Day 1 — Ascent to the Federico Chabod mountain hut (2,750 m)
We’ll meet in the morning in Valsavarenche, a few kilometres before Pont, at the start of the path leading to the Chabod mountain hut.
After checking equipment and a safety/pace briefing, we begin the ascent to the refuge.
Ascent: approx. 2½ hours’ walk, 850 m elevation gain
Route: a less-travelled alternative to the classic route, ideal for maintaining a steady pace.
Arrival at the refuge: settling in, rest period, hydration, preparation for the summit day.
Overnight at the Chabod refuge: a cosy refuge, Italian dinner and breakfast included (dormitory).
Objective for the first day: Gain altitude gradually, rest, and arrive fresh for the summit day.
Day 2 — Summit of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) & descent via the classic route
We set off early from the hut to make the most of the best snow conditions and a more steady pace. We reach the Laveciau Glacier: an easy but already very alpine section, on a crevassed north-facing glacier, before switching to the classic route (often busier).
The final section consists of a steeper slope, followed by the famous final rocky ridge—easy but exposed—which leads to La Madone at 4,061 m.
Day 2 duration: approx. 10 hours’ walking (depending on conditions/pace)
Elevation gain: 1,311 m / Elevation loss: 2,110 m
Descent: via the classic route, passing the Vittorio Emanuele II Refuge for a hot lunch break (included).
Return: arrival at the car park in Pont at the end of the day.
Who is this climb for?
You must be a keen walker, capable of climbing at a rate of ≥ 300 m/h and tackling an elevation gain of around 1,300 m.
You don’t need to be a ‘mountaineer’, but you should be familiar with mid-range mountains and snow; you will be provided with crampons depending on conditions.
