Gran Paradiso trek and climb

        

Gran Paradiso Trek and Ascent (7 days)

This is a shortened version of our 8 day Grand Paradiso trek and is designed as an introduction to Alpine mountain walking and mountaineering. We will spend 2 nights at the Refugio Pontese on the south side of the Paradiso Range. The programme includes a very simple 'Via Ferrata', instruction on the movement on glaciers and simple rock scrambling and rope work. The trip culminates with an ascent of Gran Paradiso. This is the easiest 4000m summit in the Alps. Acclimatisation, training and fitness are built up in the first few days of the trip in preparation for the ascent of Gran Paradiso. Our route passes through areas free of ski systems and major tourist developments and associated environmental damage. The Gran Paradiso is in fact one of the most strictly controlled and carefully preserved National Parks in the Alps. The route includes a variety of terrain with some high passes (up to 3000m), forested valleys and alpine pastures with plentiful and varied wildlife. The area is particularly renowned for the King Ibex that has proliferated and survived here since King Vittorio Emanuele created a hunting reserve. At the same time he also established many excellent paths to allow access to the area and to some of his hunting lodges (Casa di Caccia). The two mountain lodges 'rifugios' we use on four nights, are extremely friendly and offer accommodation in either small rooms or in mixed dormitories, only sleeping sheets are needed, blankets are provided. The lodges are clean and have indoor toilets and wash rooms. Both provide hot showers. Two nights will also be spend camping in a remote valley, from this camp we will carry our some of our basic training. To save on weight the tents will be carried in by a support team but you will be expected to carry your own personal equipment plus some food. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary and the huts depending on any change in the local conditions. Grade D Enquire or Book | Dates and Prices Day 1: Turin to Rifugio Pontese Fly from London to Turin airport and transfer by private bus to the Lago di Teleccio. A light picnic lunch will be provided along the way. Then we walk up a rough steep path to the beautifully located Rifugio Pontese (2217m, 2-3 hours walk) in time for a sumptuous supper. Day 2: Excursion from Rifugio Pontese This will be a gentle acclimatisation day with a short 'Via Ferrata' (this involves surmounting obstacles with the help of fixed chains and ladders) to reach a tiny refuge for lunch. On the way down there will be an opportunity to practice with our ice axes and maybe crampons. Day 3: Rifugio Pontese to Noaschetta Valley This walk requires an early start. We ascend through alpine pastures, often passing herds of ibex and chamois, to reach the Colle dei Becchi (2990m) beneath the elegant granite spires of Becchi della Tribulazione. A short descent initially, over snow and big boulders, leads to the upper Noaschetta Valley (locally known as ‘little Tibet‘). We set up a camp in this magnificent and remote wilderness and relax in the afternoon observiung the herds of chamois and ibex that abound in the area. Day 4: Training Peak based at Noaschetta Valley The programme for this day will be weather dependent on the weather but hopefully will involve the ascent of a small partly glaciated summit allowing for more opportunities to acclimatise and practice using your ice axe and crampons. Day 5: Noaschetta Valley to Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele We traverse the glaciated Col de Grand Paradiso, 3345m, to the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele, (2732m, 5 hours). This is a famous old hut and the most popular base for the ascent of the Gran Paradiso. If the weather is good we will make an ascent of La Tresenta, 3609m. Day 6: Ascent of Gran Paradiso and traverse to Rifugio Federico Chabod An early start rewards us with morning views or even sunrise seen from the summit - a magnificent panorama. The ascent itself is by an easy, slightly crevassed glacier with a short section of airy and exposed rock scrambling to the summit. The upper sections of the ascent involving being roped together. Crampons and ski poles or an ice axe are required. Those who do not wish to make the ascent can enjoy exploring the area around the hut (4-5 hours in ascent, 2-3 hours in descent). After a rest we traverse round to the Rifugio Federico Chabod. Day 7: Rifugio Federico Chabod to Aosta and Turin A steep descent takes us down from where we take a public bus back to Aosta. There will be time for a snack in the old city square before we take private vehicle back to Turin Airport for the flight back to London. Included in costs: All transportation, all accommodation, all food (other than that mentioned in the itinerary), qualified guides. Book Now | Dates and Prices | Gran Paradiso 14 day grand tour

Gran Paradiso   Ibex below Gran Neyron   On the Glacier   View towards Mont Blanc   Madonna on summit of Gran Paradiso   Near Pont   View from Col del Nivole   Chalet del Lago

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ALW 27/6/06