Gran Paradiso & Mont Blanc

Day 1:
Meeting point at 10:00 in Pont/Valsavaranche. Your mountain guide will meet you and check the equipment, before he goes through the tour program with you. We will hike from Pont to the Rifugio (Hut) Vittorio Emanuelle II 2732 m or depending on availability to Rifugio F. Chabod 2750 m.
Ascent 770 m, time on trail approx. 2,5 hrs.

Day 2:
Breakfast at around 4:30. We will start our climb very early over a moraine ridge in the depression of the Paradiso glacier and continue along a rocky ridge at the foot of the glacier. After 2 steeper sections, we will reach the so-called “Donkey’s Back” (Schiena d'Asino). Shortly before the summit, the terrain steeply rises again and leads to the summit ridge via a bergschrund (mountain cleft). In short partly exposed climbing sections, we will reach the summit at 4061m, which is adorned with a statue of the Madonna. The descent takes us along the same route to Pont, from where we continue by car to Chamonix. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Ascent 1330 m, descent 2100 m, time on trail approx. 8 hrs.

Day 3:
The tour planning for the coming days will depend on the conditions. The mountain guide reserves the right to make short term changes according to the weather conditions and the condition of the participants. Further acclimatisation will take place on Refuge des Cosmiques. We will go by cable car to Aiguille du Midi at 3795 m after breakfast. From the summit station we descend over the firn ridge into the wide glacier basin of Col du Midi and to Refuge des Cosmiques at 3613 m. Descent 200 m, ascent 110 m.

Day 4:
Summit day: At 01:30 breakfast. We will head off at 02:00. Equipped with headlights we begin with a descent to Col du Midi. Over the steep northwest wall, we climb 450 m to Mount Blanc du Tacul shoulder, where we reach Col Maudit at 4035 m. Col du Mount Maudit at 4345 m is the next stage of this magnificent crossing. At Col de la Brenva at 4303 m we are only 507 m away form the white mountain Mount Blanc at 4810m. We will descend following the same route to Refuge des Cosmiques. Overnight stay at the hut.
Total ascent 1500 m, time on trail approx. 12 hours.

Day 5:
Ascent to Aiguille du Midi and by cable car to Chamonix. Individual departures. Ascent to the cable car approx. 200 m.

Included:

• 5 organised touring days
• Tour with a state certified IVBV mountain guide
• Technical equipment
• reservation from the accomodation

Not included:

• 2 nights with half board approx. € 75, - per person
• 2 nights in Chamonix in Hotel Vert or similar approx. € 100, - per person
• Cable car costs
• Expenses of the mountain guide
• Drinks and meals

Address: 11010 Pont AO, Italien

Pont im Gran Paradiso Nationalpark, Pont/Valsavaranche. Strada Statale 26 della Valle d'Aosta und SR23 bis Località Pont in Valsavarenche folgen

What should I pack in my rucksack?

What you need to pack in your rucksack and what is better left at home can be found in the packing list, which you will find in the detailed information of your tour. You should pay particular attention to your mountain boots. Category B/C compact ankle height shoes are ideal for multi-day tours.

What do I need to know about surefootedness and a head for heights?

If you want to go hiking in mountainous areas, you must be in good health and have a good level of physical fitness. In addition, it is important that you can walk safely in rough and also pathless terrain. The requirements are different for each tour and are explained in the detailed descriptions. There you will also find an overview. If you are not sure whether a tour suits you or not, then give us a call. We will be happy to advise you.

What rental equipment is included in the price?

You will find the rental equipment included in the tour description under "Services & Additional Costs". Rental equipment is included in all our guided tours. We also have equipment hire - if you are out on your own but have forgotten your crampons, you can get them from us.

How do I know what equipment I need for my tour?

You will receive a packing list from us. This will help you to find out what you need for your booked tour!

I don't need rental equipment; do I get a discount?

The provision of rental equipment is a service we offer our guests. Therefore, we cannot grant any discounts if you use your own equipment. Thank you for your understanding! t

What is a hut sleeping bag and what do I need it for?

A hut sleeping bag is either made of silk or cotton and is compulsory on every hut for hygienic reasons, as the duvets, pillowcases and mattress protectors cannot be washed every day. The hut sleeping bag protects you from direct contact with the blankets. We recommend a small silk hut sleeping bag with a small pack size and lighter weight.

Payment at the hut with debit card?

Payment with your debit card is rarely possible in mountain huts! It is therefore necessary to bring sufficient cash with you! Cable cars and hotels can usually be paid for with debit or credit card.

The weather forecast announces bad weather, when will a tour be cancelled / postponed?

Unfortunately, weather forecasts for the mountains are not always as accurate as one might imagine and some weather portals are simply unsuitable for forecasts in the mountains. A reliable forecast is only possible for the following three to five days. Although the 16-day forecasts in particular are popular, the significance is extremely limited. If the conditions are clearly bad and we have to cancel the tour for safety reasons, we will either arrange an alternative date together or you will get your deposit back.