Touching the Madonna statue at 4061 meters on the summit of Gran Paradiso is a special feeling: you are surrounded by a circle of Alpine giants. From Monviso, close to the Mediterranean Sea, to the Écrins in France, Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif, the panorama is unforgettable.

The ascent starts in Valsavarenche, a beautiful green valley with no ski lifts, excellent trails and abundant wildlife, protected by Gran Paradiso National Park. There are two main routes to the summit: one passes through Vittorio Emanuele Hut and the other through Chabod Hut. Both huts are located at around 2800 m and the two routes join at about 3700 m at the “Donkey’s Back” (Schiena d’Asino in Italian).

The ascent is generally considered technically easy and suitable for beginners, but it is important not to underestimate the mountain environment. The final 70 metres before the summit involve a rocky ridge at over 4000 m, with some exposure on one side. For many people this section becomes the most demanding part of the climb, especially because of the altitude and accumulated fatigue.

Before reaching the ridge, most of the route follows a glacier, with both gentle and steeper sections. No previous climbing experience is required, but glacier travel always demands attention and proper risk management. The longer glacier approach is on the Chabod Hut side and can be an excellent option when conditions are favourable. Later in the summer, as crevasses begin to open, the route from Vittorio Emanuele Hut often becomes the preferred choice because the glacier starts at a higher altitude and usually involves fewer crevasses.

Throughout the ascent we travel roped together on the glacier and all participants are expected to follow the guide’s instructions carefully. A mountain guide helps to assess conditions, manage objective hazards and reduce risks, but mountains are never completely risk-free environments. Glaciers, altitude, weather and terrain require awareness and respect.

Gran Paradiso is a beautiful, rewarding and often beginner-friendly climb, but mountaineering also means accepting the reality of the mountain environment: understanding its risks, managing them together and enjoying the experience with responsibility.

INFOS

• A good level of aerobic fitness is required. The ascent involves approximately 850 m of elevation gain on the first day to reach the hut (about 2800 meters of altitude), followed by another 1300 m of ascent on the second day to reach the summit.
• On summit day, the ascent normally takes 4–5 hours, starting at around 4:30 am from the hut, followed by at least another 3 hours of descent back to the hut. Total way hut-hut is 10 km and 1300 m uphill.
• If the group requires more than 5 hours to reach the summit area, this may increase the overall level of risk due to factors such as altitude-related symptoms, fatigue and excessive delays during the glacier crossing on the descent. In this case, reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.
• From the moment we rope up, we become one team. On a rope team, every person is connected to the others and everyone shares responsibility for the group. Throughout the day we will follow mountain safety practices and work together. If one participant struggles or needs to stop, the whole team supports that person and, if necessary, turns back together. This is part of mountaineering: in the mountains, especially on a glacier, nobody is left behind.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• backpack (around 30 litres
• mountaineering boots
• harness
• helmet
• crampons
• ice axe
• headlamp
• trekking poles with snow basket recommended
• thermos (hydration bladders are not recommended)
• practical high-energy food that can be eaten quickly
• clothing and gloves suitable for high-altitude mountaineering
• self use medicines
• sleeping liner for the night in the hut

At 4,000 m in the Alps, weather conditions can vary greatly. On some days we may reach the summit wearing only a light jacket, while on others we may need several layers including a fleece, down jacket, shell jacket and heavy gloves. So it is important to be prepared for all conditions.

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