Monviso Ascent in Italy
Test your mountaineering skills on Monviso, Italy's towering peak with experienced, certified guides. This challenging route will offer you a thrilling mix of adventure and history with amazing views of the Cottian Alps.
Group
Alps
2 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
Climb one of Italy's highest peaks on the historic south face route.
Marvel at incredible Alpine views from the iconic pyramid-shaped mountain.
Ensure safety and maximize your enjoyment with our experienced guides.
Description
Want to climb Italy's highest peak and follow in the footsteps of history?
Towering over Italy, Monviso is one of the tallest mountain south of the main Alpine range. It's a giant pyramid-like peak at 3,841 meters (over 12,000 feet) and sits right on the border with France. The north face is the most difficult to climb, while the south face is the most used by climbers.
The south face of Monviso offers a classic route that's been around since 1861. Most climers start their journey at Pian del Re, a beautiful meadow, and spend a night at the cozy Quintino Sella hut before tackling the final summit ascent.
It's important to remember, though, that "easy" doesn't mean effortless. This is still a challenging mountain adventure. The hike is long, and some parts can be steep and exposed, meaning you might get a little adrenaline rush. Plus, there are some short sections later on that require using ropes for safety.
The best time to go is usually between late June and mid-September, depending on the weather and how much snow is around. While you don't need to be a pro climber, you should be comfortable with heights, steep terrain, and rocky paths, all while wearing stiff boots.
Don't miss this opportunity to conquer Italy's highest peak and etch your name in Monviso's legendary story! Join our expertly guided climb, reserve your spot today!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide expenses
- Personal insurance
- Rope
- Accommodation included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crampons
Price details
Included in the price:
- Guidance from a certified UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide
- The Mountain Guide’s expenses for transfers, meals, and accommodation
- Liability insurance
- Safety gear used by the Guide (e.g., rope)
- Overnight stay in a refuge with half board
- Personal equipment if required (harness, mountaineering helmet, and crampons)
Not included in the price:
- Recommended research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage: €7 for 3 days
- Anything not explicitly mentioned under "The rate includes"
The rates provided are for reference only and may be subject to change.
Itinerary
Day 1: Journey towards Sella hut
We will begin with a meeting with the Guide in Pian del Re for a briefing and gear check before departure. Starting from the parking lot, we will proceed towards the source of the Po, following a scenic path through meadows, lakes, and moraines towards Lake Fiorenza (2,120 m).
We will then pass under the impressive north face of Monviso and navigate steep hairpin bends to reach Colle di Viso (2,650 m), eventually arriving at Sella hut (2,640 m). There, we will be accommodated in the rooms and have a briefing with the Guide to plan the ascent for the following day.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hut.
Day 2: Summit Monviso
Early morning wake-up and breakfast at the hut will be followed by a departure before dawn. We will ascend to the Sagnette pass (2,991 m) on a steep path and then continue on stony ground to reach the Andreotti refuge (3,225 m), marking the start of the mountaineering portion of the climb. The ascent to the summit involves alternating sections of walking with short and straightforward rocky climbs.
Upon reaching the summit (3,841 m), there will be a brief break to take in the breathtaking view. The descent will follow the same route as the ascent, with a possible stop at the Pian del Re hut for a short refreshment break to celebrate the conquered summit.
Details
Accommodation
We will have an overnight stay at a refuge with half board accommodation.
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
GEAR - Mountaineering boots - 30-liter backpack - Climbing helmet - Harness - Lanyard or daisychain - Standard crampons with anti-balling plates - Collapsible trekking poles - Mandatory sleeping bag liner for mountain huts - Water bottle (minimum 1 liter) or thermos - Energy bars or dried fruit/nuts - Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and UV protection lip balm - Personal first aid kit - Headlamp (with new batteries and spares as backup) CLOTHING - Wool cap/beanie or fleece-lined hat - Buff - Sun hat - Sunglasses - Waterproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex®, Paclite®, Conduit, etc.) (4th layer) - Insulating garment made of Windstopper® or Primaloft® (3rd layer) - Wicking turtleneck (2nd layer) - Breathable T-shirt (1st layer) (2x) - Light backup gloves (1 pair) - Heavy insulated gloves (1 pair) - Schoeller climbing pants - Waterproof overtrousers (Gore-Tex®, Paclite®, Conduit, K-Way®) - Thermal leggings or tights - Hiking socks (2 pairs)
About the guide
-PeaksHunter
4.70
(285)
Mountain Guide
Giving and receiving smiles, seeing the satisfaction on the faces of our customers, seeking opportunities for growth, stimulating authenticity in personal and group relationships, in sharing mountaineering disciplines, fears, efforts, and moments of difficulty, which are part of the integrated with experiences, essential ingredients of every summit climb: these are our focus, our beliefs, and our most important results, as outdoor Professionals and as people who love the mountains and their work as Alpine Guides!
Founded in 2013 by Elis and Silvia, PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides is a team of IFMGA-certified Mountain Professionals and outdoor activities experts, based in the town of Aosta, not far from Courmayeur-Chamonix, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif.
We live and work in the beautiful Aosta Valley region, very close to French and Swiss borders near to Geneva, Milan, and Turin international airports.
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Dufourspitze, Pyramide Vincent and Regina Margherita Hut, Gran Paradiso, Breithorn, Lyskamm, Castor and Pollux are only a few of several 4000 Alps summits you can climb with us: most of our team of Guides were born and grew up close to these mountains and they have explored the ascent routes several times during different seasons, with skis or crampons!
- We love our work: we plan all our trips with great commitment and deep respect for the Alpine environment, for its inhabitants, and its territories. Including local traditions in different valleys and Alpine areas.
- We love Mountain, Nature, and Outdoor activities, that we like to share with people from all around the world. We are enthusiastic to meet like-minded adventurers and share new experiences and memorable emotions with the support of our Mountain Guides.
- Safety and Risk Management are essential for us, as elements of fundamental importance during every single trip we plan and carry out with our customers: for this reason, we offer introductory courses to the different alpine disciplines (Mountaineering, Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Ski mountaineering, Freeride, Rescue Crevasse, and Avalanche) to convey awareness and responsibility to our customers.
- We offer solid Experience, with several years organizing outdoor disciplines around mountain and wild areas, in many different countries of Italy and Europe, for individuals or groups, including 7-day customer support for booking, logistics, and personal assistance for planning and reservations.
- As certified Mountain Guides, we offer training courses, to improve technical skills and to learn basic knowledge about mountaineering in the Alps, which is essential to explore and climb the Mountains safely in any situation or conditions.
- We are happy to provide customized programs for every customer's demand: our Experience is synonymous with Professionalism and Customer Care to guarantee unforgettable emotions and beautiful smiles!
Fulfill your dreams, discover breathtaking views or simply enjoy an extraordinary day: you just need to use your imagination and we will carry out your trip as you desire to live it!
Let’s plan your next mountain project together!
Certificates
IFMGA
What people are saying about -PeaksHunter
Cameron
5.00
Gabriele was a fantastic guide, knew the area well and found so much powder. Thanks so much
Martin
5.00
Hello Basically I am satisfied with the whole organization, because in the end everything worked as expected, whereby the guide had a big part in the success! Unfortunately, the information regarding equipment was unclear in advance and sometimes varied, which didn't make it any easier for a beginner like me. In general, the flow of information was rather slow, but towards the end it was sufficient and quick. In general, I would recommend that you revise the list of necessary equipment! Above all, it should be clear what the guest has to bring (with a distinction between "must" and "recommended"), what is provided by the organizer and what could be rented if necessary. Of course, this is not easy to accomplish, as the necessary equipment also depends on the conditions. Best wishes and continued success with the organization of ski trips! Martin
Alex
5.00
Great service. Above and beyond expectations. Abigail went the extra mile to make my trip happen, after hours and at very short notice. It would not have been possible without her. Highly recommended.
olivier
2.00
Hi, good service from explore share and peaks hunter, only some miscommunication on 2 or 3 days program, due to bad communication between you both. The guide was OK, friendly although non very experienced in the practice of pédagogie and communication, especially before couloir des Goûter s, there can be better briefing on security and also in general on the whole expedition. But he can grow by learning some coaching lessons. We did not do the final ascension due to bad weather, a proposal and financial compensation for 2nd attempt would have been welcome.6/10.can do better.
5.00
We just remember now the breathing, the view and the joy we had in Gran Paradiso accompanied by our guides Silvia and Elis. This kind of memory makes us smile and look for the next adventure. Silvia and Elis were attentive, kind and professionally fully prepared to help us reach a great experience of discovery and safety. For sure the moment would not be the same without our guides. We feel grateful and lucky to have their support and company. Elis, Silvia, thanks for taking us beyond.
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