Italy·20 - 25 April 2024
Gran Paradiso Haute Route
Ski one of the most epic high routes of the Alps
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Overview
The Gran Paradiso Haute Route with skis is an epic adventure that will leave any avid skier breathless with awe. This ski tour traverses some of the most stunning peaks of the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy, including the namesake peak itself, which stands at 4,061 meters tall. The journey takes you through pristine alpine landscapes, along glaciated terrain. The ski terrain is varied, from wide-open powder fields to narrow couloirs that require good skiing skills. Each day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to explore the beauty of the Italian Alps. This Haute Route is an experience that every skier should have at least once in their lifetime, and one that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Gran Paradiso
The Gran Paradiso is a mountain in the Graian Alps in Italy, located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions, located in Gran Paradiso National Park. The peak is the 7th highest mountain in the Graian Alps, with an elevation of 4,061 m. While the Mont Blanc massif straddles the border between France and Italy, the Gran Paradiso is the only mountain whose summit reaches over 4,000 metres that is entirely within Italian territory.
High altitude
High altitude scenery is some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring in the world. At these elevations, the air is thinner, the skies are clearer, and the landscape is often starkly beautiful. High altitude scenery can include snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged rock formations. The colors of the landscape can vary from stark whites and grays to vibrant blues and greens, depending on the time of day and weather conditions. The views from high altitude are often expansive, allowing for stunning panoramic vistas that stretch for miles in every direction.
Ski mountaineering
Backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering are both forms of skiing in the wilderness, but they differ in their focus and technical requirements. Backcountry skiing typically involves skiing off-piste in the backcountry or undeveloped areas, with the emphasis on powder skiing and enjoying the natural environment. It often involves skinning up slopes using touring skis or splitboards, and then skiing down in untracked snow. Ski mountaineering, on the other hand, is more focused on climbing and descending technical terrain, such as steep couloirs or glaciated peaks. It requires a higher level of technical proficiency in mountaineering skills, such as using ropes, crampons, and ice axes. While both backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering can involve similar terrain and equipment, ski mountaineering is generally more demanding and requires a higher level of experience and expertise.
Hosts
Lorenzo
Lorenzo is a certified IFMGA mountain guide, based at the Dolomites with tons of experience in mountaineering and adventurous trips in Europe and around the world.
Schedule
Previous
Next
Day 1
Arrive at Valnotey (Cogne) and climb to Vittorio Sella hut (2584 masl)
We will meet at Valnotey (Cogne) around 12.00 to meet the group and the guide. We will check the equipment and then we climb to Vittorio Sella hut (2584 masl). The climb is 1030 m difference in height. The first part is in a larch forest, while the second is open slopes.
Day 2
Gran Serra (3552 masl)
We climb from the hut at down to ascend the Gran Serra (3552 masl). The last part has an easy mountaineering finish where rope and crampons will be necessary. From the shoulder below, the summit rappel on the side of Valsavarenche short descent on the glacier of Gran Neyron and subsequent ascent to the Col de Gran Neyron. From the pass, where a bivouac is placed, descent on wide slopes to the Chabod refuge, 2750m. The climb will take around 8 hours.
Day 3
Gran Paradiso (4061 masl)
Possible ascent at Gran Paradiso 4061 m. from Laveciau glacier. The climb is on not particularly steep slopes with magnificent views of the north face of Gran Paradiso. Last meters of easy climbing to reach Ia statue of the Madonna placed on the summit. Descent on wide slopes to the Vittorio Emanuele II refuge 2775m.
Day 4
Colle Gran Paradiso (3345 masl)
From Vittorio Emanuele II refuge ascent at Colle Gran Paradiso 3345mt. We will enjoy a nice descent in the seIvaggio Vallone Noaschetta until at Ivrea bivouac. Last climb to Colle dei Becchi and long and great descent to Pontese refuge 2217mt. Total elevation gain is 850m.
Day 5
Colle del Teleccio (3304masl)
From Pontese hut ascent to Colie del Teleccio 3304mt, then long and beautiful descent in Valleile to Lillaz in the Cogne valley. Elevation gain 1100m
What's Included
What's Included
5 days of skiing
Certified mountain guide
Accommodation at Gran Paradiso huts
Climbing equipment for the group
What's Not Included
Flights
Restaurants and bars
Anything not detailed in the "What's included" section
Gallery
Gran Paradiso, Italy
Welcome to the Big Paradise!
Gran Paradiso is a true paradise for ski mountaineers. With its vast and challenging terrain, the park offers endless opportunities for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. Skiers can explore the rugged peaks, traverse glaciated terrain, and descend through narrow couloirs and wide-open powder fields. The park's high-altitude environment provides for an unforgettable ski mountaineering experience, with breathtaking views at every turn. From the summit of the Gran Paradiso peak itself, which stands at over 4,000 meters tall, skiers can take in panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
Trip Tips
Ski Level
Due to the nature of this expedition previous mountaineering and backcountry skiing experience is required, and it is essential that you are confident riding on black slopes. A good level of fitness is recommended. You'll be accompanied by a certified IFMGA mountain but it is important that you know basic rescue skills.
Liability
Fjello selects local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Ski touring is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Fjello recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoor alone. All our trips include a local certified guide who will take care of your group. Enjoy your adventures safely with first-hand information from the locals.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
You'll Be Staying Here
Gran Paradiso Huts
We will spend our nights at:
- Vittorio Sella hut (2584 masl)
- Chabod hut (2750 masl)
- Vittorio Emanuele II hut (2775 masl)
- Pontese hut (2117 masl)