PROGRAM
The best-known peak in the Monte Rosa massif, the Regina Margherita Hut, Europe’s highest mountain refuge and astronomical observatory. Built on the summit of Punta Gnifetti, it is also known as Signalkuppe, that get its name from ‘the Signal’, a prominent gendarme atop the east ridge. The hut was opened and dedicated to Queen Margherita on 4th September 1893, though the modern structure dates from 1980.
The climb, despite the notable gain in altitude, is relatively straightforward.
If you have a LITTLE or DON’T have ANY previous experience in mountaineering and you have never been on a glacier before, the 1-day “TRAINING ON MONT BLANC GLACIER” is the best choice for training and learning the basic techniques to tackle the first 4.000 m.
Discover the all inclusive program and contact us to book you ascent!
GROUP DEPARTURES
Difference in altitude: 400 m
Ascent time: 2-3 hours
Meeting point: Staffal (Gressoney), next to the lifts for equipment check and a short briefing.
We take the cable car up to Punta Indren (3,270 m). From there, we proceed on foot either to the Città di Mantova Hut (3,498 m), about an hour’s walk, or directly to the Capanna Gnifetti (3,647 m), a walk of about two and a half hours. Dinner and overnight stay at one of the huts (depending on the availability).
Difference in altitude: 400 m
Ascent time: 2-3 hours
Meeting point: Staffal (Gressoney), next to the lifts for equipment check and a short briefing.
We take the cable car up to Punta Indren (3,270 m). From there, we proceed on foot either to the Città di Mantova Hut (3,498 m), about an hour’s walk, or directly to the Capanna Gnifetti (3,647 m), a walk of about two and a half hours. Dinner and overnight stay at one of the huts (depending on the availability).
Difference in altitude: 900 m
Ascent/descent time: 7-9 hours
We set off either from Città di Mantova hut or Capanna Gnifetti hut after breakfast.
We put crampons on to climb up the glacier until we get close to the Vincent Pyramid and the Balmenhorn. Then, via the base of the Schwarzhorn, the Ludwigshöhe and the Parrotspitze, we reach the Lysjoch pass (4,250 m). A descending traverse under Parrotspitze takes us under the Signalkuppe. Another traverse and a brief and steep final stretch leads us to the Regina Margherita Hut, Europe’s highest building (4,554 m).
We descend by the same itinerary, with a short break at the Città di Mantova hut. Then we take the lift down to the parking lot in Gressoney Staffal, for the last greetings.
Difference in altitude: 900 m
Ascent/descent time: 7-9 hours
We set off either from Città di Mantova hut or Capanna Gnifetti hut after breakfast.
We put crampons on to climb up the glacier until we get close to the Vincent Pyramid and the Balmenhorn. Then, via the base of the Schwarzhorn, the Ludwigshöhe and the Parrotspitze, we reach the Lysjoch pass (4,250 m). A descending traverse under Parrotspitze takes us under the Signalkuppe. Another traverse and a brief and steep final stretch leads us to the Regina Margherita Hut, Europe’s highest building (4,554 m).
We descend by the same itinerary, with a short break at the Città di Mantova hut. Then we take the lift down to the parking lot in Gressoney Staffal, for the last greetings.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation)
- liability insurance
- loan of personal equipment (harness, ice axe and crampons)
- overnight stay in a refuge with half board
- tickets for lift facilities
- booking assistance service (including assistance for refuges and lifts reservation)
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- transfers
- extra meals and beverages (for clients and Guide)
- hiring of the trek poles (15€/per person)
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
