ITALY'S
APEX
ASCENT

Gran Paradiso Course and Ascent

On the West ridge via ferrata of Gran Paradiso
North Face of Gran Paradiso
Vittorio Emanuele Hut on Gran Paradiso

The highest peak in Italy and the seventh highest in the Graian Alps, Gran Paradiso is an achievable and rewarding first European ascent.

Learn introductory skills for mountaineering, and then consolidate your skills on a training climb followed by an ascent of Gran Paradiso where you can take in the amazing views across to the Mt Blanc Massif before your return to Chamonix that afternoon. Gran Paradiso is located between the Aosta Valley and the Piedmont regions in Northern Italy.

On day one you will embark on a scenic trek to the alpine hut. Days two and three will focus on introductory skills for mountaineering while doing training climbs on nearby peaks. You will rise early on day four and climb to the summit of Gran Paradiso where you can take in the amazing views. Combine this climb with an ascent of Mont Blanc, with our 3-day Mont Blanc Add-On.

  • Learn climbing skills suitable for alpine climbing
  • Follow training with an ascent of Gran Paradiso, highest peak entirely in Italy

Course Level

Course Level

Beginner

Elevation

Elevation

4,061m/13,323ft

Duration

Duration

4 days

Location

Location

Italy

GPCA ITINERARY
DAY 0
Travel day, arrive Chamonix Hotel
DAY 1

Meet guide early morning. Gear check and briefing. Drive to Val Veny (valley) before hiking and via ferrata to the Monzino Hut 2,580m/8,465ft, with crampon skills upon arrival

DAY 2

Go over crampon, ice axe, rope and glacier travel skills before descending the via ferrata back down to Val Veny and a hotel in the Aosta Valley

DAY 3

Drive to Pont in Gran Paradiso National Park and trek up to Vittorio Emanuele II Hut 2,735m / 8,973ft (3 hrs), with rope work revision upon arrival

DAY 4

Rise early and climb via the West Flank, 5 to 6 hours, to summit of Gran Paradiso 4,061m/13,323ft where you can take in the amazing views across to the Mont Blanc Massif before your return to Chamonix

DAY 5

Breakfast and then depart Chamonix

Gran Paradiso Map

Departures and Pricing

Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
Start/End Pricing Book
Jun - Sept 2025 €3,450 EUR $ Book Now
Jun - Sept 2025 €1,930 EUR $ Book Now

Looking for a longer option? Consider Monte Rosa Course & Ascents

PREPARE

Fitness

To make the most of your climbing experience we encourage you to work on your fitness before the trip. You will find that training on hills with a +10kg pack is the best preparation for the mountains, to build your endurance. We recommend training programmes tailored to mountaineering such as those from Uphill Athlete.

Technical Experience

This course and ascent is suitable for people wanting to learn and practice general mountaineering skills while climbing a classic and challenging 4000m peak. Though not essential, some rock climbing or scrambling experience is desirable and prior use of ice axe and crampons is advantageous.

A team all smiles as the rest on the ridge of Gran Paradiso, not far from the summit.
Why Adventure Consultants?

We offer focused guide attention to ensure consistency across the program. Whilst other operators combine you with large groups on training days we know your safety will be better protected and the learning progressions will be enhanced with the attentive care of your guide and smaller guide to climber ratios.

Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and / or IFMGA-UIAGM qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards. Being a technically proficient climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.

Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely.

Adventure Consultants only employs IFMGA qualified guides for European ascents and courses and this is the only certification that is recognised in the French Alps. In order to gain these qualifications guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years to attain and ensures you are getting a world class professional service.

At the summit of Gran Paradiso, highest mountain in Italy
Inclusions

The price of your trip includes the following:

  • Qualified mountain guide
  • Group technical equipment
  • Lift passes as per the scheduled itinerary
  • Hut accommodation as per the scheduled itinerary
  • Hotel accommodation on a B&B basis during trip dates as specified on the schedule, including first / last night of your trip
  • Local ground transport as per the scheduled itinerary
  • Breakfast & dinner during mountain component of course/trip.
Slowly climbing higher on Gran Paradiso

Take the first step on your mountaineering journey with the Gran Paradiso Course & Ascent.

GALLERY
Gran Paradiso from Chabod hut

The high summit of Gran Paradiso from Chabod Hut. Enjoy classic European hut accommodation and hospitality on this course and ascent.

Near to the summit of Gran Paradiso in Northern Italy

Stunning views from the summit of Gran Paradiso across Northern Italy.

Our Team
Sandy Allan
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IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
Jo Clark
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Europe Liaison
Gabriel Mazur
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Europe Operations Coordinator/ IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
Practising skills on the Gran Paradiso Course and Ascent

"Almost unbelievably fine-tuned organization. Dedicated staff and strong guidance from our guide made everything run smoothly."

Ted Neu, USA
Gaining height on Gran Paradiso in Italy

"We thought AC was very organized and all the little details were dealt with. AC's staff was excellent. Overall everyone was on top of their job and made our experience unforgettable."

Scott Hawkings, Canada
Climbing the Donkey Shoulder on Gran Paradiso in Italy

"Mountain expeditions present risk, so I don't skimp on choosing the best guides and the best expedition operator. AC is one of the best, quite simply."

Jackson Griffith, New Zealand
Mont Blanc is 4,807m high, the highest mountain in the European Alps

How about a Mont Blanc climb too? Extend your new skills further with our 3-day Mont Blanc Ascent add-on!

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