We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:

• Push Your Limits Climb the highest peak completely in Italy, 4,061m Gran Paradiso
• The Route We’ll climb the Normal Route to make out summit attempt of Gran Paradiso.
• European Huts - No camping required!  We'll base from the Chabod Hut to tackle this classic glacier climb, eating a proper dinner and breakfast prepared by the hut cooks!
• Summit Attempt - We'll wake early to attempt the summit.  The day will pose many challenges and boasts incredible views and moderate glacier climbing!
• Descent - After taking a few moments on the summit, it’s time to descend. The easiest way down is to reverse the ascent, and this is often as time consuming as the ascent. The day ends up being a fairly long excursion with the descent to the trailhead, so be prepared to be on .

The day before we start the trip, we’ll do a gear check in Chamonix, France. Our guides will double check that you have all the right gear for the trip and help you minimize weight, decide on the perfect layers, and choose how much food and water to bring.

We’ll drive from Chamonix through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, literally driving through Mont Blanc, to Cormayeur and the Aosta Valley. We’ll depart the trailhead in Gran Paradiso National Park for the Chabod Hut. After a roughly 3 hour hike, we’ll arrive at the Chabod Hut for lunch, relaxation, and prep for the climb. We’ll get an early dinner and head to bed, ready for an early start the next day.

We’ll start before dawn with a hot breakfast at the hut, gear up to climb and head up. The climb starts with a meandering approach that becomes a braided climbers trail before hitting the glacier that provides access to the summit. The terrain is rolling, glaciated terrain until we hit the steep and exposed summit block. We’ll scramble to the top using the via ferrata in place there to reach the exhilarating summit! From our high point, we’ll descend back to Chabod Hut, stop for a quick snack before returning to the trailhead and driving back to Chamonix.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

• Intermediate Alpine Climbing Experience - Including cramponing and ice axe techniques including self arrest practice, basic rope skills. You should feel comfortable on steep, firm slopes of 40 degrees or more.
• Glacier Travel Experience - You should have experience on travelling on crevassed glaciers on a rope team.


• Excellent fitness - Able to spend 12 continuous hours outside, moving uphill at over 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-2 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 10 miles, climbing 3,000-4,500' (900-1350m) throughout the course of the day. Be ready for a difficult day in the mountains!


• Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us

This is a Private trip. Pricing is per person and is based on your group size.

Here's what's included with your trip:

• Experienced IFMGA Licenced High Mountain Guide
• 1 Night with Half Board at Refugio Chabod (Dinner and Breakfast included)
• Ropes & Group Climbing Gear
• Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles

• Transportation to Gran Paradiso National Park. This usually requires a rental car! /li>
• Bottled Water at Huts
• Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness, Locking Carabiner
• Sleeping Bag Liner for Huts
• Personal Climbing Gear and Layers
• Guide Gratuities

Huts really simplify the gear needed for alpine climbing in the Alps. Download our Gran Paradiso Alpine Climbing Gear List Here:

🔽 Gear Guide | Gran Paradiso Hut-Based Alpine Climbing Gear List (Download Here)