Climb Gran Paradiso

Degree of difficulty

• Ascending a 4000m peak is not to be underestimated, but it is certainly achievable by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. A solid training plan and experience of walking for 6-7 hours per day with 1000m of ascent would ensure suitability for this adventure.
• Similarly, a level of fitness required for an hour of spinning, vigorous aerobics class, or a 45-minute run would indicate that the necessary fitness level to complete this challenge would be possible.

Alpine nutrition

• This adventure is provided on a full board basis, aside from the evening meals whilst based in Chamonix. 
• Refuge accommodation offers traditional and generous meals designed to stand up to the test of long days on the mountain.
• Drinks are not included with dinner and must be purchased locally with euros (no card payments possible).
• Packed lunches are provided by guides, and provide solid nutrition to keep participants fuelled up through the day. 
• Snacks, such as cereal bars, gels and dried fruits are not provided and should be brought along if required. 
• Water is not always available to refill bottles at refuges, so water purification tablets should be brought to treat the water. Where running water is not available, bottled water may have to be purchased (commonly 5-10 euros per bottle).

Mountain accommodation

• Two nights will be spent in traditional mountain refuges. Expect mixed-sex dormitory-style accommodation. Blankets are provided, but a sleeping bag liner is required. Often there is no running water, so minimal toiletries should be brought. 
• Accommodation in Chamonix is provided in 3* hotels in twin rooms. 

Clothing to bring

• Headgear

  Warm beanie style hat, neck gaiter or scarf, sun hat, sunglasses, snow goggles, headlamp

• Upper body

  Gloves (warm fleece or wool gloves, with silk or merino liners, insulated gloves or mittens, thermal base layer, lightweight fleece or windshirt, fleece jacket and a wind and waterproof shell jacket. 

• Legs

  Leggings as a thermal or fleece base layer, mountaineering trousers and wind and waterproof over-trousers.

• Feet

  Gaiters, Mountaineering boots with compatible crampons, thermal trekking socks, and breathable liner socks.

Equipment to bring

• 40-50 litre rucksack and waterproof cover – with locks for crampons, ice axe and helmet
• Ice axe, helmet, harness, 2 x locking carabiners (it is not possible to rent locking carabiners, participants must bring your own)
• Trekking poles
• Water bottles – must be able to carry 2 litres of water
• Thermos flask
• Lightweight sleeping bag liner – preferably silk
• Eating utensils – for your picnic lunch
• Pocketknife
• Drybags or heavy-duty plastic bags – provide additional waterproofing for the kit in your rucksack
• Toiletries – only toothbrush and toothpaste. There is not usually running water in the refuges so bring some wipes
• Earplugs – if you are a light sleeper
• Camera and spare batteries
• Plug adapter for charging devices
• Personal medication and first aid kit
• Personal snacks and energy bars – dried fruit and nuts are a good option

Rental equipment

Whilst using personal equipment is recommended, this may not always be possible. Rental equipment can be obtained in Chamonix. This includes

• High altitude mountaineering boots
• Crampons
• Ice Axe
• Helmet
• Harness
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Rucksack

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Genève Aéroport
Route de l'Aéroport 21
Le Grand-Saconnex
Geneva
1215
Switzerland

It's best to fly to Geneva International Airport (GVA) as Chamonix is only 53 miles away and transport will be arranged from the airport to the hotel as part of the trek. Transport is generally available at 2pm and takes around an hour and a half.

Gran Paradiso Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrive in Chamonix

  Arrive at Geneva Airport to rendezvous with guides and take a transfer to the pre-climb hotel in Chamonix. Full group briefing to prepare for the climb.

• Day 2 | Chamonix to Chabod Refuge

  Morning spent reviewing itinerary, checking kit and any equipment rental that is required. Depart for the Valsavarenche Valley, 70K from Chamonix, where the trek begins, to the Chabod Refuge.

• Day 3 | Gran Paradiso

  An early start to begin the ascent of Gran Paradiso. Follow glacial slopes, and a beautiful ice ridge, before tackling the craggy final ascent to the Virgin's Peak. Descent from the summit is by an easy and quiet path to the Vittorio Emmanuele II refuge.

• Day 4 | La Tresenta to Chamonix

  Ice climb the slopes of the Moncorvé Glacier, with sensational views over the Gran Paradiso massif. Descend to the Valsavarenche valley before returning to Chamonix.

• Day 5 | Departure

  Transfer after breakfast from Chamonix to Geneva Airport.

Included

• Airport transfers
• 3 days of mountaineering with high mountain guides
• 4 nights accommodation (2 nights hotel, 2 nights mountain refuge)
• All group technical and safety equipment
• Transfers between Chamonix and Valsavarenche Valley
• Full board except in Chamonix on day 1 and 4

Not Included

• Flights and visas
• Snacks: cereal and energy bars, dried fruits, chocolate
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Mountaineering boots, crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe, poles, rucksack, etc (available to rent locally if required)
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Additional hotel nights before or after your adventure, if required

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

We had a wonderful experience hiking the Dolomites. Exceeded our expectations. | Karen