Cramponing and Mantova Refuge

Cramponing and Mantova Refuge

CATEGORY

Mountaineering

DIFFICULTY

Easy

ELEVATION GAIN

350 m

DURATION

Day trip

SEASON

Summer

LOCATION

Mount Rosa

Overview

This mountaineering course/experience is designed for those who wish to approach high altitudes in a gradual and mindful way, as well as for those looking to deepen and consolidate their technical skills on snow and ice, and reach the two main high-altitude mountain huts of Monte Rosa: the Città di Mantova refuge and the Gnifetti Hut. 

The aim is to learn the fundamental basics of glacier mountaineering: the correct use of crampons and ice axe for safe progression on the glacier, classic rope tying, the proper use of the rope, basic knots and rope team progression. During the activity, crevasse rescue techniques are also introduced, along with notions of topography and orientation. 

It is an ideal experience both for those experiencing the thin air of high altitudes for the first time, and for those wishing to gain greater confidence and independence on mountaineering excursions. 

Also suitable for children and teenagers wishing to have their first mountaineering experiences on a glacier. 

Period: From June to September

Programme

We meet in the morning at Stafal, in front of the lift ticket office. From here, we take the lifts together up to Punta Indren (3260 m). Once we have put on our crampons, we begin our journey on the glacier, where we will put into practice the techniques learned: walking on snow and ice, using the rope, knots and rope team movement, always in safety and with the support of the guide. 

Depending on the group and the conditions, we will reach the Città di Mantova Refuge (3498 m), overlooking the glacier at the base of Colle del Lys, or we will continue to the Gnifetti Hut (3647 m), located on the Garstelet glacier. 

The ascent takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (plus about 1 hour of total progression), with an elevation gain of around 350 m.

The activity can be offered in two different formulas, depending on the level of commitment and experience of the participants.

Half day
A shorter and more accessible experience, ideal for those who want to approach the glacial environment for the first time, learning how to use crampons and the basic techniques of glacier travel.

Full day
For those who want a more complete and challenging experience, it is possible to tackle a full day at high altitude, with a longer itinerary and greater elevation gain. It will be the perfect opportunity to deepen the techniques of rope team movement, the use of crampons and to experience the glacial environment of Monte Rosa even more intensely.

1 Participant

€200

Per person

2 Hikers

€100

Per person

3 Participants

€70

Per person

4 Hikers

€50

Per person

5 Participants

€40

Per person

The price includes: 

  • Guidance by an IFMGA Mountain Guide.

  • Harness and crampons.

The price does NOT include:

  • The cable car ticket

  • Meals.

  • Drinks

Full day price

1 mountaineer: 350€
2 mountaineers: 175€/person
3 mountaineers: 117€/person
4 mountaineers: 88€/person
5 mountaineers: 70€/person

The most common questions

The most common questions

The most common questions

What to know before you set off

Mountaineering is by its very nature an adventurous activity. The Monte Rosa guides, all of whom are UIAGM certified, are dedicated to doing everything possible to minimise any hazards, but a element of risk is always present and should be embraced as part of the adventure before signing up for our activities.

The Monte Rosa Guides will always do their utmost to help you achieve your personal goals and ensure you have the best possible experience in nature. However, you must agree to trust their professional judgement whilst in the mountains and respect any decision they make, including turning back, should it be deemed necessary. Being well-prepared and maintaining a good level of physical fitness is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on all our excursions. If, due to fitness levels or any other reason, your guide feels you are not quite ready for your chosen activity, they will happily suggest alternative adventures beautifully suited to your current level of preparation.

Mountaineering is by its very nature an adventurous activity. The Monte Rosa guides, all of whom are UIAGM certified, are dedicated to doing everything possible to minimise any hazards, but a element of risk is always present and should be embraced as part of the adventure before signing up for our activities.

The Monte Rosa Guides will always do their utmost to help you achieve your personal goals and ensure you have the best possible experience in nature. However, you must agree to trust their professional judgement whilst in the mountains and respect any decision they make, including turning back, should it be deemed necessary. Being well-prepared and maintaining a good level of physical fitness is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey on all our excursions. If, due to fitness levels or any other reason, your guide feels you are not quite ready for your chosen activity, they will happily suggest alternative adventures beautifully suited to your current level of preparation.

What to pack

  • Warm hat that covers your ears.

  • Sunglasses offering excellent sun protection (category 3 or 4). 

  • Sunscreen and lip protection.

  • 1-litre water bottle or flask. 

  • Telescopic trekking poles with snow baskets. 

  • Warm hat that covers your ears.

  • Sunglasses offering excellent sun protection (category 3 or 4). 

  • Sunscreen and lip protection.

  • 1-litre water bottle or flask. 

  • Telescopic trekking poles with snow baskets. 

insurance

Insurance for clients of Aosta Valley mountain guides

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Get in touch to plan your adventure

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GET IN TOUCH

Get in touch to plan your adventure

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

I have read and accept the privacy policy

GET IN TOUCH

Get in touch to plan your adventure

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

I have read and accept the privacy policy

Guide office

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

Community

Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved

Guide office

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

Community

Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved

Guide office

Tache (Church square and Town Hall), Gressoney-La-Trinité

Community

Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved