Ski Tours
Gran Paradiso Ski Tour
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
VIEW GALLERY
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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
5:1
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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
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.
Ski Poles
Skis & Skins
Probe & Shovel
Ski Touring Boots
Ski Helmet
Tranceiver
Rent for €45
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Rent for €35
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Rent for €30
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 hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Sun block
For your nose and lips
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Thermal tops
Light colours are recommended
Warm hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet
Fleece windproof gloves
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking
Bottom base layer
Top base layer
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 | ||
| 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!
VIEW GALLERY
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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
Do I need insurance?
Yes. You will need to take out a comprehensive backcountry skiing package to cover yourself for your trip. Please note Read more
Yes. You will need to take out a comprehensive backcountry skiing package to cover yourself for your trip. Please note that your insurance must cover you in France and Italy and up to 4061m in altitude.
How big will the group be?
Our ski courses will be no more than 6 people per guide. If the group is larger than 6, there will be Read more
Our ski courses will be no more than 6 people per guide. If the group is larger than 6, there will be a second guide and we will have the ability to split the group if necessary.
How do you match up people on the course?
It is very important for you to let us know your previous experience and ski ability level before booking with Read more
It is very important for you to let us know your previous experience and ski ability level before booking with us. Then we are able to match you up to suitable groups with similar abilities to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
Is it possible to book individually rather than a group?
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
Roger
IFMGA
"I love what I do and love to transmit my passion while guiding. After touring the world following the call of the mountains and human cultures and fulfilling my dreams, I have put together all the knowledge gained and a strong background as a mountain guide to become one of the most versatile, dedicated and professional guides back home, in the Pyrenees."
Lars
Lead IFMGA
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
Lead IFMGA
"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 ;)"
Faust
Lead IFMGA
Born in the Aran Valley, from parents who were ski teachers and mountain guides, the motivation inherited by nature has led him to practice all facets of mountain sports such as climbing, skiing and mountaineering. He has spent his alpine career as part of the FEDME team (Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports) and his passion and profession have led him to travel to other continents to carry out his activity.
Fabio
Lead IFMGA
Fabio has guided with us for close to ten years now and has summited Mont Blanc more times than we can remember. He's even helped Sir Richard Brans get to the top of Western Europe. When asked what his favourite mountain was his response was 'It's the mountain not known to many, in a remote country that provides opportunity for adventure. That said, I do love Cordillera Blanca (Peru) to guide in, Montserrat (Barcelona) because it's where it all started for me and Main De Fatima (Mali) because it's special to me!"
Ben
Mountain Leader
Ben is a UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide and works as our lead Trekking Guide. He has worked as an Expedition Leader in challenging environments around the world in countries such as Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Costa Rica and at home in the European Alps, responsible for the safety and success of expeditions for many years. His passion for the mountains is infectious and he loves sharing a summit photo or long-distance Trek with our clients.
Jon
Lead IFMGA
"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".
Pablo
Lead IFMGA
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.
Miha
Lead IFMGA
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.
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