Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc
- Climb two 4000 metre peaks in just a week
- Flexible 3 day programme for climbing Mont Blanc
- Alpine climbing holiday in both Italy and France
- Great combination of Italy`s and Westen Europe`s highest peaks
- Traverse of the Vallee Blanche
If you are looking to climb Mont Blanc, this 1-week Alpine climbing holiday offers something of a new approach. Starting out in the Chamonix Valley, we have a day's instruction and acclimatisation, which involves traversing the Vallee Blanche, before driving across the border into Italy, to make an ascent of Gran Paradiso (4061m), the only 4000 metre peak entirely within that country's borders. The short approach hike to the Refugio Vittorio Emanuele, followed by the classic, easy snow climb to the summit of Gran Paradiso is a great introduction to Alpine climbing and provides perfect preparation for climbing Mont Blanc. Returning to Chamonix, we have allowed 3 days for the climb, with 2 chances of making the summit, either via the 'Normal Route' or via Mont Blanc du Tacul and Mont Maudit. Guiding is at a ratio of 1:5 on Gran Paradiso and 1:2 whilst on Mont Blanc.
Is this holiday for you?
This combination of Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc provides a challenging week of Alpine climbing. The ascent of Gran Paradiso and the ascent of Mont Blanc via the Normal Route (Dome de Gouter) involve little in the way of technical difficulty. Weather conditions aside, the physical challenge and the effects of altitude will present more of a barrier to success than any technical obstacles. Led by professional IFMGA guides using a 1:5 ratio on Gran Paradiso and a 1:2 ratio on Mont Blanc, this trip will provide the opportunity to practice roped glacier travel and guided climbing, using crampons and a single ice axe. The ascents of each of the peaks will be strenuous on account of the altitude and group members should not only have a high level of fitness but also be capable of completing long days in the mountains. You can also expect to encounter easy scrambling and some climbing on exposed ridges at altitude. Ropes, crampons and an ice axe will be used throughout the climb.
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