Gran Paradiso Ascent Aug 2021 Gran Paradiso is the highest peak located entirely within Italy and is a superb first 4,000m summit for aspiring alpinists. It involves a complex glaciated ascent and a short technical traverse on summit day. During this climb you will be treated to some of the best sights in Italy, with picturesque views of the Graian Alps and the Aosta Valley. This is a scenic high mountain area and offers a very pleasant walk up to the hospitable & lively Rifugio Chabod hut from where we begin our summit ascent. On this trip you’ll learn some introductory skills for mountaineering on an ascent of Gran Paradiso, which is an achievable and rewarding climb in itself. It’s also the perfect way to acclimatise for higher peaks in the region and offers incredible views across to the Mt Blanc Massif. You can combine this trip with an ascent of Mont Blanc to round off an incredible alpine week. Date: 2nd-6th August 2021 Group Size: Max 6 Cost: £1,150 per person Route: We climb Gran Paradiso from Rifugio Chabod on the normal route (Grade PD). The route begins on a switchback trail up moraine and scree. Once the glacier is reached the route weaves through a heavily crevassed area under the northwest side of the peak, before climbing more steeply to reach a junction at 3,500m with the West Flank route, which starts from Vittoria Emmanuele refuge. More easy glacier climbing is followed by a bergschrund crossing and a short steeper snow slope to the final summit rocks. The last section to reach “The Madonna” involves fun, airy but well-protected climbing on good rock to the distinct summit blocks. In UK terms, the ridge is around a Grade 3 scramble, and it’s all protectable using slings. This section has become a bottle neck and can get quite busy in high summer. We descend via the same route. Itinerary: Route Day 1 Fly into Geneva, make way in to Chamonix Day 2 Trek from Aosta Valley to Rifugio Chabod Day 3 Today we reach the summit of Gran Paradiso, the highest peak entirely in Italy (4061m). Day 4 An early trek from the Rifugio to the Aosta Valley. Transfer to Chamonix Day 5 Transfer from Chamonix to airport & fly home How to book: The booking process is as follows: Choose your ticket type and complete the event booking form below & pay your deposit online, or by bank transfer, or pay your full balance - you'll then receive an email acknowledging receipt of your payment/booking Once you've booked and/or paid your deposit you'll receive a second email requiring you to complete our online Client Information & Medical Declaration Form (see below). This must be completed before we can confirm your booking If you have a balance to pay, you can choose to pay by either bank transfer or direct debit. Once you've submitted your Client Information & Medical Declaration Form, we'll send you an invoice by email and this will include both our bank details and a secure link to set up an electronic mandate to authorise direct debit. Client Booking & Medical Declaration Form You'll also need to read and agree to both our Overseas Trips Booking Terms & Conditions and our Participation Agreement (see below) - you will be asked to confirm this during Step 1 above. Overseas Trips Booking Terms & Conditions Participation Agreement Booking for this event has now closed.