Ski touring from Gran Paradiso

A ski touring trip to Gran Paradiso (4061 m) offers a unique high-alpine skiing experience above the magical 4000 meter mark. Vast glaciers, breathtaking views, and long descents create an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Alps. It is a perfect combination of a glacier tour and ski touring for those seeking an authentic high-mountain experience.

The ski touring program with an ascent to Gran Paradiso offers a unique combination of high-mountain experience and top-level skiing. The program begins with access to the starting point in the Valsavarenche valley, from where we ascend at a slow pace towards the Vittorio Emanuele II hut. The next day follows an early ascent to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4061 m), which is one of the most easily accessible 4000 m peaks in the Alps. The final part of the ascent includes a short but exposed ridge, which leads us to the famous statue of Mary and breathtaking views all the way to Mont Blanc and Matterhorn.
Skiing from the summit offers long, diverse descents on wide glacier slopes. The program is suitable for ski tourers with good fitness and basic experience of movement in high mountains. Special emphasis is on safety, use of avalanche equipment and proper ascent technique. The entire tour combines a sporting challenge with exceptional alpine scenery. Participants will experience an authentic high-mountain experience in one of the most beautiful national parks in Italy.

DURATION

DAY 1: Slovenia - Pont (1960 m) - Vittorio Emanuele hut (2732 m)
Start approx. 4 - 5 h in the morning from Mojstrana (via Ljubljana). Transfer to the Aosta valley and through the side valley Val Savaranche to the parking in the hamlet Le Pont (1970 m). This is the starting point for the Vittorio Emanuele hut (2732 m). We will have an ascent to the hut, which lies by the idyllic lake Lago di Montcovre with views of surrounding three-thousanders that partly hide the view of our goal Gran Paradiso.

• Ascent time: 2,5 - 3 h
• Highest point: 2732 m
• Elevation difference: 800 m

DAY 2: Vittorio Emanuele hut (2732 m) - Gran Paradiso (4061 m) - Vittorio Emanuele hut (2732 m) - Aosta
From the hut we follow a marked path and slowly ascend over rocky terrain towards the Gran Paradiso glacier. Across it below the ridge Mont Roc (4026 m) in the final part of the ascent to Gran Paradiso we are faced with rocky ridge terrain, where climbing of difficulty grade I - II is required, and at the very summit of Gran Paradiso (4061 m) we are greeted by the white statue of Mary. From the summit we descend back in the same direction to the saddle and from there ski down to the hut, where a deserved lunch will follow, and then continue to the parking and further to the Aosta valley. Overnight in Aosta.

• Ascent time: 5 - 6 h
• Highest point: 4061 m
• Elevation difference up: 1300 m
• Elevation difference down: 2100 m

DAY 3: Aosta - Slovenia
Breakfast and drive back to Slovenia. Arrival in Slovenia in the afternoon - evening hours.

SPECIAL FEATURES
As this is a tour where we move at high altitude and where altitude sickness can occur, and because the program does NOT include an acclimatization tour, we require that the guest completes their own acclimatization in the week before departure. It is absolutely recommended to do one day tour to an altitude around 3500 m or at least sleeping in an altitude room.

The ascent takes place at high altitude and with a greater elevation difference, therefore it is physically demanding. In case of any complications (altitude sickness, weather changes, etc.) the ascent continues to the point where we can still safely return to the valley, which is decided by the mountain guide. In case of any health complications of one of the guests, the rope team turns back regardless of the good condition of the other guest.

One IFMGA licensed mountain guide (assisted also by a trainee IFMGA mountain guide) can guide a maximum of 4 persons.

The tour is intended for adults.