The Best of Gran Paradiso

As Gran Paradiso and the Monte Rosa massif are mostly snow and glacier-covered, especially in winter, the best climbing season spans from mid-June to mid-September, and we tend to take advantage of the quieter months outside of the August holidays.

This is a very demanding trip. You should be in excellent physical shape – think capable of jogging a half marathon in 2hr20. Our past experience has shown that those not up to this fitness level  struggle to complete many of the peaks.

You need excellent stamina and should be prepared for days to last up to 12 hours.

The length of days will vary when alpine climbing. Training days will usually start between 0600 and 0800, and last for 6-8 hours. Gran Paradiso will usually start very early, and can easily last 12 hours (it is usually the longest day on the trip).

You don’t need previous climbing experience for this trip but time spent on crampons would be a great advantage.

The climbing is all straightforward – mostly it’s hiking on glaciers or steep and snowy paths. You will be taught techniques in situ.. so don’t worry… BUT you will need to be physically fit.

No – this trip can be considered as high altitude trekking rather than serious alpinism.

Absolutely – If you’ve done some high altitude trekking like Everest Base Camp and are ready to try your hand at 4000m+ alpine mountains, this is an ideal trip. We’d even go so far as to say that this trip is better than aiming to summit Mont Blanc.

All Guides operating in the European Alps must be internationally certified. Training and assessment takes a minimum of three years and anyone caught operating without a license will be prosecuted.

Occasionally we employ trainee guides (known as Aspirants). They are in the final stages of qualifying as Guides and are allowed to operate under the tutorage of a fully qualified Guide.

If conditions are really bad we will find an alternative plan. This may involve climbing in either Italy or Switzerland.

For this trip we will be using a lovely hotel in Chamonix, ideally situated so you can stroll into town.

In the Val d’Aosta we’ll use a hotel that serves excellent food, with very friendly staff.

Rooms are on a twin-sharing basis. Single rooms may be available for a supplement of €200.

Mountain huts/refuges are mostly owned by the Alpine Clubs. They are there to provide accommodation and food for mountaineers. They often cater for large numbers (>100), and hence can be quite busy. Meals are usually simple but plentiful, and anyone with special dietary requirements must let us know in advance so we can inform the hut guardian. Showers and running water are not usually available. The rooms are usually dormitory style, with large alpine bunks (up to 15 people in a row).

This isn’t necessary, all of the mountain huts provide indoor footwear for your comfort.

Everyone is different, however it is essential to eat well in the mountains. Sandwiches are hard to beat, supplemented by fruit and chocolate bars. Don’t carry too much food, and remember that some foods will freeze solid unless kept in jacket pockets.

Definitely – huts will usually try and accommodate vegetarians etc. but they do sometimes struggle with more specialised requirements such as gluten free. If you have a food allergy or specific dietary requirement please do let the office know when you book.

You have two options, the first is to pick up food from Chamonix and Aosta before you leave to head into the mountains. The second option is to buy a packed lunch from the refuges, which you’ll confirm directly with them the night before it’s wanted. Once you’re in the mountains, the only option for lunch is option two unless you take food up with you.

Do not carry too much water – it is very heavy. As a general rule 1-2 litres is the right amount. Avoid using Camel Back style systems with drinking straws. They leak, the tubes freeze, and they will always let you down when you need them most. Nalgene style plastic bottles are the best.

Take some wet wipes to give yourself a clean in the evening. A toothbrush, some wet wipes, and a small tube of toothpaste (shared between several people) is plenty. Some alcohol hand gel is also handy.

We’d recommend you avoid carrying bulky SLR style cameras. They are too heavy, and slow to use. Compact cameras that fit into a pocket are best. Cameras in rucksacks never take photographs! Digital cameras must be kept warm in a pocket or they will freeze and cease to function.

Any brand will be fine. The most important thing is the SPF – do not bother with anything under SPF 30. Creams with UVA and UVB protection are best. Any don’t forget lip salve.

You can hire equipment in Chamonix rather than buy it. We use a local shop for boot hire (allow €50 for the week).

A full kit package for 6 days includes Duvet Jacket, Mitts, Axe, Harness, Crampons, Helmet and costs €85 to rent.

Individual costs:

Ice axe – €22

Harness – €16

Helmet – €16

Crampons – €33

Duvet jacket – €28

Mitts – €11

Please be aware that these are a guide price only, prices may have varied by the time you arrive in country.

If you do want to hire kit, please let us know in advance so we can ensure you get the kit you need.

The transfer between Geneva and Chamonix takes approximately 70 minutes and is your responsibility to sort. We would highly recommend booking the transfer through Mountain Drop Offs (please use discount code 360EXPCHX when booking).

If travelling independently we’d recommend you plan to arrive at your accommodation after 14:00, when check-in opens, but you can leave your luggage at the hotel and explore town until check-in if prefered.

At the end of the trip the transfer usually departs Chamonix around 3 hours prior to your flight departure.

As part of your itinerary you will need to pay for the following:

• Flights
• Airport transfers
• Insurance
• Mountain uplift (approx. €100)
• Taxi transfers in the event that ski lifts are not open
• Any equipment you need to hire, see FAQ
• Lunches (for all days) and snacks (allow €20 per day)
• Dinners x 3 when around Chamonix and Aosta (allow €90)
• Bag storage in Chamonix (€10-15)

We work on a minimum number of 2 people.