Intro to mountaineering + climb Gran Paradiso 4061 m

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Have you dreamed of taking the step from hiking into real alpine adventures?

Standing on a glacier at sunrise. Hearing the sound of your crampons biting into the snow. Moving together as a rope team, surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Europe.

This is the journey for you who want to discover the alpine world.

During one week in the Alps, you will learn the foundations of mountaineering together with IFMGA-certified mountain guides. We will practise the skills needed to move safely and confidently in high alpine terrain together and finish the week by climbing one of the most beautiful 4000-meter peaks in the Alps: Gran Paradiso (4061 m).

This is your first step into the world of alpinism.

About the expedition

Alpine climbing is where physical challenge, knowledge and incredible mountain experiences come together.

Unlike regular hiking, we move through an environment where we need to understand the mountains: weather, route finding, glaciers, snow, ice and rock.

During the week you will learn:

• How to move efficiently with crampons and an ice axe
• How to travel safely on glaciers
• Basic rope team skills
• How we plan and execute an alpine climb
• How we think about safety and decision-making in the mountains

You will not just follow a guide - you will gain an understanding of why we make certain decisions and how we move in alpine terrain.

Our goal is for you to leave this week with more knowledge, more confidence and a stronger foundation for future alpine adventures.

Gran Paradiso 4061 m

After a few days of training and acclimatization, we travel to Italy to attempt Gran Paradiso – one of the most classic first 4000-meter peaks in the Alps.

Summit day starts early.

With our headlamps lighting the way, we leave the mountain hut and make our way towards the glacier as the sun slowly rises over the Alps.

Step by step, we move higher until we reach the summit at 4061 meters, surrounded by views of some of the highest mountains in Europe.

A perfect introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.

Who is this expedition for?

This is your first steps into the world of alpinism. You do not need any previous experience in alpine climbing.

The most important thing is that you:

• enjoy long days outdoors
• have a good level of fitness
• are curious and eager to learn
• want to challenge yourself and try something new

Previous experience from hiking, climbing or other endurance activities is an advantage but not required.

The summit day involves approximately 1400 meters of elevation gain from the hut to the summit and back.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Chamonix

You travel independently to Chamonix and check in at the hotel from 15:00.

You will meet the group and prepare for the week ahead.

Day 2 – Glacier training & your first steps into the alpine world

We head into the mountains and spend the day training on a glacier.

We cover:

• How to move as a rope team
• Using crampons
• Ice axe techniques
• Glacier knowledge
• Demonstration of crevasse rescue systems

We plan the following day’s climb and spend the night in a classic alpine mountain hut.

Day 3 – Your first alpine summit

We climb a peak such as Tête Blanche (3429 m), or another suitable objective depending on conditions.

Here you get to practise everything we have learned:
glacier travel, rope systems, route finding and easier alpine climbing.

After the climb, we return to Chamonix where we spend the night in a hotel.

Day 4 – Towards Italy and Gran Paradiso

We leave Chamonix and travel to Italy.

From there, we start the approach hike to our mountain hut below Gran Paradiso.

The afternoon is spent resting, preparing and going through the plan for our summit attempt.

Day 5 – Summit day: Gran Paradiso 4061 m

We wake up while the rest of the world is still sleeping.

With our headlamps on, we leave the hut and start moving towards the glacier.

Slowly we climb higher as the sun rises over the Alps.

After approximately five hours, we reach the summit of Gran Paradiso at 4061 meters above sea level.

After the climb, we return to the hut where we spend the night.

Day 6 – Back to Chamonix

After breakfast, we hike back down and return to Chamonix.

Here we finish the week together before you enjoy your final evening on your own.

Day 7 – Departure day

Check-out is before 10:00 and you begin your journey home.

Included in the price

• Training and guiding by certified IFMGA mountain guides for 5 days
• Planning, organisation and execution of the entire expedition
• A carefully designed itinerary for training, acclimatization and the summit climb
• Booking and coordination of logistics, accommodation and transportation
• Rental of climbing equipment
• 3 nights in a hotel in Chamonix with breakfast (shared double room)
• 3 nights in mountain huts with breakfast and dinner
• All transportation during the expedition
• 16-week training program before the expedition

Climbing equipment included

You can borrow:

• Alpine ice axe
• Crampons
• Helmet
• Climbing harness
• Locking carabiner

Not included

• Travel to and from Chamonix
• Lift passes
• Drinks
• Meals other than those listed as included
• Personal equipment
• Insurance

Personal equipment packing list

Footwear

• Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
(for example La Sportiva Aequilibrium, La Sportiva Trango Tech or Scarpa Ribelle)
• Short gaiters
• Extra socks

Clothing

• Wool base layers
• Hiking pants
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Thin fleece layer
• Warmer fleece or lightweight down jacket
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Waterproof shell pants
• Warm hat that fits under a helmet
• Buff or sun protection for your neck