Guided Ski Ascent of Gran Paradiso 4061m

Ski the Gran Paradiso, Italy’s highest peak, on a classic alpine adventure. Perfect for intermediate ski tourers, this guided ascent of Gran Paradiso takes you to the 4,061m summit, offering breathtaking views, glacier travel, and an unforgettable descent through Gran Paradiso National Park.

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Guided ski ascent of Gran Paradiso over 2 days

Embark on a guided ascent of Gran Paradiso, Italy’s highest 4,061-meter peak entirely within national borders. Nestled in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park, this iconic summit offers a moderate technical challenge for ski mountaineers. If you’re looking to ski the Gran Paradiso, prepare for breathtaking terrain, stunning vistas, and a rewarding summit—one of the best introductory 4000m ski tours in the Alps.

The ascent begins in the Valsavarenche valley, where your guided ascent of Gran Paradiso starts on forested trails, opening up into expansive alpine bowls. After an overnight stay at Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II or Chabod Hut, continue over glaciers and snowfields towards the summit. While the final ridge requires crampons and an ice axe, the ski descent is a long, scenic, and unforgettable experience.

Ski the Gran Paradiso in spring when snow conditions are stable, daylight is longer, and crowds are fewer. Along the way, travel through protected parkland, home to ibex, chamois, and golden eagles.

This guided ascent of Gran Paradiso is ideal for intermediate ski tourers with experience in glaciated terrain. It combines the adventure of a high alpine peak with the accessibility of a classic route. Whether preparing for bigger alpine challenges or simply wanting to ski the Gran Paradiso, this tour is an unforgettable achievement.

Join a guided group or ski with experienced partners to ensure a safe and responsible ascent. From panoramic views to thrilling descents, skiing the Gran Paradiso is a must-do for any mountaineering skier.

From: 499 €

Price per person for groups of minimum 4 skiers

Ski touring

Fitness level 4/5
Dates on demand
Guiding ratio 1:4
2 days of skiing
April
1 night in a hut

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Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Gran Paradiso National Park and Ski to the Hut

Depart early for Gran Paradiso National Park. You’ll be transferred by vehicle to the starting point of the ski tour, where we’ll begin our ascent to either the Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge or the Chabod Refuge.
The journey to the hut is a thrilling ski tour through the stunning alpine terrain. Ski through forests and open valleys before entering the heart of the park. The ascent takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on snow conditions and group pace.
Arrive at the refuge, settle in, and enjoy a well-deserved meal. You’ll have time to rest and prepare for the big day ahead. Overnight at the refuge to acclimatize and get a good rest.

Day 2: Ski Ascent of Gran Paradiso (4061m) and Descent

Rise before dawn to begin the ascent of Gran Paradiso. The climb is not too technically difficult, but you’ll need to be comfortable skiing on glaciers and snowy ridges. The first part of the ascent is on easy snow slopes, and as you ascend, you’ll traverse the glacier before reaching the final rocky ridge leading to the summit. The climb takes approximately 4-5 hours. Reach the summit of Gran Paradiso (4061m), Italy’s highest peak entirely within its borders. Watch the sun rise over the Alps—a truly spectacular moment with panoramic views stretching across the mountains. This is a highlight of the trip! After enjoying the summit, begin the descent back to the refuge along the same route, taking about 3 hours. Skiing back down through the pristine terrain is an exhilarating experience, and you’ll have a chance to take in the stunning views on the way down. Once back at the refuge, we’ll descend back to the starting point and travel to Chamonix to celebrate your successful ascent of Italy’s iconic Gran Paradiso.

Level requirements

Technical Level:

This tour is suitable for skiers with advanced off-piste and ski touring experience. Participants should be comfortable skiing in varied snow conditions and capable of performing kick turns. The terrain includes wide slopes, occasional narrow sections, and inclines up to 35°, with some sections requiring boot packing with crampons.

Physical Level:

Ideal for individuals who are regularly active. Expect an elevation gain of up to 1,300 meters per day and 7-8 hours of physical effort daily.

Equipment

Included or not

Clothing

Neck gaiter (Buff)

Clothing

Warm hat

Clothing

Thermal underwear

Clothing

Fleece or woollen layers

Clothing

Light puffer jacket

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof jacket

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof trousers

Clothing

Warm gloves

Clothing

Thin gloves with leather palms for better grip

Clothing

Sun hat

Technical gear

Lightweight ski harness

Technical gear

Ice axe

Technical gear

Ski goggles

Technical gear

Crampons

Technical gear

Ski touring skis

Technical gear

Ski touring boots

Technical gear

Ski poles

Technical gear

Ski / splitboard skins

Technical gear

30 – 40 litres rucksack with attachment loops for skis or snowboard

Technical gear

120 cm sling

Technical gear

Screwgate carabiner x 1

Technical gear

Ski / splitboard crampons

Safety Equipment

Lighweigth ski helmet

Safety Equipment

Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe

Other essentials

Sunglasses

Other essentials

Water bottle – Ideally two 1L bottles

Other essentials

Sun cream high protection (for lips and face)

Other essentials

Headlamp with fresh batteries

Other essentials

Earplugs

Other essentials

Sleeping bag liner – lightweight

Other essentials

Thermos

Other essentials

Antibacterial handwash

Included in price

GUIDE FEES

2 days of guiding and instruction by a UIAGM qualified mountain guide.

MOUNTAIN HUT

1 night in mountain hut with breakfast and dinner included.

TRANSPORT

Return transport from Chamonix to Italy.

GROUP EQUIPMENT

Ropes, safety equipment, etc will be provided when needed by your guide.

OFFICE SUPPORT

Our team is based at the foot of the Aiguillle du Midi cable car and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before, during or after your trip to Chamonix.

Not included in price

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Please see the “Equipment” tab to find out what you will need on this trip / course. For private customised guiding, please contact us directly to confirm your personalised kit list.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance including a mountain search and rescue insurance is mandatory on all our trips (we can organise the mountai search and rescue insurance for you on request). We highly advice to have a policy covering the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

FOOD & DRINK

The price does not include lunch or snacks. You can bring your own food and we can stop for a picnic, or there may be the option to buy lunch at a mountain hut. Please make sure that you are carrying sufficient water and snacks as we will be in the mountains for a number of hours.

ACCOMMODATION IN CHAMONIX

Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in the price but we would be happy to advise or organise it on request.

TRAVEL TO CHAMONIX

The price does not include flights, airport transfers or any other travel to/from Chamonix. However, we can organise airport transfers for you on request, please contact us for details.