Gran Paradiso, 4061m, the only 4000 peak entirely in Italy
🗺️ Overview
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Highest point: Gran Paradiso, 4,061m — the only 4000er fully in Italy
Elevation gain: 2250m over 2 days, 1350m the second
Duration: 2h30 first day, 10-12h the second
Day 1: Hike to Rifugio Federico Chabod (2h35, 950m elevation gain)
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Day 2: Ascent to summit and return to the valley (~11 hours total)
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Difficulty: Long but non-technical (glacier + short via ferrata)
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Gear: Crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe — rentable at the hut
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Best advice: Start early to avoid slushy snow and traffic on the summit!
Gran Paradiso (4,061m) holds a special place in the Alps: it's the only 4000-meter peak located entirely within Italy. After climbing to Capanna Margherita last year (4,556m, the highest building in Europe), Gran Paradiso was the natural next step. It's known as one of the easier 4000ers technically—but don’t be fooled, it’s long and demanding due to the lack of lifts.
Day 1 – The Climb to Rifugio Federico Chabod
We arrived on a Sunday at the trailhead—somewhere between Valsavarenche and Pont. The parking isn't well-marked, but there aren’t many options, so if you find a lot, park there.
Our goal for the day was Rifugio Federico Chabod. The trail starts along a wide track known as Strada del Re, named after King Vittorio Emanuele who came here to hunt (and needed a regal path to do so, of course).
The 950m ascent is beautiful. It begins with switchbacks through the forest and offers a great viewpoint over the Pont valley and its glaciers.
After 30 minutes, we reached a hamlet where the trail splits. Our GPS app suggested left, but trail signs said right. We trusted the analog technology and went right.
Soon, the trees gave way to open slopes. You can either follow the broad zigzags or take a direct shortcut—fun on the way up, less appealing on tired legs going down.
Near the valley of the Savara torrent, the hut comes into view only at the last moment, perched above on a hidden ledge. A final switchback brings you to Rifugio Chabod. We took 2h35 (signs said 2h45).
The hut was a treat—especially after last year’s experience at Capanna Gnifetti. We had comfortable bunk beds, even hot showers! They also rent all the alpine gear you might need.
After a beer and some peak-spotting, we met our guide Christophe at 6pm. He checked our gear and reminded us: breakfast at 3:30 am. Dinner at 7pm was the typical Italian mountain feast: pasta, steak, and chocolate jelly. By 8:30, we were asleep. Sleeping at 2,700m was bliss compared to the sleepless night I had the year before at 3,660m.
Day 2 – Gran Paradiso Summit Day
I woke at 2am—too hot! I waited until 3am, then went for breakfast. In mountain huts, 3am is rush hour. Everyone’s gearing up, and you’re expected to eat… even if you’re not hungry.
By 4am, we were ready. It was surprisingly warm; I started with just a T-shirt and light fleece. I had forgotten my headlamp (oops), but the guide lent me his spare.
We crossed a wooden bridge and walked along a rocky moraine—remnants of a glacier. It was pitch black but straightforward. Headlamps of other groups snaked behind us.
After about an hour, dawn broke and we reached the glacier at 3,050m. We roped up and strapped on crampons.
We had a cutoff time to reach the unnamed col at 3,750m before the sun softened the snow too much. We walked at a steady rhythm with two short breaks.
I felt the altitude at the second break, but my legs kept moving. Around 8am, we reached the col—possibly even under the 4-hour mark. At this point the guide informed us that we were going to make it and that about 30% of his groups don't.
From here, the route swings behind the summit. One final steep push, and then the glacier flattens near the rocky summit block. We swapped poles for ice axes (not essential, but handy for balance).
The clouds parted just in time. The light played across ridges and valleys—a surreal view.
And then: the summit! Gran Paradiso, 4,061m. A narrow peak topped by the iconic statue of the Madonna. There was barely room for a few photos before we had to make way.
At the base, we understood the rush: a long line of climbers stretched down the glacier. Our guide said some might wait up to 2 hours. I was glad we were ahead.
Unfortunately, I’d forgotten my thick gloves. My hands were hurting from the cold. My friend lent me a spare pair and the guide showed me a trick: sling your hands like a centrifuge to push blood back to your fingers. It worked!
Descent – From the Summit Back to the Valley
After retrieving our poles and enjoying a well-deserved break in a sunny spot, we began the descent. It was around 9am and the sky was clear. The first section down to the col was actually pleasant—the altitude loss made breathing easier, and although I was tired, I felt good.
At 11am, we finally stepped off the ice. I was exhausted, but still felt significantly better than the year before after Capanna Margherita. This time, at least, we weren’t post-holing into knee-deep snow—just 20 cm at worst. It really confirmed the wisdom of our early 3am start.
We packed away our gear and by 12:00 sharp, we were back at Rifugio Chabod. There, we sat down for a hearty lunch and a reward beer—tasting all the better for the effort.
After an hour’s rest, we began the final descent to the valley. This time, we took the wider, more gradual path down, avoiding the shortcuts we had used on the way up. It was a mellow and reflective hike, with the mountain now behind us. Around 3pm, we reached the parking lot. As we looked up, the summit was still visible.
Unbelievable to think: we had stood up there just hours earlier.
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