Rising out of the Aosta Valley and separating the alpine dale from Piedmont, Gran Paradiso is the tallest mountain solely located in Italy. At 4.061 meters above sea level, it offers climbers a rewarding alpine experience amidst the stunning landscapes of Gran Paradiso National Park.
Gran Paradiso has earned its name for the exceptional beauty that surrounds it. Italian king, Victor Emmanuel II, noticed this natural beauty and designated the peak and its surroundings as a royal reserve in 1856, which later became the boundaries for the national park.
In 1922, his grandson, King Victor Emmanuel III, donated the land to the Italian government in order to protect the Alpine ibex from being poached to extinction and the national park was born.
In the past 96 years, the park has done just what it was intended to do. Gran Paradiso National Park, as well as the mountain from which it takes its name, is now home not only to a renewed population of Ibexes, but also golden eagles, ermine, weasels, Eurasian badgers and even lynx.
While the park is renowned for its floral and faunal diversity, Gran Paradiso is also famous for the ease with which it may be climbed, in spite of having one of the highest ascents on summit day.
The peak was first ascended in 1860 by a team of English and French mountaineers. Since then, millions of tourists have flocked to the mountain’s slopes to make the ascent themselves.
Here is everything you need to know when planning your own trip to this piece of paradise!
Where to start the climb to Gran Paradiso?
Climbers typically start their ascent from Pravieux in Valsavarenche, situated at 1,850 meters. From here, a 2.5-hour hike leads to either Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II or Rifugio Chabod, both serving as popular base camps for summit attempts.
Before you even begin your mountaineering experience to the top of Gran Paradiso, you have to get there. The peak is quite accessible both from Italy and France, so there are many spots from which to begin the trip in both countries.
Most guides are flexible about where they meet as a result of this. Many offer options to rendezvous in Turin and Chamonix, both of which have airports.
For the shortest trip options (which last two days) guides will likely want to meet at Port Valsavarenche, in order to get onto the mountain as soon as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Climb Gran Paradiso?
The standard ascent spans two days:
- Day 1: Meet your guide and hike to one of the mountain huts, Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II or Rifugio Chabod, depending on the route you are taking. This takes only about 2.5 hours.
- Day 2: Begin the summit push early, reaching the top in approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, followed by a descent to the base.
For those seeking acclimatization or additional challenges, three-day itineraries may include climbs of nearby peaks like Tresente or introductory training to learn basic mountaineering techniques.
Three day trips also generally include a climb of one of the other smaller and nearby summits, such as Tresente, but are otherwise the same. Due to the ease with which Gran Paradiso may be climbed, some guides offer three-day trips where the first day is spent learning basic mountaineering techniques.
More experienced mountaineers may use Gran Paradiso as a warm up climb before heading onto the neighboring Mont Blanc. These combined climbing expeditions last for about one week.
What Are the Main Routes to the Summit?
Two primary routes lead to Gran Paradiso's summit:
- Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II Route: Offers a direct path with a mix of glacier travel and a final rocky scramble.
- Rifugio Chabod Route: Slightly longer, this route provides scenic views and converges with the Vittorio Emanuele II path near the summit.
Both routes require glacier crossings; thus, climbers should be equipped with crampons and ice axes. This final ascent is the only part that might be tricky, with a 60 meter scramble over rocky terrain required to get to the top. Most people can do it, but a bit of previous instruction will be required.
The hike to both huts takes about the same amount of time and involves hiking through some boulder-strewn slopes.
Both mountain huts are similar, in terms of comfort and accommodation, offering an excellent ambiance and Italian hospitality. A night and half board meal generally costs about €50. Depending on the guide, this may or may not be included in the overall cost of the trip.
What Is the Difficulty Level of the Gran Paradiso Ascent?
**** Gran Paradiso is considered one of the more accessible 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps. While the glacier sections are manageable, the final 60-meter rocky scramble to the summit demands caution and basic climbing skills. Some hiking experience, a good fitness level and acclimatization to altitude are essential for a successful ascent.
It is an excellent option for people aspiring to learn basic mountaineering techniques. All the mountaineering skills you need will be shown to you by your guide either on a previous day or on the same day as your ascent.
How Should One Prepare for Climbing Gran Paradiso?
Preparation tips:
- Physical Fitness: Engage in regular cardiovascular and strength training to build endurance.
- Acclimatization: Spend time at altitude before the climb to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Guided Training: Consider participating in a preparatory course to learn essential mountaineering techniques.
We featured Gran Paradiso as one of the best 5 summits for beginners in the Alps. Check out the rest of the peaks on the list!
What Is the Best Time to Climb Gran Paradiso?
The best time to climb Gran Paradiso is from June to September, when weather conditions are most favorable. However, ascents are often possible in late spring and early autumn due to relatively mild temperatures.
Summer Climbing Conditions
- Average temperatures range between 8ºC to 12ºC higher up on the mountain.
- At the base, temperatures can reach the mid-20s.
- Expect colder temperatures on the glacier and summit—proper layered clothing is essential.
Spring and Autumn Conditions
- Temperatures are cooler than summer, so warmer gear is necessary.
- Late spring and early summer see more precipitation, including squalls and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons.
Dryer Months
- July through October are typically drier than May and June, making them ideal for climbing.
What Equipment Is Necessary for the Climb?
Essential gear includes:
- Climbing Equipment: Crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet for glacier travel and the summit scramble.
- Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for alpine conditions, including a waterproof jacket and insulated layers.
- Footwear: Sturdy mountaineering boots compatible with crampons.
Guides may provide technical equipment, but personal gear should be of high quality to ensure safety and comfort.
As with any climb, having the proper equipment can make a huge difference between an unforgettable adventure or an uncomfortable trip. Please note, some of this equipment may be rented at the start of the trip.
What Are the Costs Associated with the Ascent?
The average cost ranges from €400 to €800 per person, depending on group size and inclusions. This typically covers guiding fees, with additional expenses for accommodation, meals, and equipment rentals. Mountain huts charge around €50 for half-board per night.
At the low end of the range, this price will include the guiding fee and possibly some group equipment. This means food, transportation, personal equipment and guide expenses are not included, and you will have to have extra cash for those.
On the upper end of this spectrum, the guide fee and expenses, transport during the trip, equipment and accommodations may all be included.
However, prices vary largely from guide to guide.
Other activities in Northern Italy
Along with mountaineering, there are plenty of other activities to do in Gran Paradiso National Park during the summer.
Rock climbing in both the Piantonetto and Orco Valleys are quite popular. Hiking and trekking expeditions are widely considered to be the best way to see all the beautiful scenery that the national park has to offer. Trail running is becoming an increasingly popular activity here as well.
So what are you waiting for? Book your next mountaineering adventure to Gran Paradiso now and take advantage of the sublime scenery and excellent adventure that Italy’s highest peak has to offer!
