Skiing
Ski Gran Paradiso (4061m)
Ski the Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak entirely in Italy, and tick off your first 4000m ski descent. That's right, there's a whole load of downhill for all that uphill effort.
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Duration
1 week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
March - May
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Price
€1728
Adventure Snapshot
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SKI YOUR FIRST 4000M PEAK
Skiing the Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak entirely in Italy, is an incredible experience and one that should be on every skiers hit list. This is the perfect mountain for your first 4000m ski descent. The natural topography and protected wildlife of the Gran Paradiso national park really lends itself to being a top ski touring region and is more unspoilt than some of the more popular areas in the Alps.
The view from the Gran Paradiso itself is one of the best panoramas in the Alps and the descent on skis is one to remember. 90% of the ascent to the top of Gran Paradiso is on skis and there is a short, easy rocky scramble to the very top. This is a great progression from skiing the Haute Route or those with good ski touring ability as it requires a little more mountaineering skills and skiing at altitude.
Our summer clients from our Mont Blanc + Gran Paradiso mountaineering program will know all about the final rocky scramble, it definitely gets the heart beating a little quicker than normal!
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
This Gran Paradiso ski tour is ideal for skiers with previous ski touring/off piste experience who are keen to try their hand at multi day ski touring and a 4000m peak. Some previous experience of day tours is recommended. The days are not too long, the packs are relatively light and the ski descents are excellent.
This tour will also appeal to the more seasoned ski tourer, as the terrain offers great skiing and great views, with the bonus of skiing the highest peak entirely in Italy. Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us a note and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.
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Duration
1 week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
March - May
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Guide Ratio
6:1
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Ability
Level DLevel D
You’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot dinners and you've built up a crafty skill set to tackle most challenges out there. It's go time Captain Scott!
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Price
€1728
Adventure Overview
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
Adventure Base: Through our clients eyes.
00:53We asked our clients to let us know how their trips went. They decided to show us instead. Below is footage captured by our clients on some of our favourite adventures. Thanks guys.
Ski Touring
04:22We have a rule that every month we get out of the office, away from the noise and in to the great outdoors. This month Olly decided ski touring was the ticket, so we headed off to the Refuge d'Argentiere. Very hot for February but a great way to escape the noise of office life. Enjoy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS SKI TOUR
Certain items can be rented from Adventure Base such as crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness. You are able to add these to your cart at checkout. We use the latest kit from Black Diamond meaning you'll be using quality equipment and our rental options are much cheaper than if you were to rent it from a local shop when you get here. Win!
(Note: Your kit might vary sightly from the images below) Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary. For the full downloadable Gran Paradiso Ski Tour kit list please click here.
Ski Poles
Skis & Skins
Probe & Shovel
Ski Touring Boots
Down Jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket.
Hardshell Jacket
GORE-TEX® or Similar
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
Hardshell Trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Softshell Trousers
Stretch, durable mountaineering trousers.
Thermal Bottoms
Keep them light and thin.
Sun Hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun.
Warm Hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet.
Ski Helmet
Tranceiver
Rent locally
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Rent locally
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Rent locally
Harness
Standard climbing harness
Rucksack
Mountaineering specific 35-40L backpack
2 Screw gate carabiners
Sunglasses
At least cat 4 and ideally with limited gaps at the sides
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Sun block
For your nose and lips
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Fleece windproof gloves
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
Cash / credit card
For extra costs such as drinks and snacks
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
Ski Crampons
"Great trip, great guide and great customer service... we didn’t have to worry about a thing, Olly answered all our questions and was always available on the other end of the phone. Ski guide was brilliant and happy to accommodate each day to what we needed."
"Just had a fantastic week on Gran Paradiso. The Catalan guides Fabio and Roger were superb. This has been my greatest experience to date and at 50 that is saying something! Don’t hesitate to book with Adventure Base, you will not regret it."
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
- Ski a 4000m mountain
- Highest peak entirely in Italy
- Long ski descents and rustic mountain huts
- Untracked lines and hidden gems around Gran Paradiso
- 6 days of ski touring in France and Italy
- 3 nights in a Chamonix hotel with bed and breakfast
- 3 nights in mountain huts with half-board
- 1 night accommodation in a hotel in Rhemes with half-board
What's not Included?
- Transport to/from Chamonix
- Equipment rental
- Personal travel insurance
- Uplifts according to itinerary
- Evening meals in Chamonix (3 nights)
This trip is running on the following dates
| MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA | SU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
| MO | TU | WE | TH | FR | SA | SU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
What to expect from your accommodation
When not skiing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen this mountain lodge with it's super comfortable rooms and warm atmosphere. The perfect spot to rest up in-between your stays in the mountain huts. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, but charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!
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Chamonix
The lodge is an excellent base for our Gran Paradiso ski tour. With stunning views of the mountains, it's well placed and just a few minutes walk from Chamonix centre. Rooms are on a twin share basis with en suite bathrooms. There is a bar and restaurant for the evenings, with some lovely outdoor space to relax in after the climb. You will spend your first, second and last night of the trip here.
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Duration
3
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Single/double available
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Food
Breakfast
Italy
Whilst in Italy, we will stay in the Vittorio Emmanuelle refuge, the Benovolo Refuge and a lovely 3* hotel in Val de Rhemes in the middle of the week.
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Duration
3
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Dorm rooms
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Food
Half board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
On arrival day you meet your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. We'll also cover your equipment and the current weather and mountain conditions.
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Day 1:
Arrival Day
Arrive in Chamonix and settle in to the accommodation. We meet in the evening to discuss the plans for the week with your guide and fellow skiers.
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Day 2:
ski tour aiguilles rouges
Warm up day ski tour in Chamonix’s Aiguilles Rouges mountains. Dust of the cobwebs and enjoy some stunning ski touring terrain opposite the Mont Blanc massif. Overnight in Chamonix.
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Day 3:
Head to Italy and approach Benevolo Hut
Early start and drive to Rhemes in Italy (75mins). Ascend Punta Pallato (3050m) and descend to Benevolo hut.
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Day 4:
Ski touring in the Gran Paradiso National Park
Ascend the Gran Vaudale (3400m) and ski to Rhemes – a great descent! Overnight in a lovely 3* hotel in Val de Rhemes.
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Day 5:
Approach the Gran Paradiso Hut
A well earned easy day with a beautiful ascent to our base for the Gran Paradiso. Drive to Pont and ascend to the Vittorio Emmanuelle hut (2.5 hrs uphill). Overnight in the hut.
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Day 6:
Summit and ski Gran Paradiso (4061m)
Ascend the Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest mountain completely in Italy and a classic ski mountaineering peak. Ski back down to the Vittoria Emmanuel hut for some well earned beers and a lovely 3 course dinner.
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Day 7:
Last ski tour and return to Chamonix
Ascend la Tresenta (3600m) and ski to Pont. Return to Chamonix.
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Day 8:
Departure
Depart
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
What Insurance Do I Need?
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments Read more
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but also environments that carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Click here to understand which one is for you.
What equipment will I need?
Please read the kit list above.
Please read the kit list above.
What will we do if the weather is bad?
If we experience bad weather on the ski tour, we will be able to escape into one of the many Read more
If we experience bad weather on the ski tour, we will be able to escape into one of the many valleys and be collected by car if necessary. We will then look at our best options there and then based on the weather forecast and snow conditions. Our aim is always to provide you with the best ski experience and we will drive to other areas in the Alps if necessary to find better weather and make the most of your trip with us.
What’s the weather like?
The weather in the Alps is always changeable, but generally we are confident to say that fast forward to March, Read more
The weather in the Alps is always changeable, but generally we are confident to say that fast forward to March, April and May the weather is generally sunnier and we experience warmer temperatures around the 0 mark.
When is the best time?
March until May is the best time for ski touring Gran Paradiso. By this time the crevasses are quite well Read more
March until May is the best time for ski touring Gran Paradiso. By this time the crevasses are quite well filled in, meaning a safer ascent is possible, and the days are longer to allow for more time out in the mountains. Plus the sun normally shines a little warmer at this time of year, perfect for catching a tan on the terrace of the mountain huts after a good days skiing.
MEET THE GUIDES
Miha
IFMGA Guide
Miha is an IFMGA guide from Slovenia based between the beautiful Julian Alps and Chamonix. He has been climbing for over 20 years all over the world, including expeditions to Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, USA, Mexico and Peru. He summited an 8000er on his first expedition to the Himalaya, did a first ascent on the previously unclimbed Lasher peak in the Himalaya and climbed El Capitan and many routes over the Alps.
Pablo
IFMGA Guide
Pablo is originally from a small mountain village in Spain and came to Chamonix with only one dream to become a mountain guide. Based in Chamonix since 2013, Pablo made the Alps his playground as a guide and as an alpinist and has climbed many of the classic alpine routes. He combines mountain guiding with helicopter rescue work in Spain during the off seasons.
Roger
IFMGA Guide
Roger has spent over 15 years guiding around the world. He is a Guide instructor at the Spanish School of Guides and is fascinated by discovering mountains with clients. Roger has a big passion about showing people his beloved mountains and sharing climbs and descents with skis.
Lars
IFMGA Guide
Lars is a IFMGA Guide originally from Belgium, with over 20 years of experience climbing and splitboarding in the Mont Blanc massif, the Alps and the greater ranges of the world. Having lived in Chamonix for over a decade he has enjoyed the unique and unlimited climbing possibilities in and around the valley. Lars is also one of the most recognised and experienced splitboard guides leading expeditions to Kamchatka, Greenland, Iceland and more.
Fede
IFMGA Guide
"My favorite mountain is the Midi d’Ossau, in the Pyrenees. It is a volcanic and unique mountain, that a stands out from the other peaks around. It is a huge fortress with many different features that provides incredible rock climbing routes, and the most important thing is that is 20 minutes from my house ;)"
Jon
IFMGA Guide
"If asked about my favourite mountain or mountain range, it wouldn't be easy to answer since perfect places to climb, ski or explore can be found all over the world. But, if I had to choose one, I think I'd say the Pyrenees, not very high, but wild and still quite unknown: the mountains where I learnt when I was a child and where I can still live great adventures far from the crowd".
READY TO SKI A 4000M PEAK?
We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
Start your adventure