PROGRAM
The best-known peak in the Monte Rosa group houses the Regina Margherita hut, Europe’s highest mountain refuge and astronomical observatory. Signalkuppe gets its name from ‘the Signal’, a prominent gendarme atop the east ridge. The hut was opened and dedicated to Queen Margherita on 4 September 1893, though the modern structure dates from 1980. The fourth highest summit in the Monte Rosa group and the fifth highest in the Alps, it offers a classic ski mountaineering that, despite the notable gain in altitude, is relatively straightforward.
GROUP DEPARTURES
Difference in altitude: 400 m
Ascent time: 2-3 hours
Meeting point: Staffal ticket office (Gressoney Staffal) for equipment check and a short briefing with the Guide
We take the cable car up to Punta Indren (3,270 m). From there, we proceed on foot either to the 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.
Difference in altitude: 400 m
Ascent time: 2-3 hours
Meeting point: Staffal ticket office (Gressoney Staffal) for equipment check and a short briefing with the Guide
We take the cable car up to Punta Indren (3,270 m). From there, we proceed on foot either to the 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.
Difference in altitude: 900 m
Ascent/descent time: 7-9 hours
We set off either from Mantova hut or Capanna Gnifetti 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 lead us to the Margherita Hut, Europe’s highest building (4,554 m).
We descend by the same route to the hut from which we set off to the parking lot.
Difference in altitude: 900 m
Ascent/descent time: 7-9 hours
We set off either from Mantova hut or Capanna Gnifetti 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 lead us to the Margherita Hut, Europe’s highest building (4,554 m).
We descend by the same route to the hut from which we set off to the parking lot.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation)
- liability insurance
- safety gear used by the Guide (eg rope)
- 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
- the hiring of any personal equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and backpack): €30/day per person while supplies last
- transfers
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
