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Ski touring Gran Paradiso
Duration:
3 days
Price from: 660€
Difficulty:
Infobulle générale
Level 1: You have never practiced.
Level 2: You have some initial experience.
Level 3: You practice occasionally.
Level 4: You practice regularly.
Level 5: You have a sustained practice.
General information
The Gran Paradiso ski touring ascent is rich in contrasts, set within a magnificent alpine landscape. Starting from Valsavarenche in the Aosta Valley, the larch forests covering the valley’s heights gradually give way to vast mineral expanses, followed by glaciers perfectly suited for skiing. The ascent is made on skis up to the foot of the summit, where the final 50 meters, requiring the use of mountaineering equipment, add a captivating technical challenge. At the summit, the silhouette of the Madonna symbolizes the special place Gran Paradiso holds in the hearts of Italians, as the only 4,000-meter peak entirely within Italy. The Victor Emmanuel II refuge, an essential stop, provides the perfect break to pace this ascent. We offer this journey over three days so you can fully enjoy the exceptional beauty of the mountains within Gran Paradiso National Park.
To discover the mountains of Valle d'Aosta, we have developed a series of ski tours and trips in the Italian Valley. These adventures allow you to enjoy the exceptional playground of this area while experiencing high-quality accommodations that live up to the region's reputation. Explore also the Val Magia hut, a hidden gem just a few steps from Aosta. Enjoy a gentle introduction to ski touring in the Val Ferret facing the south side of the Mont Blanc massif. Finally, embark on a ski tour in Val de Rhèmes, which showcases the Italian side of Val d'Isere.
Group booking
Group session associates several people who don’t know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
Dates : See below for the group booking module
Price 2025 : 660€ per person based on minimum of 4 participants
Registration possible from the age of 18.
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- half-board in mountain huts (dinner, breakfast and night)
- transfers from Chamonix to Italy (go & back)
- rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe)
Not included in the package :
- take out lunches and daily snacks
- personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- cost of getting to meeting point (Chamonix)
- personal technical equipment
Private booking
A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a guide to his/her client. It allows you to be alone, or in a constituted group, with your guide that meets your specific needs. It is undoubtedly the ideal formula to realize your projects because it guarantees you a maximum of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (depending on the availability of the huts) and the itinerary can be adjusted, according to your specific expectations.
Prices 2025 :
2 people : 1245€ per person
3 people : 880€ per person
4 people : 695€ per person
5 people : 585€ per person
Included in the package :
- IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service
- half-board in mountain huts (dinner, breakfast and night)
- transfers from Chamonix to Italy (go & back)
- rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe)
Not included in the package :
- take out lunches and daily snacks
- personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros)
- cost of getting to meeting point (Chamonix)
- personal technical equipment
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips. They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience.
Meeting point : Meet at 08:30 at the Compagnie des Guides office in Chamonix. Transfer by minibus to the departure point. Return to Chamonix by minibus.
Itinerary : This is provided as a guideline and may be adjusted according to the group's level and mountain conditions
Technical Level : Suitable for skiers skilled in off-piste skiing across various snow conditions and with advanced ski touring experience, including the ability to perform kick turns. The terrain features wide slopes with occasional narrow sections and inclines of up to 35° with sections that may require boot packing with crampons
Physical Level : Designed for individuals who regularly engage in physical activity. Expect a positive elevation gain of up to 1,300 meters per day and an effort of 7 to 8 hours each day.
Guiding policy : 4 to 5 people maximum per guide. Registration possible from the age of 18.
Accommodation : During the trip: half-board in huts. Before & after the trip: We have some hotel partners in Chamonix with special prices for our customers.
Documentation : Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them.
Documents available for download
Equipment
We recommend you to pay particular attention to the choice of your equipment. It contributes greatly to the success of your stay. Weight is decisive: you always have to evaluate the ratio weight/comfort, to find the best compromise.
Equipment
- Comfortable frameless rucksack of 35l on which you could fix your skis & ice-axe
- Ski touring skis & shoes, rentable
- Adhesive climbing skins & ski knifes adapted to your skis, rentable
- A pair of poles with large discs, rentable
- A pair of light crampons & an ice-axe, rentable
- A security pack including harness, DVA, shovel & probe - this pack will be lend by your guide
Clothing
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated parka with hood (Gore-tex or equivalent), rentable
- Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated pants, rentable
- Thick polar-pile fleece jacket or equivalent
- A light down jacket
- 1 long-sleeve shirt
- Medium weight thermal underwear (top + bottoms, silk or polypro, double as pyjamas)
- Warm ski socks
- Warm ski hat and light sun hat with brim
- Warm ski gloves or mittens
- A pair of thinner/finer gloves (in leather or fleece)
- Neck protection
- Spare thermal underwear (for sleeping and change)
Accessories
- High-altitude sunglasses (grade 4 is recommended)
- A goggle
- 1.5L water bottle
- An isotherm bottle
- A mini toilet bag including: sun block for face and lips, aspirin, elastoplast, 2nd skin kit, earplug, toilet paper
- A headlamp with spare batteries
- A cotton or silk sleeping sheet: compulsory in every hut. - Hut provide blankets, slippers or clogs
- A plastic bag containing your ID card & Euros for extras
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Millet, Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer by minibus from Chamonix to Pont (1 960m). We commence our climb to the Victor Emmanuel hut on a steep path through larches. The gradient now eases off and gentle slopes lead to the hut.
Vertical ascent: 770m
Day 2
We climb the Gran Paradiso in a round-trip from the hut. This allows us to take our time and make the most of the atmosphere here. From the hut a climb over an even gradient leads us to the Gran Paradiso glacier (3 200m), then the junction with the Lavaciau glacier (3 600m) and finally the foot of the Gran Paradiso (4 060m). The final 50m require crampons and rope. We are greeted on the summit by a statue of the Madonna and a breath-taking panorama. Superb descent to the Victor Emmanuel hut.
Vertical ascent: 1350m / Vertical descent: 1350m
Day 3
We climb up to the base of the northeast arête of Le Ciarforon (2 935m), from where reach the Grand Etret glacier via a long descending traverse. We put our skins back on to reach the Col du Grand Etret (3 150m) from where we are afforded handsome views of the Southern Alps. We descend the untouched valley of the Grand Etret to rejoin Pont. Transfer to Chamonix, which we reach by mid-afternoon.
Vertical ascent: 550m / Vertical descent: 1300m
Booking
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Calculate your carbon footprint
Discover the carbon emissions of this activity and add your trip to the meeting point.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 40 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 40 kg. Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 4€The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
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