PROGRAM
The best-known peak in the Monte Rosa group houses the Regina Margherita Hut, Europe’s highest mountain refuge and astronomical observatory. Built on the summit of Punta Gniffetti, also known as Signalkuppe, that get its name from ‘the Signal’, a prominent gendarme atop the east ridge. The hut was opened and dedicated to Queen Margherita on 4 September 1893, though the modern structure dates from 1980.
The climb, despite the notable gain in altitude, is relatively straightforward. Discover the all inclusive program and contact us to book you ascent!
Difference in altitude: 400 m
Ascent time: 2-3 hours
Meeting point: meeting in Staffal (Gressoney) next to the lifts for equipment check and a short briefing.
We take the cable car up to Punta Indren (3,270 m). From there, we proceed on foot either to the Mantova Hut (3,498 m), about an hour’s walk, or directly to the Capanna Gnifetti (3,647 m), a walk of about two and a half hours. Dinner and overnight stay at one of the huts.
Difference in altitude: 400 m
Ascent time: 2-3 hours
Meeting point: meeting in Staffal (Gressoney) next to the lifts for equipment check and a short briefing.
We take the cable car up to Punta Indren (3,270 m). From there, we proceed on foot either to the Mantova Hut (3,498 m), about an hour’s walk, or directly to the Capanna Gnifetti (3,647 m), a walk of about two and a half hours. Dinner and overnight stay at one of the huts.
Difference in altitude: 900 m
Ascent/descent time: 7-9 hours
We set off either from Mantova hut or Capanna Gnifetti after breakfast.
We put crampons on to climb up the glacier until we get close to the Vincent Pyramid and the Balmenhorn, then, via the base of the Schwarzhorn, the Ludwigshöhe and the Parrotspitze, we reach the Lysjoch pass (4,250 m). A descending traverse under Parrotspitze takes us under the Signalkuppe; another traverse and a brief and steep final stretch leads us to the Margherita Hut, Europe’s highest building (4,554 m).
We descend by the same route to the hut from which we set off, then take the lift down to the parking lot.
Difference in altitude: 900 m
Ascent/descent time: 7-9 hours
We set off either from Mantova hut or Capanna Gnifetti after breakfast.
We put crampons on to climb up the glacier until we get close to the Vincent Pyramid and the Balmenhorn, then, via the base of the Schwarzhorn, the Ludwigshöhe and the Parrotspitze, we reach the Lysjoch pass (4,250 m). A descending traverse under Parrotspitze takes us under the Signalkuppe; another traverse and a brief and steep final stretch leads us to the Margherita Hut, Europe’s highest building (4,554 m).
We descend by the same route to the hut from which we set off, then take the lift down to the parking lot.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation)
- liability insurance
- loan of personal equipment (harness, ice axe and crampons)
- overnight stay in a refuge with half board
- pic-nic for the day of ascension
- tickets for lift facilities
- booking assistance service (including assistance for refuges and lifts reservation)
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- transfers
- extra meals and beverages (for clients and Guide)
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
