Difference in altitude: 1,300 m
Ascent/descent time: 10-12 hours
From the hut, we will take the trail that leads to the Leviona Valley, before turning towards the Becca di Montandayné. Once we reach the glacier, we head towards the Montandayné Pass (Colle di Montandayné), climbing snow and ice-covered slopes at an incline of up to 45° for 400 m. Once we’re past the bergschrund on the left, a steep slope leads to the pass itself (3,723 m). The snowy ridge will then lead us to the peak of the first spire (Punta Vaccarone), where we might be able to take the crampons off. Going around the next series of spires, we will go up bypassing the difficulties, mostly on the Cogne side, even with the help of some abseiling.
From the top, the way down leads over snow and rock to the Colle del Piccolo Paradiso, where a snowy ridge will take us to the culmination of the north face route, and on to the summit of the Gran Paradiso (4,061 m). The descent will follow one of the normal routes.