The evening before – Welcome in Saint-Gervais
Meet at 6:30 PM at the Saint-Gervais Guides’ Office to meet your guide, check your equipment, and prepare for the Gran Paradiso ascent.
Day 1 – Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge (2,732 m)
Depart from Saint-Gervais towards Italy to reach the village of Pont (1,960 m), located in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park. The route begins at the valley floor and gradually ascends through larch forests and snow-covered alpine meadows. The progression leads to the Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge, situated at 2,732 meters at the foot of the massif’s glaciers. This first day allows a relaxed approach to the ascent’s base camp while experiencing the park’s wild atmosphere, where encounters with ibex are common.
Elevation gain: +770 m
Day 2 – Gran Paradiso (4,061 m)
Early departure from the refuge to reach the glacial slopes of Gran Paradiso. The route crosses the Gran Paradiso Glacier and then joins the Lavaciau Glacier toward the Becca di Moncorve. The ascent follows wide, consistent slopes before reaching the upper reaches of the summit area. Skis are left at the start of the final ridge to continue on foot with crampons to the summit. This short ridge leads to the famous statue of the Virgin marking Gran Paradiso’s highest point. From this vantage, the panorama extends over the peaks of the Aosta Valley and the surrounding major Alpine massifs. Ski descent follows the same route back to the refuge.
Elevation gain: +1,350 m – Elevation loss: -1,350 m
Day 3 – Grand Etret (3,203 m)
From the refuge, the ski touring route continues with a traverse beneath the slopes of the Ciarforon. The route then leads toward the Grand Etret valley. Depending on conditions and the group’s fitness, it is possible to reach the summit of Grand Etret (3,203 m) before beginning the descent through the Sevia valley. This beautiful descent gradually leads back to Pont at the valley floor, concluding this ski touring expedition in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park.
Elevation gain: +471 m – Elevation loss: -1,243 m
The guides may adjust the itinerary according to the weather, mountain conditions, and participants’ abilities.
Located entirely in Italy, the Gran Paradiso massif forms one of the largest protected areas in the Alps. Gran Paradiso National Park offers a wild environment where glaciers, peaks, and high-altitude valleys provide an ideal setting for ski touring and mountaineering.
The ascent of Gran Paradiso is a classic high-mountain route. The glacial itinerary is gradual, allowing participants to practice glacier travel techniques before reaching the summit ridge that leads to the top.
From the summit, the panorama opens onto the major Alpine massifs: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, and the peaks of the Aosta Valley. The ski descent down the wide glacier slopes completes this iconic ascent, offering a full experience combining glacier travel, a 4,000-meter-plus summit, and ski touring.
From late March to early April, depending on snow conditions and refuge openings.
Directly on our website or using the dated and signed registration form, accompanied by a 40% deposit and any optional insurance fees. The balance must be paid 60 days before departure.
Maximum of 4 participants per guide. Group departures are guaranteed from 3 participants. You will be guided by a high-mountain guide.
For strong skiers in good physical condition. Cols and summits involve some technical challenges. Experience in ski touring and all-terrain, all-snow skiing is required. Feel free to contact us if you are unsure about the required level.
You will be traveling on an unmarked high-mountain route and must be aware of the hazards associated with this activity (crevasses, serac falls, rockfall, avalanches, very low temperatures).
Price for the group package:
€840 per person.
Private package rates:
1 participant: €1,980
2 participants: €1,100 per person
3 participants: €870 per person
4 participants: €695 per person
The price includes
The price does not include
Repatriation
Having “assistance–repatriation” insurance is mandatory to take part in our trips: it must cover you in high mountains for search and rescue by helicopter. If you do not have “assistance–repatriation” insurance, we can provide one at a rate of €5/day.
Cancellation
We also offer optional “cancellation” insurance at a rate of €12/day. This insurance does not take into account the sporting nature of our trips. It must be purchased at the time of registration to take effect.
As a reminder, cancellation insurance covers you from the moment you register until your trip date, if something happens and you cannot attend. We apply cancellation fees listed on our registration form and terms of sale. These fees may be reimbursed by the cancellation insurance if your reason for cancelling is covered.
If you pay by credit card, feel free to check the insurance included with it.
As a reminder, in the event of cancellation you must file your claim with the insurer within 5 days of the accident or reason for cancelling, otherwise it will not be valid (then check whether the reason for cancellation is covered).
Insurance fees are non-refundable.
Technical equipment
Technical equipment is available for rent from our partners:
For Saint Gervais : blanc-sport-saintgervais.com/ www.unlimited-saintgervais.com,
For les Contamines : www.intersport-lescontamines.com/
Clothing
Essential accessories
Feel free to contact us if you need advice on physical preparation, gear selection, or organizing your trip.
You will meet the guides the day before departure at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office (43 rue du Mont Blanc, 74170 Saint-Gervais), located inside the tourist office in the village center, at 6:30 p.m. If you cannot attend, please let us know — the briefing can be done by phone.
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You can call us at (+33)4 50 47 76 55.
