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Monte Rosa 4000Ers Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m www.360-expeditions.com Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m The Monte Rosa Massif straddles the border The journey begins and ends in Italy, making between Italy and Switzerland, including the the most of the excellent lift infrastructure famous mountain towns of Zermatt and there. Once into the mountains the next four Gressonney. The Massif dominates the nights are in Italian mountain refuges as we surrounding area with an impressive ten tick off the peaks. In addition to the fantastic peaks over 4,000m high. Although some of hospitality these refuges are famous among the peaks are quite technical climbs the alpinists for great food and wine ! What’s not majority are not. With some training, fitness, to like about the combination of big and a good guide, this is a place to do some mountains, great food, and lovely wine? serious peak-bagging ! A ratio of 1 Guide for 3 clients (we can take up to 12 climbers) allows us to move quickly over long glaciated trails, while allowing the Guide to safeguard everyone on more difficult sections. Previous alpine mountaineering experience is not needed for this trip, but you should have worn crampons, be fit, and be ready for an adventure. [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m Physical - P3 Technical - T3 This trip is physically tough. Frequent exercise is May involve harder scrambling or some trekking necessary to prepare properly for this expedition. and climbing with ropes. If snow is encountered Regular walking mixed with training at the gym then glacier travel with ropes, ice axes and to build up endurance and cardiovascular fitness crampons will be necessary. Basic climbing skills is key. Expect to be able to do 8 hour days in hilly are ideal, but these will also be taught (and and often steep train, carrying a pack of 6-10kg certainly practiced) during the expedition and in weight with the occasional extra long day. pre-summit phase. Please note that the grading system used is a rough guide only. [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m ITINERARY DAY 1 : Depart UK & Briefing DAY 6 : Gnifetti Hut to Chamonix Your trip will start with a briefing at 6pm at your On the final morning we will take in our last remaining big accommodation in Chamonix. You will be notified of the peaks. We first head up to the Ludwigshöhe (4341m). location of this nearer the time. We will discuss the week After that a short descent leads to a col and a nice snowy ahead and answer any questions you may have before ridge that continues to the Parrot Spitz (4432m). After checking/issuing equipment. that we head back down the glacier to the refuge, collect our things, and then continue to Punta Indren where we can take the lift all the way down to Staffal. From there DAY 2 : Chamonix to Refugio Quintino Sella we will drive back to Chamonix for a well-earned shower and a night in a hotel. After breakfast we will drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy, arriving in Staffal near Gressonney after around 2hrs. We will then take the chair lift up to the Colle DAY 7 : Departure Bettaforca and walk to the Refugio Quintino Sella (3585m) (3hrs30). Breakfast at the hotel is included before departure. It is recommended that flights be booked for around lunchtime to avoid needing an early departure. DAY 3 : Castor (4220m) Transfers to and from Geneva Airport After an early start we will make our way up the glacier. The ascent of Castor is a great place to both teach and The transfer is approximately 70 minutes. Mountain Drop revise skills which will be essential for the rest of the trip. Offs are highly recommended. Please use discount code The summit is a special place, with fantastic views of the SMRJ16 when booking. surrounding 4000m peaks and all the way down to Zermatt. If travelling independently please do not arrive at your accommodation before 1400. DAY 4 : Refugio Quintino Sella to Gnifetti Hut At the end of the trip the transfer usually departs Chamonix around 3hrs before your flight. This day is begun with a long glacial hike beneath Lyskamm (4272m) towards the Passo del Nasso. This is potentially serious terrain and will only be undertaken if snow conditions are good. After the Passo there will be the option to ascend the Balmenhorn (4167m), Schwarzhorn (4321m) and Pyramid Vincent (4215m) before heading down to the Rifugio Gnifetti (3647m). DAY 5 : Gnifetti Hut to Zumsteinspitz (4563m) On the way back we may visit the Margherita Hut which is built on the summit of the Signalkuppe (4554m). This is the highest guardianed refuge in the Alps. After that we will head back down the glacier to the Rifugio Gnifetti. [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m KIT LIST Bags & Packs Duvet jacket Rucksack Synthetic jackets recommended as they stay warm if wet 30-40 litre maximum. Mammut “Granite 30/40”, and Osprey “Mutant” and Talon 33 Thin gloves recommended Fleece or leather gloves recommended Headwear Warm gloves Warm headgear Consider liners or a light polartec pair for lower This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, altitudes and evenings, and a thicker anything to reduce the heat loss from your head waterproof pair like ski gloves for higher altitudes Wide brimmed hat Mitts Keeps the sun off exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck Dachstein wool mitts recommended, or fleece with Gore Tex shell Goggles Lower Body Low light lenses recommended as goggles most likely used in poor weather Thick socks Sunglasses Smartwool or Teko recommended Worth spending money on good UV filters. For Mountain trousers glacier work category 4 with side and nose protectors. Julbo is our preferred supplier Mammut “Base Jump” (Schoeller fabric) or similar recommended Upper Body Waterproof trousers Thermal shirt/T shirt Like the jacket, an essential piece of kit to stay Merino wool recommended as they don’t smell dry and should also be Goretex Fleece top/jacket or Softshell Waterproof jacket Gore Tex. Arc’Teryx Beta AR recommended [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m KIT LIST Feet Medications Mountaineering boots (B3) Med-kit and personal medication Scarpa Ribelles recommended. Boots must have Blister Kit and personal medication if required. a rigid sole. Sportiva Trango and Scarpa Manta “Compeed” recommended are also recommended. Excellent boots can be hired in Chamonix for around €50/week Technical Equipment Gaiters Head torch In case of deep snow Petzl “Tika Plus” or similar recommended Sleeping Gear Harness Sleeping bag liner (sheet sleeping bag) Black Diamond “Alpine Bod” and Beal “Aero Team III” recommended These are mandatory for the Mountain Huts for hygiene reasons. Silk bags are best due to their Helmet weight. Summit to Sea recommended Petzl “Ecrin Roc” and Black Diamond “Half Hydration Dome” recommended Water bottles Ice axe 2x 1L water bottles Grivel “Air Tech” recommended. The bottom of your axe should reach your shin when held in Toiletries your hand standing upright Lip salve Crampons Sun cream and lip salve. SPF >30 Petzl Vasak and Grivel G12 highly recommended Wash kit Trekking poles toothbrush, small tube of toothpaste, wet wipes, These can be handy when crossing glaciers, and antiseptic hand gel on paths for reducing shock on your knees. Leki and Komperdell recommended. Snow baskets Ear plugs essential. 1 or 2 poles according to your preference For protection against the inevitable snorers! [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m KIT LIST Miscellaneous Camera Compact camera, fully charged [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m [email protected] CLICK TO: 0207 1834 360 www.360-expeditions.com BOOK NOW Monte Rosa 4000ers Europe | 4563m FAQ'S How long are the days ? When is the best time to head out on this The length of days will vary when Alpine expedition? Climbing. Training days will usually start between 0600 and 0800, and last for 6-8 hours. As the Monte Rosa massif is mostly snow and glacier-covered, especially in winter, the best climbing season spans from mid-June to mid- How much water should I carry each day ? September, and we tend to take advantage of the quieter months outside of the August Do not carry too much water – it is very heavy. holidays. As a general rule 1-2 litres is the right amount. Avoid using Camel Back style systems with drinking straws. They leak, the tubes freeze, and What are the mountain huts like ? they will always let you down when you need them most. Nalgene style plastic bottles are the Mountain Huts are mostly owned by the Alpine best. Clubs. They are there to provide accommodation and food for mountaineers. They often cater for large numbers (>100), and What type of food should I carry ? hence can be quite busy. Meals are usually simple but plentiful, and anyone with special Everyone is different, however it is essential to dietary requirements must let us know in eat well in the mountains.
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