guided mountain adventure
The Gran Paradiso at 4,061m is the highest mountain entirely within Italy and sits in one of the most idyllic National Parks in the Alps. On this tour we undertake a circumnavigation of the massif, culminating with an ascent of the Gran Paradiso.
The trails are generally quieter than in France and Switzerland; combined with the dramatic scenery and friendly, relaxing huts with convivial Italian ambience it all adds up to a great week's ski touring!
Private group departures available on request from mid March until early May
There are lots of different route options and our new itinerary is based on the experience of several prior tours throughout the area. This is a challenging tour for which previous ski touring experience is essential.
Day 1
Arrive in Chamonix and and meet up with your Mountain Tracks guide for an initial briefing and review of the itinerary. Stay overnight in Chamonix.
Day 2
We transfer by road through the Mont Blanc tunnel to the trailhead in the Valsavarenche valley. A few hours skin leads us up the valley past the reservoir to the Refugio Bezzi (2284m) where we spend the first night. As with all Italian huts this has a great reputation for excellent food, wine and a friendly atmosphere.
Day 3
At daybreak we head up the steep sided valley to the Col Bassac Dere (3082m). From here you get a great view of the Rheimes valley and our descent. The terrain takes us down past the Lac de Goletta overshadowed by the impressive rock walls of the Grand Traversiere (3460m). A steep ski pitch lands us at the Refugio Benevolo (2285m) and our overnight stop.
Day 4
From the Benevolo hut we skin up the wide valley overlooking the Glacier du Lavassey to the Col Nivolettaz (3120m) Depending on conditions we descend steeply down the Ghiacciao Basey or traverse below the Grand Vaudala and down to the traditional Refuge Chivasso (2604m).
Day 5
We cross the undulating plateau of the Nivolet which leads us up to the Col di Ferauda (3024m). An exciting descent over the Col de Pointe-Foura allows us to access the upper part of the Vallon de Seyvaz which we follow down to the hamlet of Pont. Here we get a much earned shower and hotel for the night.
Day 6
A lie in and late start is deserved as we only have a 3 hour ascent to the Refuge Vittorio Emanuel (2714m) our overnight staging post for the big event.
Day 7
Having a 4am breakfast at Refuge Vittorio Emanuel allows us plenty of time to ascend the Grand Paradiso (4061m), a mountain highly regarded by most Italians as it’s the highest mountain in Italy not crossed by either the Swiss or French border. The ascent is made via the Glacier du Grand Paradiso and should take around five hours to the summit. At this point we scramble up a rocky ridge to gain great views and pictures of the Madonna on the summit. We descend back to Vittorio Emmanuel hut for a pasta lunch and then on to Pont and our return journey by road to Chamonix.
Day 8
Depart after breakfast.
| Dates | Accommodation | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sat 05 Apr 14 - Sat 12 Apr 14 |
7 nights |
£1,175 |
There are lots of different route options and our new itinerary is based on the experience of several prior tours throughout the area. This is a challenging tour for which previous ski touring experience is essential.
Day 1
Arrive in Chamonix and and meet up with your Mountain Tracks guide for an initial briefing and review of the itinerary. Stay overnight in Chamonix.
Day 2
We transfer by road through the Mont Blanc tunnel to the trailhead in the Valsavarenche valley. A few hours skin leads us up the valley past the reservoir to the Refugio Bezzi (2284m) where we spend the first night. As with all Italian huts this has a great reputation for excellent food, wine and a friendly atmosphere.
Day 3
At daybreak we head up the steep sided valley to the Col Bassac Dere (3082m). From here you get a great view of the Rheimes valley and our descent. The terrain takes us down past the Lac de Goletta overshadowed by the impressive rock walls of the Grand Traversiere (3460m). A steep ski pitch lands us at the Refugio Benevolo (2285m) and our overnight stop.
Day 4
From the Benevolo hut we skin up the wide valley overlooking the Glacier du Lavassey to the Col Nivolettaz (3120m) Depending on conditions we descend steeply down the Ghiacciao Basey or traverse below the Grand Vaudala and down to the traditional Refuge Chivasso (2604m).
Day 5
We cross the undulating plateau of the Nivolet which leads us up to the Col di Ferauda (3024m). An exciting descent over the Col de Pointe-Foura allows us to access the upper part of the Vallon de Seyvaz which we follow down to the hamlet of Pont. Here we get a much earned shower and hotel for the night.
Day 6
A lie in and late start is deserved as we only have a 3 hour ascent to the Refuge Vittorio Emanuel (2714m) our overnight staging post for the big event.
Day 7
Having a 4am breakfast at Refuge Vittorio Emanuel allows us plenty of time to ascend the Grand Paradiso (4061m), a mountain highly regarded by most Italians as it’s the highest mountain in Italy not crossed by either the Swiss or French border. The ascent is made via the Glacier du Grand Paradiso and should take around five hours to the summit. At this point we scramble up a rocky ridge to gain great views and pictures of the Madonna on the summit. We descend back to Vittorio Emmanuel hut for a pasta lunch and then on to Pont and our return journey by road to Chamonix.
Day 8
Depart after breakfast
We will make every endeavour to carry out the above itinerary but alterations may have to be made owing to weather and snow conditions.
Private group departures available on request from mid March until early May
The price includes: all guiding fees & expenses, 3 nights hotel accommodation (1 HB and 2 b&b), 4 nights half-board accommodation in mountain huts and travel between Chamonix and the trailhead.
The price does not include: equipment hire, personal insurance, travel to/from Chamonix and lunches and beverages.
All our ski tours are led by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. The team is led by Olly Allen, Matt Dickinson and Nick Parks. The maximum ratio for this tour is 6 skiers with 1 guide. The minimum group size is 4. The maximum is 10 with 2 guides.
You spend 3 nights in hotel accommodation and the other 4 nights are spent in traditional alpine mountain huts. The huts are amongst the friendliest on the circuit – very welcoming and friendly; ideal places to relax after long days on the hill. Food is generally excellent and plentiful. It is possible to leave some luggage in Chamonix whilst you are in the mountain huts as you will return there for the final night.
You should aim to arrive in Chamonix sometime in the afternoon. There will be an initial briefing with your Mountain Tracks guide on the first evening. This is an opportunity to meet the guide and the rest of the party, to discuss the plans and objectives for the week and to ask any questions you may have relating to the week’s itinerary.
I was super impressed with the whole set up, from start to finish, particularly from an admin and logistical point of view. The info given was clear and accurate and timely and the kit list that Olly had put together along with the photo was superb. It was a very well put together trip and one that I will not forget for quite some time. Thanks to everyone involved for creating such a memorable experience.
Olly, thank you so much to you, Mark and Mountain Tracks for a superb week and magnificent guiding and touring. I really appreciate your effort and you showed us some magnificent areas. This is now my second trip with you guys and without doubt you have a slick, efficent and safe operation and I'm yearning for more for which I'm truly grateful, thanks. More next year!
I can ski red and black runs on piste without a problem. I am new to off piste skiing or maybe I have skied a little on the sides of the piste, or even attended a previous off piste specific course. I would like to ski powder snow with confidence and learn to link turns off piste. Learning to vary turn radius and control speed is an important goal. Gaining confidence in a variety of terrain would move my skiing to the next level.
I have at least a couple of weeks off piste skiing experience and/or received some previous instruction on an off piste specific course. I can link at least 8 – 10 turns together in reasonable control, speed and style, following the fall line in most snow conditions. I would like to improve my skiing in deep powder, heavy crusty snow uneven terrain and trees. I am happy to hike or ski tour for short distances to get to the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski fluidly off piste and to ski steeper slopes. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I am confident skiing challenging terrain and steeper slopes. I can sideslip forward and backwards, side-step up and downhill and traverse steep slopes with no problems. I am happy to ski tour and hike for 1 – 2 hrs to reach the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski the best snow available, push myself to ski steeper slopes and extend my ski touring experience. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I can ski fluidly and autonomously on all terrain. I often ski couloirs and gullies and seek out steep slopes to ski. I can jump turn in narrow couloirs and have experience of abseiling and side-slipping on steep terrain. I dream of skiing powder snow, I can ski fast, fluid “freeride” style turns, I can jump off small rocks, ski trees and challenging terrain with no fear or problems. I will often hike and ski tour to reach the best snow and terrain. I am familiar with using ice axe and crampons and some basic rope techniques. My aim is to push my skills and challenge myself further.
This is an extensive list of the recommended clothing and equipment you will need if you are coming on one of our Alpine Ski Tours.
During the tour you will be staying most nights in catered high mountain huts and will need to carry all the equipment and clothing you require for the duration of the tour. The huts are comfortable but basic with limited facilities – running cold water, European-style toilets, dormitory-style accommodation. All the huts provide ‘hut slippers’ – these days they are usually crocs - and so you will not need to carry additional footwear.
Any clothing or other items not required on the tour can be left in a travel bag at your first hotel ready for your return on the final night.
We recommend keeping the weight of your pack as light as possible. If you are new to alpine multi-day ski touring, try taking your pack out on the slopes before the tour to see how it feels. You quickly realise the benefit of ‘skiing light’.
If you are uncertain or need further information, don't hesitate to contact us.
When choosing clothing for ski touring you want to think lightweight, comfortable and versatile. During the trip weather conditions will change and you’re likely to go from icy-cold mornings when you’re wearing everything to keep out the chill to warm afternoons where you’ll be carrying most of your gear in your rucsac. Getting hold of the best and lightest kit available is always worth it and most of the major brands have suitable clothing for backcountry skiing.
to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Although we do recommend helmets for off-piste skiing, for ski touring they are not essential and actually can be a hindrance – they are hot, heavy and you can’t hear very well when wearing it
a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name!
made of breathable material (Gore-tex or equivalent) with an excellent hood. The lighter the better and so a shell is recommended rather than a padded jacket and you supplement this with some good quality thermal base and mid layer tops following the principle of layering – i.e. allowing you to easily add/remove layers depending on the temperature and the activity
For the lower half it’s essential that you have a pair of thermal base layer pants (longjohns). These can then be combined with either
in a goretex fabric (such as the Berghaus Couloir pant) or
together with a pair of lightweight, breathable overtrousers with long side zips
Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Icebreaker and Smartwool. They are comfy, breathable and warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
2-3 thin fleeces rather than fewer thick layers between your skin and the outer shell
an approach which gives better heat retention and good flexibility
good quality goretex gloves or mitts and a thin pair of softshell gloves for when it is hot and for skinning in
if you feel the cold
Investing in good quality ski socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs
a light and comfortable shirt to change into once you get to the huts. Most huts sell their own t-shirts, so save weight and have a souvenir at the same time!
For our alpine ski tours we recommend an all-mountain touring ski that isn’t too heavy. A really lightweight ski comes at a cost to performance on the descents so are only recommended for really good off-piste skiers with a strong interest in ski touring.
There are plenty of great skis to choose from and here are 4 recommendations
a light touring ski which skis well in all conditions, 80mm underfoot
very easy to ski, lightweight for the uphills! 80mm underfoot
a very light uphill ski for expert ski tourers, 75mm underfoot
a good all round touring ski, 88mm underfoot
If you are planning on buying skis for ski touring and general skiing then these are great recommendations. If you are going to be renting skis then these models are not always available in every shop but you will be able to rent something similar by another manufacturer that will work just as well.
Garmont and Scarpa lead the field in touring boots and we recommend
Lightweight Touring Boots (ideal for good skiers)
both 3 buckle boots which are light but good to ski in
very light, great to walk in but you lose a bit of performance - dedicated tourers only!
top choice! Awesome performance for skiing and pretty light. Particularly suitable for a narrow foot
this is the very light, 3 buckle version and is equally good to ski in but 400g lighter
Heavier Ski Tourers
both great downhill performers but not that light – ideal for fit but less adept skiers!
again both great downhill but rather heavy for the uphills
These days many manufacturers offer ‘thermo-fit¹ liners as standard equipment. You may also want to consider a custom liner. Heated and moulded to your foot and boot for a perfect fit, they can make all the difference especially if you have trouble finding really comfortable ‘off-the-shelf¹ boots. Zipfit liners are a great option for anyone seeking total customisation in fit and comfort. They will replace the original liner.
Fritschi lead the way here with their Diamir bindings, Marker have produced 2 touring bindings the Duke and the Barron which both work very well but are quite heavy. Many more people are seeing the advantage of the Dynafit “pin” binding system; they are very light, offer excellent security despite their minimalist looks!
We recommend telescopic poles. They must have wide powder baskets (4-5 inches/100-120mm diameter) otherwise you’ll be up to your armpits on the ascents. Go for an alloy rather than carbon poles which are lighter but have a nasty habit of snapping near the basket due to ski edge nicks.
cut to fit exactly to your skis. Bring some duct tape in case of sticking problems
general lightweight mountaineering / alpine pick, keep it short (50cm)
lightweight aluminum alloy crampons are suitable for this tour and are a great weight saver compared to steel crampons
most ski touring bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding.
a simple lightweight harness. The key feature should be that it has fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots and crampons
most of our guides use and recommend the BCA Tracker although other digital models are entirely suitable
now compulsory in most huts
good quality with a lens for low light is essential in the event of snow and poor visibility
good quality with 100% UV protection
35-40 litre (2100-2400 cubic inches) with straps for carrying skis
we don’t recommend hydration systems (e.g. camelbak) in winter as they have a tendency to freeze
with small personal first aid items ie any medications, wet wipes, blister kit. The guide will carry comprehensive set for all other needs
Most huts have limited washing facilites
lightweight and carry spare batteries
optional. Your guide will have these
with a large capacity memory card
most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but not the alpine huts. You should allow about 25-30 Swiss francs or €15-20 per day for lunch and drinks
for gear that is not required on the tour – can be left in your first hotel and collected on return
Please note that your guide will have a few “spares” and other saftey items that he or she will ask the group to carry between them; so leave a small space in your sack for an item e.g. spare skin, spare ski pole, emergency shelter
The Gran Paradiso at 4061m is the highest mountain entirely within Italy and sits in one of the most idyllic National Parks in the Alps. It is located in the Graian Alps (45°32′N, 7°16′E) in the Aosta Valley.
Despite the peak's popularity with walkers, skiers and mountaineers, it has a feeling of remoteness that belies its accessibility and at 4061m, it's the perfect peak to start your ‘4000er' career and very achievable for hill-walkers looking for a new challenge.
The most convenient airport is Turin Caselle. Geneva Airport is also a good option and the journey time from there to the edge of the park is about 90 minutes (through the Mont Blanc tunnel).
250 York Road, London
SW11 3SJ, United Kingdom
info@mountaintracks.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8123 2978
Fax: +44 (0)20 7905 0921
