Gran Paradiso Ski Mountaineering Tour
Explore the stunning glaciers and alpine valleys of Gran Paradiso National Park on this 5-day guided ski mountaineering adventure. Enjoy challenging ascents, thrilling ski descents, and climb to the summit of Gran Paradiso.
Group
Alps
5 Days
Mar, Apr
High
Advanced
Highlights
- Summit Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) on an exciting high-altitude ski touring adventure.
- Ski across spectacular glaciers and enjoy thrilling descents in the Italian Alps.
- Improve your ski mountaineering skills under the guidance of an experienced mountain guide.
Description
Discover the beauty of the Italian Alps on this Gran Paradiso ski touring adventure, a spectacular journey through the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and breathtaking alpine valleys, you'll explore some of Italy's finest ski mountaineering terrain.
Over the course of this 5-day guided ski tour, you'll cross high mountain passes, tackle exciting ascents, and enjoy rewarding descents through stunning backcountry landscapes. The highlight of the adventure is reaching the summit of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m), one of the most iconic peaks in the Italian Alps.
Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide, you'll follow carefully selected routes adapted to the group's abilities and mountain conditions. This Gran Paradiso ski mountaineering tour is ideal for experienced ski tourers looking to explore remote alpine terrain and take on a rewarding high-altitude challenge.
Each evening, you'll stay in traditional mountain huts, where you can enjoy hearty local meals and recharge before the next day's adventure.
Ready to experience ski touring in Gran Paradiso? Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of Italy's most spectacular mountain landscapes!
Price includes
Price details
- UIAGM/IFMGAcertified Mountain Guide and their expenses (transport, meals, and accommodation).
- Liability insurance.
- Use of harness, ice axe, and crampons.
- Assistance with mountain hut and lift reservations.
- 4 nights in mountain huts with halfboard (breakfast and dinner).
- Return transfer from Lillaz to Valnontey.
- * NOT INCLUDED *
- Search and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended, €12 per person for 7 days).
- Transfers, except the one specified above.
- Additional meals and drinks for clients and the guide.
- Avalanche safety equipment rental (beacon, shovel, and probe): €30 per person/day.
- Any other expenses not specifically listed as included.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Aosta to Sella Mountain Hut
Elevation gain: 950 m Ascent time: 3-4 hours
Meet your mountain guide in Aosta at approximately 11:00 AM for an equipment check and a short briefing. Then, transfer by car to Valnontey in the Cogne Valley, where you'll begin the ascent to Rifugio Sella (2,588 m) for your first night in the mountains.
Day 2: Grand Sertz Peak and Chabod Hut
Elevation gain: 1,400 m Descent: 1,200 m Duration: 7-8 hours
Climb across the Lauson and Grand Vallon glaciers to reach Grand Sertz Peak (3,552 m). Descend toward Valsavarenche via the Timorion Glacier, cross the Grand Neyron Glacier, and climb to Col du Grand Neyron, near the Sberna Bivouac (3,414 m). Continue down the Montandayné Glacier to Rifugio Chabod (2,750 m).
Day 3: Gran Paradiso Summit (4,061 m)
Elevation gain: 1,360 m Descent: 1,360 m Duration: 5-6 hours
Today you'll tackle the highlight of the traverse: the summit of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m). Ascend via the Laveciau Glacier and enjoy spectacular views from the summit before descending along the Gran Paradiso Glacier to Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II (2,735 m).
Day 4: Gran Paradiso Pass to Pontese Hut
Elevation gain: 900 m Descent: 1,400 m Duration: 6-7 hours
Climb toward Gran Paradiso Pass (3,345 m) before descending across the Noaschetta Glacier to the Ivrea Bivouac (2,770 m). From there, ascend to Becchi Pass (2,990 m) and descend to Rifugio Pontese (2,200 m) for your final night in the mountains.
Day 5: Colle di Teleccio and Descent to Lillaz
Elevation gain: 1,100 m Descent: 1,800 m Duration: 6-8 hours
Begin your final day with an ascent from Rifugio Pontese to Colle di Teleccio (3,304 m). Descend via the Valleille Glacier and follow the Valleille Valley down to Lillaz (1,617 m). From here, return to Valnontey by taxi or public transport, bringing your adventure to an end.
Equipment you will need to bring
Equipment
- Avalanche safety kit: transceiver, shovel, and probe (mandatory).
- Ski touring skis, poles, skins, and ski crampons.
- Ski mountaineering boots.
- 30L backpack.
- Harness and lanyard or daisy chain.
- Ice axe and crampons with anti-balling plates.
- Sleeping bag liner (mandatory in mountain huts).
- Water bottle (minimum 1L) or thermos.
- Energy snacks and electrolyte supplements.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with UV protection.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
Clothing
- Warm hat and neck gaiter (Buff).
- Ski goggles and glacier sunglasses.
- Waterproof outer jacket.
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or synthetic).
- Thermal base layers (2 long-sleeved tops and 4 T-shirts).
- Down jacket (optional).
- Ski gloves and lightweight spare gloves.
- Thermal leggings.
- 4 pairs of hiking or ski socks.
- Warm hat and neck gaiter (Buff).
- Ski goggles and glacier sunglasses.
- Waterproof outer jacket.
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or synthetic).
- Thermal base layers (2 long-sleeved tops and 4 T-shirts).
- Down jacket (optional).
- Ski gloves and lightweight spare gloves.
- Thermal leggings.
- 4 pairs of hiking or ski socks.
About the guide
-PeaksHunter
4.7
(483)
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, 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
Brian
He was great!
FEI
I had a great day with my instructor Francesco. He is super instructive, encouraging and patient. He took the time to talk me through and found the right routes for me to practice.
Andy
Luca was a great guide and clearly passionate about his job and the mountains.
Philippe
Gershon
The guides and the company- peakshunter were both very responsive, very responsible and safe. The general attitude was fun and encouraging. I would definitely go with them again.
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