Gran Paradiso Expedition

READ ALL THE EVENT DETAILS AND "INFO SESSION SLIDES" CAREFULLY BEFORE BOOKING YOUR TICKET

DISCLAIMER

Participants must be able to hike trails and climb icy and rocky terrain (snow school to teach proper use of crampons and ice axe included) with up to 6,194 ft / 1,888 m of elevation gain over 6.2 miles (10 km) and approximately 6-8 hours of continuous climbing.

Tickets are transferable to other members of the LBS community. However, no refunds will be offered once tickets are purchased. This expedition has inherent risks, and travel insurance is strongly recommended.

The Expedition:

Gran Paradiso, the highest mountain contained entirely in Italy, offers a challenging yet entry level mountaineering experience that will provide great views of the alps and provide the skills required to take on other mountains around the world. This iconic climb will take you through dramatic landscapes, rugged trails, over glaciers and through other amazing mountain scenery as we ascend to the summit at 4,061 m (13,323 ft).

We will begin our journey in Aosta, Italy, where we will stay two nights and do day hikes and other optional activities to help us acclimatise to the elevation. We will start our trek to the Chabod hut on Sunday morning. At the Chabod hut we will take part in a guide led snow school where they will teach us how to walk on a glacier using crampons, how to self-arrest in case of slide, and how to travel in rope teams, On Monday morning, around 4:00 am, we will start our climb following the “Normal Route” a well-established and widely considered the easiest route up the mountain. After climbing down from the mountain we will then spend another night in Aosta before going our separate ways for our onward travels, or journeys back to London.

This is a great mountain to test yourself. It is a beginner-level mountaineering climb and is perfect for hikers/trekkers who want to build the skills to start mountaineering. For those seasoned mountaineers it is a classic climb in the Alps that will challenge your skills and provide an unforgettable experience. This expedition is all about pushing yourself, embracing the beauty of the mountains, and sharing the experience with an amazing LBS crew.

Be ready for changing weather, rocky and icy terrain, crevasse crossings, and a test of mental and physical endurance.

The Ticket Cost:

The expedition will cost £400 per person.

Participants should factor in additional costs for trains/transport from Turin to Aosta, personal gear, optional excursions, and meals. The ticket price includes accommodation and guided hiking services.

Who Can Apply:

This expedition is open to all students, partners, and alumni.

The Ticket Includes:

• Guides: Three experienced local mountain guides for 12 people (1:4 ratio).
• Accommodation: 2-night stays at the Express Hotel Aosta East prior to the climb, one day at the Chabod hut, and 1-night stay after the climb at the Express Hotel Aosta East.

The Ticket Does Not Include:

• Meals: Lunch and dinner in Aosta and food while on the mountain.
• Travel: Round-trip from London to Aosta (recommendation for travel provided below).
• Personal hiking gear: Mountaineering boots (B2 or B3 – must be crampon compatible, waterproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, and hat (a full gear list will be provided).

Suggested Travel to Aosta (Not Included in Ticket Price)

To make your journey smooth and efficient, we recommend the following suggested travel route to Fort William:

✈️ Fly to Turin (2-hour flight) → 🚌 Take a bus to Aosta (1.5-hour ride).

• Estimate cost for a return flight + bus: £150-£200
• The bus departs from Turin Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and there are buses to Aosta every 4 hours.
• Options are also available from Geneva and could be explored by some travellers.

Please note: This is only a suggestion to help plan your journey. Travel costs are not included in the ticket price, and participants are responsible for arranging their own transport.

Trip Timeline:

The expedition will take place on 6^th – 10^th June. A rough itinerary is as follows:

• 6^th – Day 1 (Travel & Arrival) – Travel to Aosta, check into the hotel, pre-hike briefing, optional town exploration, and optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
• 7^th – Day 2 (Rest and Acclimatise Day) – Group hike and exploring the surrounding area, optional activities, free evening for dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.
• 8^th – Day 3 (Transport to Mountain and Hike to Hut) – Hiking to the Chabod hut, settling in and snow school with a briefing from our guides.
• 9^th – Day 4 (Summit Day) – Start climbing around 4:00 am and should be back down to the parking lot around 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Transport back to Aosta, check back into the hotel, and enjoy some much-deserved rest and recovery, with optional celebratory dinner and drinks at a local restaurant.
• 10^th – Day 5 (Return Travel) – Breakfast at the hotel, optional exploration and onward or return travel

Training & Fitness:

While no technical climbing or prior mountaineering experience is required, Gran Paradiso will be physically challenging. To enjoy your experience, we recommend participants have a good level of fitness, a good attitude, and strong resilience.

Weather & Safety:

• Safety is our priority. Three trained mountain guides will lead the group, and emergency protocols will be in place.
• Weather conditions on Gran Paradiso can change rapidly, with strong winds and limited visibility even in summer. Avalanche and rockfall dangers exist on the mountain, along with crevasses and steep ridges. We will have multiple points of protection to ensure your safety, but there are inherent risks whenever you climb glaciated peaks.
• Proper gear is essential-participants must be fully prepared for cold, icy, and windy conditions. Boots must be crampon-compatible mountaineering boots (B2 or B3).

Travel Insurance:

It is strongly recommended that all participants have travel insurance covering hiking in mountainous terrain, emergency rescue, and trip cancellations.

If you have any questions, please contact Scott Thatcher at +447938177789 or sthatcher.mba26@london.edu