The Gran Paradiso (4061m) Alpine Introduction Course provides a great induction to Alpine Mountaineering and your first 4000m peak. The ascent is an easy snow climb in the stunning Italian Alps. You will be introduced to Alpine Refuges, ice axe and crampons and ascend two lower 3000m summits during the acclimatisation period. From Chamonix, the traditional home of Alpine climbing, we also offer the chance to extend your stay to attempt Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe at 4810m.
Mont Blanc Extension
This 4 day extension to the highest peak in Western Europe may be added on to any of our Alpine Introductory or Swiss 4000m courses. These previous courses are essential to gain the acclimatisation required to climb Mt Blanc. To add this extension go to the Dates and Prices Tab and select the extension.
Saturday: Arrive in Chamonix and check into your hotel. Evening meeting with your Guide
Sunday:Â Go up to Cosmiques (3613m) or Gouter Hut using a variety of cable cars and trains
Monday:Â Ascent of Mont Blanc (4810m) and return to the hut or valley hotel
Tuesday:Â Reserve summit day or Cosmiques ArĂŞte etc
Wednesday:Â Breakfast and departure
Previous Experience & Fitness
You should have a good level of fitness as Alpine Mountaineering can be very tiring. Normally we would expect you to be able to enjoy consecutive 7-8 hours days in the British mountains with a medium pack. You do not need to have previous experience with crampons and ice axe as our Alpine Intro courses, such as Gran Paradiso Alpine Introduction, provide sufficient training to meet this prerequisite. Â Â Please note this is a suggested itinerary and the actual programme may change as a result of weather, conditions on the mountain, availability of mountain huts and individual levels of fitness. If due to any of these reasons a summit attempt is not possible then we usually switch our attentions to Gran Paradiso or another similar objective. If any extra costs for accommodation, transport or food are incurred beyond the suggested itinerary then you will need to pay these directly.
Joseph H –
The course was good and the guide was great. The accommodation was nice. Course instructor was fantastic. What a guy! Phil was excellent in every aspect and far exceeded my expectations. Super professional, good laugh, easy to get on with. He is an asset to your company. The whole experience was good. The Aguilles de Marbrees was good. The view from Gran Paradiso was fantastic.