Ski Gran Paradiso

The Gran Paradiso is one of the most beautiful national parks in the Alps and home of the Gran Paradiso (4060m) the only 4000m peak to be solely in Italy. The region is famous for its herds of ibex and chamois which are remarkably tame and approachable. We aim to complete a tour over the Gran Paradiso region from the Val de Cogne to Val Savrenche. This is a ski mountaineering tour as the three peaks that we climb en route all involve a certain amount of mountaineering with ice axe and crampons. Three quality alpine peaks one of which is a 4000'er are climbed during this week.

Typical Itinerary

day 1 (Sunday evening) Course convenes at the Grand Chalet hotel with welcome by ISM guides at 6.45pm and course briefing followed by evening meal.

day 2 We drive from Leysin to the Val di Rhemes in Val d'Aosta. From here we skin to the Benevolo hut (2280m, 2.5 hours). This charming hut is famous for the quality (and quantity) of the food and wine, and is an excellent base for us to warm up and acclimatise.

day 3 There are many exciting ski peaks to climb from the Benevolo hut. The Pointe de Galise is an excellent ski peak and its north facing glacier often provides excellent powder skiing. We have amazing views of the Gran Paradiso chain across the valley. We ski the glacier back to the Benevolo hut. Other possible ascents are the Pointe de Calabre 3445m, the Grande Traversiere 3496m and the Pic de Golette 3291m.

day 4 We make an ascent of the Grand Vaudala (3272m, 4hrs, great views of Gran Paradiso!) and descend the Val di Vaudala to St Pantaleon. This is a fantastic ski run with lots of character finishing in a narrow ravine (1000m of descent). We spend the night in the comfortable hotel at Pont, Val Savrenche.

day 5 Today we start our ski ascent of the Gran Paradiso. We climb to the Refuge Fredrico Chabod (2750m, 3½ hrs). The first stage of the approach takes us through an alpine pine forest, until the mountain opens out to give superb views of the Gran Paradiso and its north face. This hut is very modern and comfortable. This valley is home to many Chamois and Ibex, sightings are usually frequent and at close distance.

day 6 The traverse of the Gran Paradiso (4060m, 5hrs). Our route takes us through a complicated glacier under the north face of Gran Paradiso, we then join the more normal route from the Vittorio Emmanuelle hut. For the last 100m to the summit we have to cache our skis and rope up as the summit ridge is rocky and exposed. We now have a well deserved 1300m descent either skiing the glacier back to the Chabod hut and onwards down to the valley, or to the Vittorio Emmanuelle Hut and onwards down to Pont. We return to Leysin.

Maps: Valgrisnenche Val di Rhemes Hiking Map 3 and Valsavaranche Gran Paradiso Hiking Map 9 1:25 000 (there is no specific ski map for this area)

Ski ability required: This is a demanding tour at altitude. Prior ski-touring experience is essential and you should have effective turns off-piste in a variety of snow conditions. A high level of fitness is very important and you should be able to comfortably sustain a climb at a rate of 300 vertical metres an hour. A typical day will involve up to 5 hours of uphill skiing (up to 1200m of ascent).

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