work with well-established airport transfer companies which use new and comfortable vehicles and which have the capacity and know-how to handle everything from delayed and cancelled flights, to unexpected traffic jams with professionalism and efficiency.
This is the most economic and ecologically friendly way of travel. The driver will meet and greet you at the airport, gather you and the rest of the passenger group together and then head off to your chosen destination. The door-to-door service means that you will be dropped off and picked up right at your hotel /chalet / apartment. From 40€ per person for one-way and 80€ per person for a return trip.
Private Transfers are the quickest way to get to and from the airport. Your driver will meet and greet you at the airport and guide you to your vehicle. There is no waiting for other passengers. Private transfers are available for one to eight person bookings and travelling together and you are guaranteed sole occupancy of the vehicle for your transfer. And, of course, it's a door-to-door service, so you won't be lugging any bags very far.
We don’t include mountain rescue insurance in any of our courses but we strongly recommend that you have it. Mountain rescue may be very expensive, particularly if helicopters are involved. Check with your travel insurance provider if you are covered for the specific activity you are going to do with us.
However, we can organise the mountain rescue insurance for you. Details of the insurance cover are different for EU and non-EU residents; please contact us for more information.
We highly recommend that you book any equipment with us at least 2 weeks in advance as the hire shops can have limited availability in the busy season.
You can collect your equipment the evening before the start of the course and return it in the evening at the end of your course. We work with the following Chamonix ski hire and mountain shop:
• Concept Pro Shop that is conveniently located directly next door from our office. Open 7/7 08:00-19:00
If you wish to book accommodation in Chamonix we would be happy to recommend some local hotels, gites, self-catered apartments, or chalets and advise on the best locations. Please contact us if you would like help finding accommodation in Chamonix.
UIAGM / IFMGA qualified mountain guides with years of experience in guiding all around the world.
CHAMONIX EXPERIENCE
610 Route Blanche
74400 CHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC
FRANCE