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SPAIN · FRANCE · ITALY · 2027
Trekking in the Pyrenees & Alps: 11 days and an attempt to summit Gran Paradiso (4,061 m)
From the Catalan Pyrenees to the French Alps and the Italian Aosta Valley: three countries, three acclimatization treks, and an attempt to reach the glacial summit of Italy’s highest peak.
Eleven days combining three mountain ranges: acclimatization treks in the Catalan Pyrenees (Coma de Vaca, Vall de Núria, and Puigmal), a day of trekking in the French Alps with Mont Blanc always in the background (Mont Joly, from the base in St. Gervais and Chamonix, the cradle of mountaineering) and concluding in the Aosta Valley, Italy, with two days of glacier climbing on Gran Paradiso (4,061 m)—the only peak over 4,000 m that lies entirely within Italian territory. A trip designed for those who already have experience in mountain trekking and want to take the leap to their first technical glacier summit, guided every step of the way.
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Why this hike?
Three countries, three mountain ranges
The Catalan Pyrenees, the French Alps, and the Italian Aosta Valley, passing through the Mont Blanc Tunnel along the way.
A progression designed to help you acclimate
Three days of high-altitude trekking before the summit attempt, to ensure you're well-prepared for the glacier terrain.
Summit in Gran Paradiso
4,061 m, the only peak over 4,000 m located entirely in Italy. Technical terrain T5/T6, guided in a rope team.
Is this hike right for you?
- You want to make a gradual transition from hiking to high-altitude mountaineering: the Pyrenees first, then the Alps, and finally a 4,000.
- Are you looking to see the Pyrenees, Mont Blanc, and Gran Paradiso in a single trip, without having to plan routes, arrange lodging, or coordinate transportation?
- Having a clear goal motivates you, with training and acclimatization designed to help you reach the summit with confidence.
- Do you want to take an eleven-day break from your routine, sleeping in mountain huts and sharing meals with people who enjoy the same things you do?
- You'll appreciate traveling in a small group of no more than 10 people, accompanied at all times by certified guides who know every route.
The Trip in Pictures
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel or Barcelona Airport (El Prat) and transfer to Girona. Free day to explore the Barri Vell, Catalonia’s best-preserved medieval quarter, before the active part of the trip begins.
Wow moment: the Barri Vell, featuring the Cases de l’Onyar, the Cathedral, the Call Jueu, and the Banys Àrabs.
Accommodations: hotel in Girona, dinner included (Pizzeria Bartalli, gluten-free option available).
10 km · +970 m · 7–8 hours of hiking (T2, with some T3 sections).
Hike from Queralbs to the Coma de Vaca Refuge (1,995 m), near the confluence of the Freser and Coma de Vaca rivers. Notable viewpoints: the Salt del Grill (waterfall) and the crossing of the Freser River, where you can take a dip during lunch.
Wow moment: the Salt del Grill and the views of the Freser Valley.
Lodging: Refugi Coma de Vaca, a FEEC mountain hut with 52 beds in shared bunk beds; half-board included.
13 km · +900 m · 7–8 hours (highest point of the day: 2,800 m), T2 with some T3 sections.
A route from the source of the Freser River, passing by the Tirapits cabin, a ridge with views of France and its lakes, to the Coll de Noucreus and the descent to Vall de Núria.
Wow moments: the source of the Freser River, the scarp with views of France, the Coll de Noucreus, and the arrival at the lake and the Sanctuary of Núria. On hikes in June, there is usually residual snow at 2,800 m, which can be crossed with light crampons.
Lodging: Núria Xanascat Hostel (Pic de l’Àliga, 2,120 m), 170 beds in rooms for 3 to 8 people, each with its own bathroom.
14.5 km · +1,300 m · 7–8 hours, T2 with some T3 sections.
Ascent from Núria to Coll de Finestrelles (2,600 m), along the ridge to Pic del Segre and the summit of Puigmal (2,909 m), the second-highest mountain in Girona, on the border with France. Return to Vall de Núria.
Wow moments: Coll de Finestrelles, with views of Núria from the top; the ridge of Pic del Segre; reaching the summit of Puigmal; and the waterfall at Torrent de la Coma de l’Embut (where you can take a dip).
Lodging: Overnight stay at the Alberg Núria Xanascat.
Today we’re heading to the French Alps. A 727-km, 9-hour trip in a private minivan.
Descent to Queralbs by rack-and-pinion train, followed by a drive to St. Gervais-les-Bains (France), at the foot of Mont Blanc, with a stop for lunch along the way.
Wow moments: the view of Mont Blanc from the car and the course of the Isère River along the way.
Accommodations: Shared house in St. Gervais, double or triple rooms with twin beds.
A free day to explore Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the birthplace of modern mountaineering (first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786) and host city of the first Winter Olympics (1924).
Transfer by minivan (30 min).
Optional activity at an additional cost: excursion to the Aiguille du Midi (€85), weather permitting.
Lodging: Overnight stay in St. Gervais.
10 km · +800 m · 4–5 hours of hiking, with constant views of Mont Blanc. T2, with the final section rated T3.
Gondola from Bettex to Mont d’Arbois (1,839 m), along the Mont Joux ridge, with a stop at the Mont Joly Refuge (2,002 m, built in 1925), and the final ascent to the summit of Mont Joly.
Wow moments: a constant view of the Mont Blanc massif, alpine pastures with cows, goats, and sheep spending the summer there, and the summit with a 360° view.
Lodging: Overnight stay in St. Gervais.
2:30 h by minivan to Pont (105 km) + 5.5 km hike / +750 m (2:30 h), T2.
Cross the Mont Blanc Tunnel (11.6 km) into Italy, stopping in Chamonix to rent climbing gear. Hike from Pont to the mountain hut (2,735 m) in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s oldest national park.
Wow moments: crossing the Mont Blanc Tunnel, the Valsaverenche Valley, and arriving at the mountain hut.
Lodging: Vittorio Emanuele II Mountain Hut (CAI Torino), 2,735 m, 120 beds in shared rooms for 4 to 9 people.
5 km / +400 m, short acclimatization hike (~5 h, easy pace), T2/T3.
Hike to the glacier to practice using crampons, review harness and group-roping techniques, and conduct a final check of the summit gear.
Lodging: Overnight stay at the Vittorio Emanuele II Mountain Hut.
13 km · +1,400 m / −2,500 m · ~13 hrs. The highest peak in Italy located entirely within Italian territory. Technical terrain rated T5, with the final section to the summit (glacier + exposed section) rated T6. Requires prior experience with crampons, an ice axe, and ropes.
Early morning departure, approach to the glacier in a rope team, the iconic “Schiena d’Asino” (snow/ice ridge at 3,750 m), the terminal rimaya, and the final stretch of exposed rock up to the Madonnina, the statue that has crowned the summit since 1954.
From an elevation of 4,061 m, on clear days you can see Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the Gran Combin.
Accommodations: the same house in St. Gervais.
700 km · 9 hours by private minivan.
Return to Girona with a stop for lunch along the way through France. End of the Pyrenees & Alps — Gran Paradiso expedition.
Still have questions about the day-to-day itinerary?
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Meet Your Guides
Sebastián Aldana
An Argentine mountaineer from Jujuy and a high-altitude mountain guide with more than 30 years of experience. On September 30, 2016, he reached the summit of Manaslu (8,163 m, the eighth-highest mountain in the world) without supplemental oxygen, becoming one of the first Argentines to do so. In addition to leading international expeditions, he teaches training workshops for mountain guides in Jujuy.
Fede Lombardi
Founder & mountain guide, Vertidissim
Born in Córdoba and raised in Buenos Aires, Fede left a career spanning more than 15 years at a technology company to devote himself to what he’s truly passionate about: taking people to the mountains. He settled in Girona in 2022 and has since led more than 30 expeditions to 10 different destinations, including the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Aosta Valley, and the Costa Brava. He is a certified low- and mid-mountain guide, a certified cycling guide, and an ultradistance trail runner with over 15 years of experience. He is also a triathlete and an open-water swimming specialist on the Costa Brava. More than 100 verified reviews on Google attest to the quality of his work, with an average rating of 4.9/5.
“Happiness is only real when it’s shared” — Chris McCandless.
What Our Customers Say
Things to Know
What's Included
- Transfers to/from Barcelona Airport (El Prat) or a hotel in Girona/Barcelona
- All accommodations
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, packed lunch) unless otherwise noted
- Domestic transfers in Spain, France, and Italy
- 3-day acclimatization trek in the Pyrenees
- 1-day visit to Chamonix (Free day)
- 1-Day Hike in France (Mont Joly)
- 2-day trek with an attempt to reach the summit of Gran Paradiso
- Ski passes, lifts, and train/bus access to mountain huts
What is NOT included
- Personal and Mountaineering Gear
- Dietary Supplements
- Meals Outside the Established Plan
- Mountain insurance (billed separately)
- Airline ticket
- Access to the Aiguille du Midi
Additional Services
- Via Ferrata on the Costa Brava, 50 € per person (transportation and guided tour included; equipment rental not included)
- Aiguille du Midi Tour in Chamonix, 85 € (Day 6)
Physical Fitness Level and Required Experience
Required Equipment
Hiking (Days 2, 3, 4, 7, 8):
- Waterproof, high-top hiking boots
- 40-50 L backpack with rain cover
- Technical base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket (at least 10k), and down jacket
- Beanie, gloves, hiking pants, and lightweight waterproof pants
- Trekking poles, hiking sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Headlamp, water bottles or a water reservoir with a capacity of at least 1.5 L, and a fully charged phone
- For June outings: lightweight crampons / microspikes for remaining snow (days 3 and 4)
Gran Paradiso Summit Day (T5/T6, glacier):
- Rigid or semi-rigid high-altitude mountaineering boots (available for rent)
- 10-12-point crampons compatible with the boot (available for rent)
- Technical ice axe, climbing harness, and helmet (available for rent)
- Glacier goggles (category 4), waterproof technical gloves, and gaiters
Tips for First-Time Shelter Adopters
Dates for 2027 and price
2,450 € per person
What's Included
How to Make a Reservation
What's Not Included
Before reviewing the terms and conditions
Get all the trip details in a PDF: itinerary, required gear, and conditions. We’ll send it to you right away.
We'll send you the complete itinerary as a PDF and, while we're at it, add you to our expedition newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Terms and Conditions
Climate and Security Clause
This decision rests solely with the guide at the time; it is made based on the information available that day and is not subject to negotiation. The group’s safety always takes precedence over the itinerary. Whenever possible, an equivalent alternative activity will be proposed, or the itinerary will be rearranged to take advantage of better weather windows on other days.
Days or activities canceled due to weather or safety concerns are not eligible for a refund, as they result from a safety decision and not from a cancellation of service by Vertidissim.
On the day of the Gran Paradiso summit climb, which involves crossing a glacier, the decision to attempt the summit also depends on the glacier’s conditions (crevasses, snow cover, overall condition) as well as the weather.
Reservation and Cancellation Policies
Cancellation by the participant:
More than 60 days before departure: 100% refund of the amount paid, minus the deposit.
Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% refund of the amount paid, minus the deposit.
Between 29 and 15 days before: 25% refund of the amount paid, minus the deposit.
Less than 15 days before or no-show: no refund.
Cancellation by Vertidissim: If the trip is canceled for reasons beyond the participant’s control (not to be confused with the weather clause, which applies to specific activities during a trip that has already begun), 100% of the amount paid will be refunded, or the trip will be rescheduled for another available date.
Insurance: Mountain insurance is not included. We recommend purchasing a policy that covers cancellation, accidents, and mountain rescue up to 4,100 m, as Vertidissim cannot be held responsible for personal contingencies (accidents, illness, flights, etc.).
Name Changes: You may transfer your spot to another person up to 15 days before departure, subject to a €50 administrative fee.
