Accommodation
Hotel
Ke Classic
Ke Classic
Holidays
Gran Paradiso Summits - Trek hut to hut in the Italian Alps
Italy
Available Departures:
Aug
8 days from
US$2,400
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
CHALLENGING
An excellent week of hut to hut trekking through the Italian Alps culminating in an ascent of Gran Paradiso, the highest peak in Italy
Trip Code: GPA
Holiday Grades
Our Holiday Grades Explained
To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.
1 - 3 LEISURELY
Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.
View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.
View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.
View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.
View Tough holidaysGran Paradiso Summits - Trek hut to hut in the Italian Alps
Highlights
Conquer Gran Paradiso (4061m), the highest peak in Italy
Trekking through spectacular Alpine scenery via high passes, with two 3300 metre summits
Discover Alpine life, staying in some of the best mountain refuges in the Alps
A perfect holiday for experienced and novice Alpinists alike
FREE Equipment hire worth £150 is available for this holiday
At a Glance
- Group Size 4 to 8
- 6 days trekking and climbing
- Max altitude - 4061metres
- Join In Aosta Valley
Accommodation & Meals
- 7 Breakfasts
- 6 Dinners
- 1 nights Chalet
- 5 nights Mountain Hut / Refuge
- 1 nights Hotel
Overview
An incredible adventure trekking holiday in the Italian Alps, with easy climbing to the conquer the summit of Gran Paradiso. The only 4000 metre peak entirely within the Alps of Italy, Gran Paradiso (4061m) dominates the impressive alpine mountain massif of the same name. We begin in the beautiful Valgrisenche, to start our 6 days of high-level trekking and easy climbing. Mostly walking within a national park, this is a tranquil alpine area allowing for pleasant trekking, largely free of tourist development and home to wildlife such as ibex, chamois and marmots. Each night we stay in a different alpine mountain refuge and enjoy good food and Italian hospitality. Walking over 3000 metre passes, we continue trekking to 2 straightforward viewpoint summits, Becca della Traversiere (3334m) and Punta Basei (3388m).
Finally, from our mountain hut, we make the classic, easy snow face and rocky ridge ascent climbing to the summit of Gran Paradiso (4061m), where the views extend northwards over the Alps to prominent Mont Blanc. This is one of the Alps most straightforward 4000 metre summits and combines nicely with classic walking in the stunning Italian Alps.
Is this holiday for you?
This is real mountain travel, following good trails to the snowline and also involving sections of scrambling, snowslope climbing and glacier travel, where ropes, crampons and an ice-axe will be used. We average 6 to 8 hours walking each day. Given the non-technical nature of the climbing and the fact that the group will be led by IFMGA guides, this trip should be feasible for novice alpinists, providing they have a good level of fitness. Our several days at between 2000 and 3000 metres and the climbing of two 3300 metre peaks, will provide useful acclimatisation and fitness training, prior to making the ascent of Gran Paradiso. Generally the group's technical climbing equipment, ice-axe, crampons and harness, is not needed until the ascent of Gran Paradiso on Day 6. This equipment is transported to the Albergo Paradiso, below the Vittorio Emanuele Refuge, to be picked up there. Guiding is at a ratio of 1:8 during the first 4 days and 1:4 during the final 2 days.
Why KE?
This is an incredible continuous hut-to-hut journey, culminating with the ascent of the highest peak in Italy - Gran Paradiso (4061m). Led by our experienced IFMGA Alpine guides, this itinerary is carefully crafted with easier hikes and plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of remote mountains huts, forming the perfect build-up to summit Gran Paradiso at the end of the week.
FREE Equipment hire worth £150 is available for this holiday
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at the group's accommodation in the Aosta Valley.
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The group will rendezvous the accommodation in the Aosta Valley.
KE Land Only package services begin with the overnight at the hotel.
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Day 2
Short taxi transfer. Trek to Rifugio Mario Bezzi 2284m.
Show Details
Our guide will meet us at the hotel, after breakfast. We then all transfer together to the start of the trek.
From the road head at Usellieres (1800m) we start our trek on foot, continuing up Valgrisenche, ascending gently up to the comfortable Bezzi Hut. This hut has excellent facilities and a reputation for its fine food. In the afternoon we explore the local area, allowing time for some gentle acclimatisation. The Rifugio Mario Bezzi was built in 1931 and has since been rebuilt in grand Italian style. It has 90 beds, washing facilities, showers and hydro-electricity for lighting.
Accommodation
Mountain Hut / RefugeMeals
B DAscent
550 MDescent
40 MTime
3 hours walkingDistance
7 KM
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Day 3
Trek the Col Bassac Dere (3082m) & Becca della Traversiere (3334m) to the Rifugio Benevolo (2287m).
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From the refuge we make a gradual ascent of the west facing slopes below the Grand Traversiere (3496m), crossing many mountain streams which descend from the glaciers above. A final ascent across a moraine slope leads to the Col Bassac Dere (3082m), which we reach after approximately 3 hours. There are great views from this pass of the north-east face of the Grand Sassiere. From here, conditions permitting, we will make an ascent of Becca Traversiere (3334m) which is a return trip of 2 hours from the col. The descent from the col crosses the remains of the Glacier de Golette to reach Lake Goletta. The exit from this hanging valley winds its way steeply down many zigzags to the Refuge Benevolo. This is an older style of hut than the Bezzi and provides a traditionally warm welcome for mountaineers. An open valley lies in front of the hut and this is a favourite area for ibex and large herds of cows brought up for summer grazing. 5 to 7 hours walking in total. The Rifugio Gian Federico Benevolo is at an altitude of 2287 metres. It was built in 1930 and has 60 beds. In 2014 it was extended to provide new toilets, showers and wash rooms.
Accommodation
Mountain Hut / RefugeMeals
B DAscent
1000 MDescent
1000 MTime
5 - 7 hours walkingDistance
13 KM
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Day 4
Trek via Col Nivolettaz (3120m) and climb Punta Basei (3338m). Descend to Rifugio Savoie (2531m).
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Following the left bank of the Doire de Rhemes Gorge, we leave the hut and gradually ascend to the Col Nivolettaz (3120m), which takes 3 hours. From the col it is possible to ascend to the small rocky summit of Punta Basei (3338m) which presents little more than a rope assisted scramble, however, this can only be attempted in smaller groups when the weather is good. We return to the col, and descend crossing the remains of the Bassey Glacier and make our descent between rock bands leading down to the Col Nivolet. This col has a small road leading to it from the south side of the Grand Paradiso National Park and thus gets busy with tourists during the day. Tonight we will aim to stay in the Rifugio Savoie (2534m), built in 1920, 70 beds, drinking water, washing facilities and mains electricity. Just occasionally, when these huts are over-booked and therefore severely crowded, we will be obliged to descend to valley accommodation (taking an extra 2 hours).
Accommodation
Mountain Hut / RefugeMeals
B DAscent
1000 MDescent
750 MTime
5 - 7 hours walkingDistance
12 KM
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Day 5
Trek via the Albergo Paradiso (2000m) to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (2735m).
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From the refuge we descend past the Nivolet lakes and follow the Doire de Nivolet, with its beautifully clear water, first along a flat plain, often scattered with grazing cattle and scampering marmots and then we drop steeply down to the Albergo Paradiso. (2 hours of descent). Here, we can treat ourselves to a hot drink and a shower at the local campsite. This is also the rendezvous point with our extra guides and technical climbing equipment plus an opportunity to re-arrange the rucksack. Afterwards we make the zigzag ascent (2-3 hrs), to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (2735m). The old hut (still there) was built in 1884, whilst the new one did not appear until 1932. There are beds for 120 people and there is good drinking water, washing facilities, a lake, hydroelectricity, bar and restaurant. This large, lively hut is friendly and well organised, with good food, coffee and wine!
During the afternoon a short skills session, using crampons, ropes and harnesses will be held to facilitate the following days ascent of Gran Paradiso.
Accommodation
Mountain Hut / RefugeMeals
B DAscent
750 MDescent
650 MTime
5 - 6 hours walkingDistance
15 KM
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Day 6
Climb Gran Paradiso (4061m) and descend to the Rifugio Federico Chabod (2750m).
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A pre dawn start is required to climb this isolated peak. A good trail, crossing boulders and rock slabs leads to the Glacier du Mont Gran Paradiso. We cross snow slopes to reach the Fenetre du Mont Roc, crossing a rimaye (a large crevasse separating the glacier from the permanent snow field above) and ascending a steep slope, gives access to the final rocky summit ridge. The final 100 metres is an exciting, exposed scramble, assisted by cables in places. The summit supports a 'Madonna' which is fortunately well attached to the rocks. This is a fantastic viewpoint particularly of the Mont Blanc Massif. The return journey is made down the Glacier de Laveciau. This is an intricate maze of crevasses, eventually exiting through the moraines and onto a trail, leading down to the Rifugio Chabod. This is a good place to bask in the sun and admire the north face of the Gran Paradiso (a popular ice climb) and our route down through the icefall. The Rifugio Federico Chabod is at an altitude of 2750 metres. It was built in 1985, and had a new extension added in 2016. It has accommodation for 100, drinking water, washing facilities/showers and hydro electricity.
Accommodation
Mountain Hut / RefugeMeals
B DAscent
1300 MDescent
1300 MTime
7 - 9 hours walkingDistance
12 KM
Hide Details
Day 7
Walk out via Montandayne valley to Praviou-Desot (Parking Area). Transfer to our hotel.
Show Details
After a relaxing breakfast, we pack up our gear and make a short ascent, behind the refuge to descend via Montandayne and Lavassey. A good chance to spot herds of Ibex and Chamois. We descend to the parking area called Praviou-Desot. (We say goodbye to our guides here).
Meet with our taxi, transfer back to the valley hotel.
Accommodation
ChaletMeals
B DAscent
50 MDescent
900 MTime
2 - 3 hours walkingDistance
6 KM
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Day 8
Departure day.
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KE Land Only services end after breakfast.
Meals
B
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Download Trip Notes
The Route
Point
Direction
Walk/Trek
Transfer
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[title] => Walk out via Montandayne valley to Praviou-Desot (Parking Area). Transfer to our hotel.
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[description] => After a relaxing breakfast, we pack up our gear and make a short ascent, behind the refuge to descend via Montandayne and Lavassey. A good chance to spot herds of Ibex and Chamois. We descend to the parking area called Praviou-Desot. (We say goodbye to our guides here).
Meet with our taxi, transfer back to the valley hotel.
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[title] => Trek via the Albergo Paradiso (2000m) to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (2735m).
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[description] => From the refuge we descend past the Nivolet lakes and follow the Doire de Nivolet, with its beautifully clear water, first along a flat plain, often scattered with grazing cattle and scampering marmots and then we drop steeply down to the Albergo Paradiso. (2 hours of descent). Here, we can treat ourselves to a hot drink and a shower at the local campsite. This is also the rendezvous point with our extra guides and technical climbing equipment plus an opportunity to re-arrange the rucksack. Afterwards we make the zigzag ascent (2-3 hrs), to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (2735m). The old hut (still there) was built in 1884, whilst the new one did not appear until 1932. There are beds for 120 people and there is good drinking water, washing facilities, a lake, hydroelectricity, bar and restaurant. This large, lively hut is friendly and well organised, with good food, coffee and wine!
During the afternoon a short skills session, using crampons, ropes and harnesses will be held to facilitate the following days ascent of Gran Paradiso.
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[title] => Departure day.
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[title] => Meet at the group's accommodation in the Aosta Valley.
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[description] => The group will rendezvous the accommodation in the Aosta Valley.
KE Land Only package services begin with the overnight at the hotel.
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[title] => Trek the Col Bassac Dere (3082m) & Becca della Traversiere (3334m) to the Rifugio Benevolo (2287m).
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[description] => From the refuge we make a gradual ascent of the west facing slopes below the Grand Traversiere (3496m), crossing many mountain streams which descend from the glaciers above. A final ascent across a moraine slope leads to the Col Bassac Dere (3082m), which we reach after approximately 3 hours. There are great views from this pass of the north-east face of the Grand Sassiere. From here, conditions permitting, we will make an ascent of Becca Traversiere (3334m) which is a return trip of 2 hours from the col. The descent from the col crosses the remains of the Glacier de Golette to reach Lake Goletta. The exit from this hanging valley winds its way steeply down many zigzags to the Refuge Benevolo. This is an older style of hut than the Bezzi and provides a traditionally warm welcome for mountaineers. An open valley lies in front of the hut and this is a favourite area for ibex and large herds of cows brought up for summer grazing. 5 to 7 hours walking in total. The Rifugio Gian Federico Benevolo is at an altitude of 2287 metres. It was built in 1930 and has 60 beds. In 2014 it was extended to provide new toilets, showers and wash rooms.
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[title] => Short taxi transfer. Trek to Rifugio Mario Bezzi 2284m.
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[description] => Our guide will meet us at the hotel, after breakfast. We then all transfer together to the start of the trek.
From the road head at Usellieres (1800m) we start our trek on foot, continuing up Valgrisenche, ascending gently up to the comfortable Bezzi Hut. This hut has excellent facilities and a reputation for its fine food. In the afternoon we explore the local area, allowing time for some gentle acclimatisation. The Rifugio Mario Bezzi was built in 1931 and has since been rebuilt in grand Italian style. It has 90 beds, washing facilities, showers and hydro-electricity for lighting.
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[title] => Trek via Col Nivolettaz (3120m) and climb Punta Basei (3338m). Descend to Rifugio Savoie (2531m).
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[description] => Following the left bank of the Doire de Rhemes Gorge, we leave the hut and gradually ascend to the Col Nivolettaz (3120m), which takes 3 hours. From the col it is possible to ascend to the small rocky summit of Punta Basei (3338m) which presents little more than a rope assisted scramble, however, this can only be attempted in smaller groups when the weather is good. We return to the col, and descend crossing the remains of the Bassey Glacier and make our descent between rock bands leading down to the Col Nivolet. This col has a small road leading to it from the south side of the Grand Paradiso National Park and thus gets busy with tourists during the day. Tonight we will aim to stay in the Rifugio Savoie (2534m), built in 1920, 70 beds, drinking water, washing facilities and mains electricity. Just occasionally, when these huts are over-booked and therefore severely crowded, we will be obliged to descend to valley accommodation (taking an extra 2 hours).
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[title] => Climb Gran Paradiso (4061m) and descend to the Rifugio Federico Chabod (2750m).
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[description] => A pre dawn start is required to climb this isolated peak. A good trail, crossing boulders and rock slabs leads to the Glacier du Mont Gran Paradiso. We cross snow slopes to reach the Fenetre du Mont Roc, crossing a rimaye (a large crevasse separating the glacier from the permanent snow field above) and ascending a steep slope, gives access to the final rocky summit ridge. The final 100 metres is an exciting, exposed scramble, assisted by cables in places. The summit supports a 'Madonna' which is fortunately well attached to the rocks. This is a fantastic viewpoint particularly of the Mont Blanc Massif. The return journey is made down the Glacier de Laveciau. This is an intricate maze of crevasses, eventually exiting through the moraines and onto a trail, leading down to the Rifugio Chabod. This is a good place to bask in the sun and admire the north face of the Gran Paradiso (a popular ice climb) and our route down through the icefall. The Rifugio Federico Chabod is at an altitude of 2750 metres. It was built in 1985, and had a new extension added in 2016. It has accommodation for 100, drinking water, washing facilities/showers and hydro electricity.
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Essential Information
We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.
Holiday
General
Equipment
What's Included
- Professional qualified IFMGA guide(s)
- Accommodation as described
- All land transport involved in the itinerary (not including airport transfers)
- Meals as detailed in the meal plan
What's not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Airport transfers
- Meals as described in the meal plan
- Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
Joining Arrangements & Transfers
You should arrange to meet the group accommodation in the Aosta Valley, on the afternoon of your arrival day.
A briefing with the guide (followed by dinner) will be at 18:00 on the first night, so you should aim to be there for this time. If you plan to arrive later than this, please let the KE office know in good time.
Travelling by air:
There are public transport options from Geneva, Turin and Milan airports.
This includes reasonably prices options with Flix Bus.
Travelling by land:
It is possible to travel via train and bus from the UK to the Aosta Valley.
A great resource for all of the above - the website 'Rome2Rio'
Meal Plan
All meals except lunches and dinner on day 1 are included in the trip price. Packed lunches or hill-food can be bought in the huts. On most days there will also be the possibility of having a hot lunch either at a hut encountered on route or a late lunch taken at our overnight halt. Depending on your choice you should allow €20 - 25 per lunch.
Food & Water
When in the towns and villages all tap water is drinkable. In mountain huts there is usually not a sustainable drinking water supply. Water in plastic bottles is brought in to the hut. All huts have a recycling point. If you have to purchase water in plastic bottles please buy the largest bottle you can so as to use less plastic. Please take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water if you can fill from a local stream. Bottled water is not provided. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles. Local authorities are working to find solutions to using plastic water bottles in huts. We monitor the situation carefully for updates.
The food in Yeti Lodge is varied and plentiful. Continental breakfasts and full 3-course evening meals are included at the Yeti Lodge has and there is an 'honesty bar' for wine and drinks with your meals. At the huts there will be set 3 course meals and hearty breakfasts. Packed lunches or hill-food can be bought in the huts. On most days there will also be the possibility of having a hot lunch either at a hut encountered on route or a late lunch taken at our overnight halt. Depending on your choice you should allow €10 – 20 per lunch.
Special Diets
Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide for special diets. Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your meals with food/snacks from home. If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.
Accommodation
During this trip, the group will spend 2 nights in accommodation in the Aosta Valley. Accommodation here is in either twin or 3-person rooms.
Whilst in the mountains, there are 5 nights spent in mountain huts, where the accommodation is on a non-segregated, dormitory-style basis. In the high mountain huts, washing facilities are limited.
Note: The accommodations mentioned in the itinerary are given as examples of the type of accommodation used for this trip. The actual accommodations may vary between departures depending on availability.
Group Leader & Support Staff
There will be one or two IFMGA guides (depending on group size). Guiding is at a ratio of 1:8 during the first 4 days and 1:4 during the final 2 days.
Altitude
This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude on our website which can be viewed via the link below. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude. www.keadventure.com/page/altitude.html
Spending Money
A total of €300 should be sufficient to cover all personal expenses, including your hill-food and lunches, drinks and other incidental expenditure. Bottled water in the huts is very expensive, but on most nights of this trek water is safe to drink from the tap. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available every night.
Baggage Allowance
For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack (of around 30 - 40 litres). For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline. Since group members will carry all personal equipment during the trek, it is important to keep the overall weight of this equipment to a minimum. Neither a sleeping bag nor a camping mattress is needed and it should be possible to keep the weight of your pack to under 10kg.
Whilst in the mountains you can leave your main bag and travel clothes in the group hotel. Luggage with wheels can be useful for this holiday.
Group Size & Holiday Status
For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.
Passport & Visas
Europe
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website
The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.
For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates (see Health & Vaccinations below), and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check the FCDO for the latest advice for each country visited before travel.
Health & Vaccinations
Vaccinations
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.
GHIC / Medical cover
UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.
Severe Allergies
If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.
Preparing for your Holiday
It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking or climbing trip getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience.
Before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.
Climate
The temperatures that we can expect to encounter during the day will be reasonably warm, ranging from 10°C / 50°F to 25°C/ 77°F. It can be cool in the evenings at our highest overnight stopping places, falling close to freezing point at night. The weather is usually stable during July and August, but mountainous areas do generate their own weather systems and occasional rain and even stormy weather cannot be ruled out. You should be prepared for all eventualities!
Travel Aware
As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.
KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.
Single Use Plastic
KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.
Books
- The Alpine 4000 Metre Peaks, Classic Routes, Richard Goedeke, Diadem
Maps
Kompass Maps
Gran Paradiso and Val d'Aosta. 1:50,000.
Private Groups Information
Make this KE Adventure holiday your own!
Do our normal group departure dates not fit?
Would you prefer to travel with just friends and/or family?
Are you looking to organise a trip for your local walking, biking or mountaineering club?
It's really easy to make a trip your own. Simply select from our full range of adventure holidays and choose the dates that work for you and your group.
We are experts in creating holidays for groups of friends, families, charities and clubs. Our personal service means you’ll be fully involved as we make the arrangements for your perfect adventure holiday.
Independence with Security
Travelling as a KE Private Group allows you more flexibility and choice, but still with the peace of mind that everything is pre-planned and arranged for your group by a reputable adventure travel company.
To take your first step to an amazing adventure with your friends and family complete the private group enquiry form, or call our Sales Experts on: 017687 73966
Travel Insurance
It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.
For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.
Equipment List
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your pack to a minimum.
You must bring the following items:
- Helmet*
-
Screw gate karabiner x 1*
-
Mountaineering harness*
-
Ice Axe*
-
Crampon bag* (when hiring crampons a bag is automatically included / can not be hired separately)
-
Crampons – MUST be fitted with anti-balling plates*
-
Mountain Boots (see notes below)
-
Trekking poles x 2 (with baskets)
-
Gaiters
-
Socks – walking socks are best (2/3 pairs)
-
Trekking Trousers (i.e. not cotton)
-
Waterproof trousers
-
Underwear
-
Thermal Base Layer x 2 (one long sleeved for glacier travel)
-
Fleece jacket or pullover
-
Waterproof jacket (with hood)
-
Extra warm layer – (lightweight ‘primaloft’ or down jacket)
-
Sunhat
-
Warm hat
-
Sunglasses – category 3 or 4.
-
Thin gloves – leather or thermal
-
Warm and waterproof gloves gloves or mittens
-
Sleeping bag liner/sheet sleeping bag (silk is lightest)
-
Rucksack (30 - 40 litres should be sufficient)
-
Rain cover for Rucksack
-
Head torch and spare battery
-
Sun Protection (high factor for skin)
-
Lip salve – with sunscreen
-
Water bottle x minimum 2 litre (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
- Water purification tablets
-
Small, lightweight wash kit and pack towel
-
Dry bags(s) for daypack/kitbag contents (to ensure they keep dry)
-
Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters, blister treatment (zinc oxide tape and ‘Compeed’), insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).
The following items are optional:
-
Change of shirt and trousers
-
Thermal baselayer - leggings
-
Shorts (for non-glacial travel)
-
Earplugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring!)
-
Repair kit – (eg. Pen-knife, needle, thread, duct tape etc.)
-
Camera
-
Travel Clothes (can be left at your hotel)
-
Travel Shoes (can be left at your hotel)
- Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)
Notes
Mountaineering Boots: Recommended boots for this trip are comfortable, warm and sufficiently stiff to take a crampon securely (a sturdy B1 or a ‘worn in’ B2 boot is ideal). Rigid B3 boots are NOT suitable for this trek.
Crampons: Modern strap on crampons are perfectly acceptable for this trek and will fit any boot. All crampons MUST be fitted with anti-balling plates. Grivel Crampons - G10 or G12 with a strap system are excellent and they come fitted with anti-balling plates. We do not recommend semi-automatic crampons for use with softer boots since with this system, the pull on the heel can lead to blisters. Aluminium crampons are not suitable for this trip (they are not strong enough over mixed terrain).
Equipment hire: Equipment marked with a *can be hired from KE. This can be reserved when you book your trip or closer to your departure but we advise booking hire equipment as soon as possible to ensure availability - equipment hire must be booked through the KE office prior to your departure. Any hired equipment will be collected on arrival from your guide. We do not hire mountaineering boots, but there are several shops in Chamonix renting boots that are suitable for this trip.
Sleeping bags are NOT required as bedding and hut shoes/slippers are provided at mountain refuges. However, you should bring a sheet sleeping bag.
Needle Sports (specialist mountaineering equipment shop)
Needle Sports is the English Lake District's foremost specialist climbing shop supplying mountaineering, rock, ice, alpine and expedition equipment worldwide. Internationally recognised as among the very best of the UK's top technical climbing gear retailers. They have a good range of equipment appropriate for this trip and offer knowledgeable advice both on their website and in store. View >>http://www.needlesports.com/
DATES & PRICES
Private Departure?
Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.
2026
Land Only Information
We sell this holiday on a Land Only basis and recommend that you book your flights to Geneva Airport. Please refer to the 'Joining arrangements and transfers' for further details.
Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.
If flying from the UK there are a number of low cost airlines offering flights to Geneva.
If you would prefer to book a 'flight inclusive package' using scheduled airlines from the UK please contact our flights department for a quote. Whilst flight prices are likely to be more expensive you will benefit from full financial protection.
BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.
KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)
