Discover the Pyramides Calcaires climb, an enjoyable one-day alpine rock route set in the heart of Val Veny, near Mont Blanc. This limestone ridge offers easy but exciting climbing, perfect for beginners or as training before more demanding ascents. Surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, the Pyramides Calcaires provide a unique contrast to the granite peaks of the Aosta Valley.
THE PROGRAM:
The Pyramides Calcaires climb offers an exciting one-day alpine rock experience on limestone ridges near Mont Blanc, ideal for climbers of all levels.
Located at the bottom of Val Veny, just before the Col de la Seigne, the two distinctive white peaks of the Pyramides Calcaires rise in stark contrast to the granite realm typical of the Aosta Valley.
The limestone section lies mainly on the north-east pyramid, while the south-west peak is composed of metamorphic rock, offering a unique geological setting.
You’ll be guided along the climbing Pyramides Calcaires Italy route, navigating easy but engaging rock terrain above Rifugio Elisabetta, surrounded by one of the most spectacular and wild corners of the Mont Blanc massif.
Our certified guides ensure you safely enjoy the Pyramides Calcaires alpine climb, a perfect adventure for beginners or those seeking a relaxed yet scenic ascent.
This route is also an excellent training experience before tackling more demanding climbs and a great way to spend a memorable day along the Tour du Mont Blanc.
How to approach the Pyramides Calcaires
Previous experiences recommended:
Pyramides Calcaires GROUP DEPARTURES
RATES
PRIVATE TOUR
- 450€ per person with 1 participant
- 250€ per person with 2 participants
THE RATE INCLUDES
- the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
- liability insurance
- safety gear used by the Guide (eg rope)
THE RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- transfers, meals and accommodation
LIVE THE ADVENTURE, SHARE THE EXPERIENCE
We believe that adventure is the soul of life. Our mission is to inspire people to be able to overcome their limits. Such as the spirit created between rope partners, we believe in the value of sharing experiences and emotions
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
We believe that adventure is the soul of life. Our mission is to inspire people to be able to overcome their limits.
SHARE THE EXPERIENCE
Such as the spirit created between rope partners, we believe in the value of sharing experiences and emotions
Pyramides Calcaires ASCENT DAY BY DAY
Difference in altitude: 600 m
Ascent/descent time: 3-5 hours
Meeting point: Skyway cable car parking area at 9.00 a.m. for equipment check and a short briefing. Transfer by car to Val Veny.
From the Elisabetta Refuge you can easily reach the start of the route. Through a panoramic path that climbs through meadows and stony ground in the splendid valley bordered by the limestone ridge of the Pyramides, located at an altitude of about 2600 meters. The view from the ridge is unmatched. To the north the peaks of Mont Blanc, Aiguille de Trélatète and Aiguille de Glaciers tower majestically. On the French side, the Vanoise and the Beaufortain stand out. The descent, on the southwest side, leads to the Tour de Mont Blanc path. And then back to the refuge through an initial steep path on rather unstable rocky terrain. The itinerary presents a constant difficulty. Some more demanding passages in the lower half, but always well protected. Suitable also for mountaineers at the first experiences. Just before the summit, you face a short but delicate downhill passage. It offers the possibility of a short descent on rope. The itinerary descents the valley to the north of the ridge traveled (often covered with snow until July). Another option is to the south, towards Alpe Superiore de la Lex Blanche, on the path that leads from the refuge to Col de la Seigne.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
NOTES
- It is crucial that participants follow all instructions provided by the mountain guides before and during the activities, and that they accept any changes made to the programme in order to guarantee their safety.
- Fees for lift facilities, transfers and mountain lodges are subject to changes established and applied by they respective owners. without any liability attributable to PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides.
- The rates listed in the “The rate does not include” section are to be considered merely indicative and are therefore subject to changes.
- PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides reserves the right to change any route or activity programme based on conditions (weather, accessibility, refuge) and participants’ fitness level.
- The dates indicated for the activities may change due to weather, snow, or soil conditions, etc. In addition, they depend on the date of opening / closing of the lift facilities, which are established seasonally/yearly by the managing entities of the same and, therefore, are not in any way attributable to PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides.
Technical difficulty
LOW
Mountaineering: accessible climbing on easy, or at any rate, undemanding slopes with occasional challenging stretches on rocky or snow-covered terrain; snow-covered slopes up to 35°-40° and/or basic rock climbing up to UIAA grade II.
Hiking: tourist-friendly routes on marked trails in circumscribed areas with good accessibility. Only basic trekking gear required.
Skiing: suitable for beginners in off-piste skiing who can cope comfortably with red and black slopes with up to 35° gradient.
MEDIUM
Mountaineering: challenging climbing on rocky and/or icy terrain; snow and ice climbing on slopes between 40° and 50° and/or stretches of rock climbing from UIAA grade III to IV.
Hiking: trails without specific technical challenges which require proper trekking equipment.
Skiing: suitable for skilled skiers who can cope with all slope and snow types, can get down black-graded runs with a backpack of about 8 kg, and are experienced enough to deal with short stretches of climbing with crampons (on snow and rock) and have some experience of ski mountaineering (basic techniques).
HIGH
Mountaineering: high-difficulty mountaineering on rocky and icy slopes; ice walls over 70° and/or stretches of rock climbing from UIAA grade VI upwards.
Hiking: mountain routes in demanding environments requiring suitable gear for safe climbing; potentially crossing snowfields and glaciers.
Skiing: for advanced skiers who can cope comfortably with all snow types and slopes up to 40°, who have extensive experience of skiing expeditions and proven ski-mountaineering skills, who are able to tackle slopes while carrying their skis on their backs, and who have experience of climbing on rock, snow and ice with crampons and ice axes.
VERY HIGH
Mountaineering: extreme mountaineering on rocky and icy terrain, for mountaineers familiar with self-rescue techniques (in theory and practice); ice walls over 70° and/or sections of rock climbing over UIAA grade VI.
Hiking: fixed rope or otherwise protected routes (or a mixture), with high exposure and technical challenges that require suitable equipment and proven mountaineering experience.
Skiing: for highly skilled skiers on all types of snow on slopes up to 50°, with proven experience in ski mountaineering and capable of tackling occasional couloir descents and difficult steep stretches.