5-day adventure
Climb Gran Paradiso
Italy
- Trekking peaks
- Trekking & Hiking
From $1,945
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our UK team
Our local team
Our Italian office is based in the city of Catania on the island of Sicily and near to Mt Etna. We have a team of 6 office staff who take care of the logistics for our adventures as well as a team of specialist mountain guides. The local knowledge and expertise of our staff allow us to deliver first class adventures with seamless organisation and attention to detail. Our guides have been trekking and climbing in the Dolomites for many years and...
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Kandoo's view
An incredible adventure trekking and glacier walking in stunning scenery with an easy climb to conquer the highest peak in Italy. From your hut in the Valsavarenche Valley surrounded by high peaks, you will learn mountaineering and ice climbing skills before ascending Gran Paradiso where you can take in the amazing views across to the Mt Blanc Massif. This is one of the region’s most straight forward 4000m summits and a perfect introduction to alpine mountaineering. The beautiful Gran Paradiso National Park is a breathtaking location where you may catch a glimpse of alpine ibex, golden eagles or bearded vultures.
Trip highlights
- Reach the summit of Gran Paradiso - the highest peak in Italy
- Learn mountaineering and ice climbing skills
- The perfect introduction to alpine climbing
Experiences
-
Trekking peaks
Head to the top of a real mountain summit for a real sense of achievement -
Trekking & Hiking
Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes
Gallery
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrive in Chamonix
The Kandoo team will meet you at Geneva airport and transfer you to your pre-climb hotel in Chamonix. Later you will attend a pre-climb briefing with your Guide to prepare you for your climb. There are many typical Savoyard restaurants close to your hotel where you can sample some alpine specialities.
- Transport: Private transfer (1.2 hours, 100 km)
- Accomodation: Hotel
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Day 2
Chamonix to Chabod Refuge
We will spend the morning in Chamonix with our guide, reviewing the itinerary, checking kit and assisting with any equipment rental that may be required. We will then depart for the Valsavarenche Valley in Italy, a 70km drive from Chamonix. We will arrive at Pravieux and begin our trek to Chabod refuge (2750m) using a well-marked path.
- Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
- Ascent: 1715 m
- Max. altitude: 2750 m
- Accomodation: Refuge
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 3
Gran Paradiso
An early departure is required this morning for the Gran Paradiso ascent. This is one of the highest vantage points in the Alps with views of Mont Viso, Monte Rosa, the Mont Blanc massif and many other peaks. You won’t be disappointed by the spectacular panoramas! On the trail we will follow varied glacial slopes, the beautiful ice ridge and finally the craggy finale, which takes us to the Virgin’s peak. We’ll take time for a photo stop to capture this magic moment before descending on an easy and quiet path to the Vittorio Emmanuele II refuge.
- Hiking time: 10 - 12 hours
- Ascent: 1311 m
- Descent: 1326 m
- Max. altitude: 4061 m
- Accomodation: Refuge
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 4
La Tresenta to Chamonix
Today we can ice climb on the Moncorvé Glacier’s gentle slopes, with a wonderful view from La Tresenta (3609m) across to the Gran Paradiso massif. At the end of the afternoon, we return to the Vittorio Emmanuele II refuge and descend to the Valsavarenche Valley. We will return to Chamonix where we’ll spend our last night at the hotel and you can enjoy a leisurely evening in town.
- Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
- Ascent: 874 m
- Descent: 2574 m
- Max. altitude: 3609 m
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
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Day 5
Departure
Farewell Chamonix. After breakfast we will transfer to you to Geneva airport for your flight home.
- Transport: Private transfer (1.2 hours, 100 km)
- Meals included: Breakfast
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Details
Trip information
Difficulty
One question we often get asked is 'how fit do I need to be to climb Gran Paradiso?' While a high level of fitness will make the climb a lot easier, it by no means requires you to be a super-human. That being said, a solid training plan will help you to better prepare for the climb and will make your time on the mountain far more enjoyable. What all successful climbers share though is a real Kandoo attitude and that means high levels of grit and determination.
If you are comfortable walking for 6-7 hours with an ascent of 1000m then you are certainly fit enough to succeed on Gran Paradiso. Similarly if you can do a full hour spinning, a vigorous aerobics class or can jog at a decent pace for 45 minutes then there is no reason why you can't complete this climb.
Looking for training advice or a training plan in
preparation for this trip? We'd recommend checking out Kate Sielmann and
her coaching programs that are specific to mountaineering and trekking
training. Find more details here.
Food & drink
This trip is on a full board basis
(except for nights in Chamonix). For your evening meals in Chamonix there is a
wide range of local restaurants for you to sample. If you have a dietary
requirement or are a vegetarian then just let us know when you book so that we
can plan a suitable menu.
The refuges provide hearty traditional and
generous meals prepared by the refuge keepers. Drinks are not included with
dinner, so please make sure you have some Euros with you. Refuges do not
generally accept credit cards.
Packed lunches will be produced by
your guide and include local meats and cheeses, crusty bread and fresh seasonal
vegetables. The lunch items will be shared between all of the group for
carrying each day. Remember to bring your favourite snacks (cereal or energy
bars, dried fruits, chocolate) with you to keep you going through the day
Tap water is typically safe to
drink in France so you can fill up your water bottle in Chamonix. Unfortunately
not all of the refuges have running water, and where water is available it is
not drinkable. You will need to bring purification tablets to treat the water,
and when running water is not available you will need to buy bottled water
which is very expensive (5 to 10 euros per bottle).
Accommodation
Accommodation
in Chamonix will be in a 3-star
hotel in twin rooms. You will stay in Chamonix on the first and last
night of the trip. Please note that your evening meal is not included when you
are in Chamonix.
You
will spend two nights in mountain refuges in shared mixed-sex dormitory rooms:
blankets are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping
bag liner. Please only
bring very basic toiletries as there is often no running water.
Luggage
In your daily rucksack, you will carry
your food (snacks and picnic), your personal belongings and your climbing
equipment. It has to have a 40 to 50L capacity and should not weigh more than
10 to 12kg. Your rucksack should be pretty comfortable to carry all day. Your
guide will help you arrange your rucksack on the first day of your trip.
How do I get there?
For hikers based in the UK or the US, it is best to fly to Geneva International Airport (GVA). Lots of airlines fly to Geneva from all of the major UK airports, and many of the larger US international airports as well.
All of our tours begin at Chamonix , known as the capital of Alpinism, at an altitude of just over 1000 metres above sea level. Chamonix is only 53 miles from Geneva International Airport by car, and we will arrange transport from the airport to your hotel as part of your trek. Transport is generally available at 2 pm, and takes approximately an hour and a half.
Chamonix is an excellent choice for hotel accommodation during your stay, but it does fill up quickly during the peak season, so be sure to reserve your booking with us as early as possible.
All of our tours begin at Chamonix , known as the capital of Alpinism, at an altitude of just over 1000 metres above sea level. Chamonix is only 53 miles from Geneva International Airport by car, and we will arrange transport from the airport to your hotel as part of your trek. Transport is generally available at 2 pm, and takes approximately an hour and a half.
Chamonix is an excellent choice for hotel accommodation during your stay, but it does fill up quickly during the peak season, so be sure to reserve your booking with us as early as possible.
Budget & change
The currency in France and Italy is the Euro (EUR). For the latest exchange rates please see www.xe.com
You will need some cash with you at the mountain refuge as credit/debit cards are not accepted. You can withdraw money from ATMs in Chamonix on arrival. Budget for drinks, snacks and any personal expenses.
Tips
Although the custom is practiced here it is not mandatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.
If you are satisfied with the services of your guide then a tip is always appreciated.
Formalities & health
Passport
Most travellers will require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific requirements and please be aware that proof of onward travel may be required.
Visa
Travelling to Italy is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required.
Insurance
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. If you are climbing Gran Paradiso, please check with your insurance company that you are covered for climbing to 5000m. We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your daypack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.
Equipment & clothing
Clothing to bring
HEADGEAR
- Warm beanie style hat – fleece or knitted
- Neck
gaiter or scarf – useful for keeping out dust and can double as a warm layer
for your neck/face
- Sun
hat – preferably wide-brimmed for protection
- Sun
glasses – high UV protection (category 4)
- Snow
Goggles (category 4+)
- Headlamp
(plus extra batteries)
UPPER
BODY
- Gloves
– silk or merino liners
- Gloves
– warm fleece or wool gloves
- Gloves
or mittens – insulated, must be weather-proof
- Thermal
base layer
- Lightweight
fleece or windshirt
- Fleece
jacket
- Wind
and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-tex
or similar)
LEGS
- Leggings
– thermal or fleece base layer (x1)
- Mountaineering
trousers
- Wind
and waterproof over-trousers (Gore-tex
or similar)
FEET
- Gaiters
- Breathable,
high-wicking liner socks (x2 pairs)
- Thermal
trekking socks (x2 pairs)
- Mountaineering
boots – must be able to fit a crampon and be a rigid boot
- Crampons
Equipment to bring
- 40-50
litre rucksack and waterproof cover – with locks for crampons, ice axe and
helmet
- Ice
axe, helmet, harness, 2 x locking carabiners (you cannot rent locking
carabiners, you must bring your own)
- Trekking
poles
- Water
bottles – must be able to carry 2.0L
of water.
- Thermos
flask
- Lightweight
sleeping bag liner – preferably silk
- Eating
utensils – for your picnic
lunch
- Pocketknife
- Drybags
or heavy duty plastic bags – provide additional waterproofing for the kit in
your rucksack
OTHER
ACCESSORIES
- Sunscreen
and lip balm – high SPF
- Toiletries
– only toothbrush and toothpaste. There is not usually running water in the
refuges so bring some wipes
- Earplugs
– if you are a light sleeper
- Camera
and spare batteries
- Plug
adapter for charging devices
- Personal
medication and first aid kit
- Personal
snacks and energy bars – dried fruit and nuts are a good option
GEAR RENTAL
We recommend that wherever possible you use your own gear for your
climb as this is the best way to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. We
recogniSe though that the cost of some items is very high and this may not be
possible. We do not have our own gear available for rental but there are many
places offering gear for rental in Chamonix. It is your responsibility to
check carefully the condition of any item you rent. We accept no
responsibility for the quality of equipment hired.
- High
altitude B3 mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice
Axe
- Helmet
- Harness
- Waterproof
jacket and trousers
- Rucksack
Please
note that you will require two locking carabiners and these cannot be
rented. You must
bring your own
Dates & prices
| From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/07/2023 | 17/07/2023 | $1,945 £1,499 |
Sold out
|
Sold out | Enquire now |
| 03/08/2023 | 07/08/2023 | $1,945 £1,499 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 18/07/2024 | 22/07/2024 | $2,075 £1,599 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 08/08/2024 | 12/08/2024 | $2,075 £1,599 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Contact usPrice includes
- Airport
transfers
- 3
days of mountaineering with high mountain guides
- 4
nights accommodation (2 nights hotel, 2 nights mountain refuge)
- All
group technical and safety equipment
- Transfers
between Chamonix and Valsavarenche
Valley
- Full
board except in Chamonix
on day 1 and 4
Price does not include
- Flights and visas
- Evening
meal on day 1 and 4
- Snacks:
cereal & energy bars, dried fruits, chocolate
- Drinks
and personal expenses
- Mountaineering boots, crampons,
helmet, harness, ice axe, poles, rucksack, etc (available to rent locally if
required)
- Travel
insurance
- Tips
Options
- Additional hotel nights before or after your tour
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