Gran Paradiso Guided Ascent- All Inclusive

Question 1

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

Answer

The best time to do this ascent is from the end of May to the end of September. If conditions are good, the ascent could be done even till the end of October, by overnight staying at the winter hut; in this case, you have to plan to bring extra food with you (the winter hut has a wood stove, blankets, and crockery for the cook).

Question 2

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

Answer

The maximum number of clients for each guide is 4 (ratio 1:4). This is the maximum number in order to ensure safety during the trip and it is established by local regulations. We are not going to take more than 4 people for each guide.

Question 3

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?

Answer

Yes, there are several special requirements that you need to consider for this trip. Here are some of them; please read them carefully before confirming the booking.

- It is strongly recommended to have rescue and research insurance; if you need one, after your confirmation, we can recommend some solutions suitable for you.

- There are no specific vaccine requirements for this trip, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor or a travel clinic to make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Also, there is no longer a need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or negative test results.

- We finally invite all non-EU citizens to inform themselves about specific permits to enter Italy.

Question 4

Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?

Answer

Absolutely no porters are expected for this ascent. Each participant should bring a personal backpack and technical equipment, including a thermos for tea/water and energy bars/dried fruit and energy food for the trip.

Question 5

Is this trip suitable for children? Which is the minimum age for participants?

Answer

Yes, the ascent could be done even by young people (the minimum age is 12-14 years, depending on the fitness level and skills). They must be accompanied by at least 1 parent. We ask both parents to fill out and sign a release form for their children, with privacy consent and self-declaration of responsibility.

Question 6

At what time does the trip start on the first day? At what time will we be back to the parking area?

Answer

The meeting with the guide on the first day will be around 2.30-3.00 pm at the parking area in Pravieux village (Valsavarenche Valley - Italy); please remember to check the bus timetable, in case you need to reach the meeting point by public transport starting from Aosta bus station. If you need a private transfer, please check it in advance; we can support you, but we need to know in advance of your time arrival in Aosta. This extra service is NOT included and has to be covered on the spot by the customers.

Question 7

What additional costs should I consider?

Answer

The renting of the boots (around 20-22€/day) is NOT included. If needed, the renting has to be done by the customers before the trip in one of the shops in Aosta. We will send you more details in case of need.

Question 8

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Answer

Please consider that weather and conditions can change unexpectedly, especially in recent years due to climate change. There are not always the best conditions for a safe ascent. In such cases, because your and our safety is our priority, we will propose an alternative trip to nearby mountains with better conditions. Note that you are booking the guide’s availability for the duration of the tour, which means that it will not be possible to cancel due to poor conditions. We will be careful to arrange an experience that lives up to your expectations. We understand that this may be a frustrating outcome, however, safety is a top priority, and every mountain has a lesson to teach.

Question 9

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

Answer

The Gran Paradiso doesn’t require you to have particular technical mountaineering skills. Of course, some previous knowledge and hiking of the mountains are a must. During the ascent on the glacier, you need to use crampons and an ice axe, be roped in progression with the guide, have confidence with the technical equipment, and have done some practice.

Because of recent conditions on the glacier (due to climate changes of the last 3 years), a good physical level and some previous experience in mountaineering activities are basic skills that are better to have. In particular, it could be useful to have some confidence in progression with crampons on glaciers and some previous hiking ability, even on snow and ice, to be safe on steep and have no fear on the crampons, even on rock passages.

This is why we suggest having a 1-day introduction to mountaineering on a glacier if you are a beginner or have never been on a mountain over 3,500m. See the following link: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/1-day-glacier-travel-on-mont-blanc-beginner-program/

Regarding your fitness, you should consider that Gran Paradiso is a quite demanding adventure, especially on the second day, in which we will walk for 8/9 hours. Therefore, a good workout in the months leading up to the trip is recommended so that you can experience the adventure to the fullest and not get too fatigued.

Question 10

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?

Answer

The loan of the personal technical equipment is included in the tariff; the guide provides it on the day of departure, after the starting briefing. The gear for rental includes a mountaineering helmet, mountaineering harness, straight-hand ice axe, crampons, and trekking poles (only if you don’t have yours).

Question 11

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Answer

We will take care of the accommodation booking that includes the overnight stay at the Federico Chabod Hut with half-board formula, which includes breakfast and dinner, but not the beverages/drinks or the extra meals.

Question 12

Can I join a group?

Answer

Yes, you can choose to book a private tour or decide to join a group to reduce the costs.

We have already confirmed and planned group trips, departing in 2023, on the following dates:

- September 23rd

Before confirming a group tour, please remember that you will share the ascent with other climbers who could have a different fit and previous experience. The guide will be responsible for the entire team and in

any case or reason, it could guarantee the summit if only 1 participant has physical problems or isn’t enough fit to respect the timetable for the ascent and descent. The decision to share a trip with others to reduce the total costs requires accepting to be part of a team, in which adaptation and capacity for mutual support are essential requirements for all participants.

If you evaluate your fitness level and your technical skills as too low or inadequate to the abilities and efforts that this demanding ascent requires, you probably should take the PRIVATE trip, as the best option for you.

Question 13

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

Answer

In the months leading up to the trip, we recommend consistent training to improve your endurance and your cardiovascular fitness (running, hiking, biking). When you confirm the trip, we will send you specific recommendations about the training.

Question 14

How can I reach the meeting point?

Answer

The meeting point is at Pravieux village (Valsavarenche Valley - Italy), in the hearth of Gran Paradiso National Park. If you are not familiar with this area, let us give you some more information. The meeting place is in Aosta Valley, which is the smallest but highest Italian region. This is the realm of the Alps. Here the most famous mountains of Europe arise, such as the Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn (Cervin), the Monte Rosa massif (with Breithorn, Castor, Pollux, Lyskamm Nose, Signalkuppe/Margherita Hut, and Dufourspitze), the Gran Paradiso, and the Dent du Géant.