Italy·11 June 2025 - 6 March 2028
Gran Paradiso Climb (4,061m)
Climb Gran Paradiso (4,061m). Your perfect first 4,000m peak in the heart of the Italian Alps.
BOOK NOW
Overview
Gran Paradiso (4,061m) is the only 4,000-meter peak located entirely within Italian territory. It’s the highest point in the national park that shares its name. The ascent is technically straightforward, involving a beautiful glacier traverse that ends with a short and scenic rock scramble leading up to the famous Madonna statue at the summit. This is an ideal peak for those looking to take their first steps into the world of alpine climbing, whether as an introduction to the Alps or as their first 4,000-meter summit. The area is particularly wild and untouched, with no cable cars—making the climb slightly more demanding, but all the more rewarding. Climbing Gran Paradiso with a mountain guide is perfect for anyone wanting to experience high alpine terrain while staying overnight in a mountain hut. It’s also a great opportunity to learn basic mountaineering skills such as how to use crampons and an ice axe.
Highlights
Perfect first 4000m peak
Gran Paradiso (4,061m) is the perfect first 4,000m peak. Its normal route offers a non-technical but rewarding climb through beautiful glacier terrain, ending with a fun rock scramble to the summit. It’s ideal for beginners and a great way to gain confidence in alpine terrain. Plus, it’s excellent acclimatization for Mont Blanc, helping your body adjust to altitude while enjoying a stunning climb in a wilder, less crowded setting.
Guests
Your guides for Gran Paradiso
Isra Samper
Isra is our lead guide and logistics manager in Chamonix. Originally from Spain, he was raised among the mountains and sea, which gave him his passion for climbing. This passion took him from the Pyrenees to the Alps, where he is now based. With extensive experience in Chamonix, Isra has climbed Mont Blanc dozens of times and has climbed nearly every peak and route in the Alps. If there's a climb you can think of, there's a good chance he has already climbed it.
Marc Subirana
Director of the FEDME Women's Alpine Team for 7 seasons. A highly skilled alpinist and big wall climber with a track record that includes climbs on walls around the world, such as Torres del Paine, Yosemite, the Dolomites, Grandes Jorasses, and the Trango Towers in Pakistan. Recently, with Miquel Mas, he opened a new route on Latok Thumb, achieving the first ascent of this peak in the Karakoram.
Marçal Rocías
Marçal has a friendly personality and he is an expert on the entire Mont Blanc massif. Originally from Catalonia, he has an extensive knowledge of both the Pyrenees and the Alps, having spent many seasons guiding hundreds of clients and helping make their dreams come true. With Marçal’s positive and welcoming personality, you’ll feel right at home on Mont Blanc.
Schedule
Previous
Next
Elevation: +800m -0m / Time: 2-3 hours
Day 1: Pont Parking - Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge 2735m
The parking lot is located in Le Pont at 1960 meters, at the end of the valley. There, we'll pack our backpacks, check everything is ready, and begin the approach.
The climb to the Vittorio Emanuele Refuge (2735m) is fairly easy but steep. We'll climb the 800 meters of elevation gain to the parking lot along a comfortable path in just over two hours. We'll spend the night at the refuge on a half-board basis.
Included
Accommodation
Dinner
Elevation: +1300m -0m / Time: 6-7 hours
Day 2: Gran Paradiso 4061m - Le Pont 1960m
After an early start, we'll have breakfast and get to work. We have 1,300 meters of elevation gain and about 4-5 hours to reach the summit. The first section is a rocky trail followed by a more comfortable glacial one. The last few meters to the summit are an easy climb on rock (or rock and snow, depending on conditions), which we will do secured with a rope to La Madonna at 4,061 meters.
The descent follows the same route, stopping at the refuge to grab everything we left behind, grab something to eat, and continue to the parking lot.
Included
Breakfast
What's Included
What's Included
Certified IFMGA climbing guide
Accommodation half board at Vittorio Emanuele II Rifugio
Transport from Chamonix
Technical Climbing gear (ropes, slings, carabiners, etc)
Public Liability Insurance
What's Not Included
Personal gear (harness, boots, crampons, axe, helmet)
Climbing / Cancellation Insurance
The Package
Gran Paradiso (4,061m)
Gran Paradiso (4,061m) is the ideal first 4,000m peak: easy, scenic, and a great intro to glacier travel. It’s also perfect for acclimatizing before Mont Blanc.
FROM$2,327.13/pp
Gallery
Gran Paradiso, the Italian 4000
Gran Paradiso: The Perfect First 4,000m Peak
Gran Paradiso (4,061m), the highest mountain entirely within Italy, is a classic alpine objective and an ideal introduction to high-altitude mountaineering. Its normal route offers a relatively straightforward ascent through spectacular glacier terrain, ending with a short and scenic rock scramble to the summit, crowned by the iconic Madonna statue.
This climb is perfect for beginners or those aiming to summit their first 4,000m peak. The route is non-technical yet rewarding, offering stunning views and a true sense of achievement. The area’s wild, cable car–free environment adds to the experience, making the journey feel more authentic and immersive.
Gran Paradiso is also an excellent acclimatization climb for those preparing to tackle Mont Blanc. It helps build confidence on glaciated terrain and allows your body to adapt to the altitude—all while enjoying a memorable adventure in the heart of the Italian Alps.
Info
Related Blog Posts
Xavi Coll
·
Thu 2 Feb 2023
Montblanc (4,810m) in Summer
Tips and tricks to climb the Alps classic
Xavi Coll
·
Tue 17 Oct 2023
A summer in Chamonix
Tips and routes to spend your dream holiday in the Mont Blanc massif
Marc Subirana
·
Wed 12 Mar 2025
A guide to climb Ama Dablam (6,812m)
Climbing Ama Dablam: A Mountaineer’s Dream in the Himalayas
FAQs
What is your cancellation policy for Gran Paradiso?
At KooKoo Climb, we strongly recommend that all participants take out comprehensive cancellation insurance. This protects you in case you need to cancel your trip, encounter flight delays that affect your arrival, or face any other unexpected issues that prevent you from joining the program.
Voluntary Cancellations by the Client
You may cancel your reservation under the following refund conditions. All cancellations must be communicated in writing via email to KooKoo Climb:
- 90% Refund – If cancellation is notified 90 days or more before the start of the program.
Please note: if you paid a 10% deposit, this portion is non-refundable.
- 50% Refund – If cancellation is notified between 89 and 60 days before the start of the program.
- 0% Refund – If cancellation is notified 59 days or less before the program start date.
Refunds will be issued based on payments already made and received. If no payment has been made yet, the above percentages represent the amount still owed by the client.
Cancellations Due to Weather or Conditions
If the guide determines that weather or mountain conditions make it unsafe to attempt Gran Paradiso, KooKoo Climb will offer one of the following alternatives:
a) A similar activity in a nearby location with safer conditions.
b) The possibility to postpone the activity to a later date.
c) Cancellation of the activity.
If the client chooses to decline Option (a), the standard cancellation policy above will still apply.
Please note that only the guide can decide to cancel a climb due to weather or conditions. Under exceptional circumstances, KooKoo Climb may choose, at its sole discretion, to issue a partial or full refund (minus transaction fees).
Unforeseen Changes During the Program
In the event that a taxi or transport service is required during the program—due to weather, storms, snow, natural disasters, or route alterations—this cost will be considered an additional expense to be shared among all participants.
Any unforeseen additional costs incurred due to changes in itinerary or conditions will be covered by the participants, if they exceed the original program price.
By confirming your booking, you agree to obtain insurance that includes coverage for accidents in high-altitude mountain environments, as well as repatriation in case of emergency. You may be asked to provide proof of insurance prior to the start of the program.
Do I need previous experience in climbing or mountaineering to do the climb?
While ascending Gran Paradiso does not involve technical climbing, as it's primarily a trekking ascent, participants are recommended to possess prior hiking experience. This may include previous hikes in the Pyrenees, the Scottish Munros, or equivalent endeavors. Although not mandatory, some familiarity with winter climbing is advisable.
Where's the Nearest Airport and How Can I Book Chamonix Accommodation?
The nearest airport is Geneva, located just an hour from Chamonix by bus.
Please wait to book your flights and accommodation until after you’ve confirmed your Gran Paradiso experience with us. We’ll send you an email with the starting date, and a gear list. If you need to rent equipment, we’ll also provide cost-effective recommendations once you’re in Chamonix.
Do you have any questions for us?
If you have more questions about the Mont Blanc program, let us know. Contact us!
