"First 4000" course

ON THE ROAD TO THE HIGH PEAKS

Have you ever dreamed of climbing a 4,000m peak?
A true milestone for any mountain enthusiast, reaching a 4,000-meter summit is a symbol of achievement and progression in mountaineering.

Over a few days, experience the thrill of high-altitude mountaineering in Chamonix, guided by experienced professionals, and enjoy a unique sense of freedom in the heart of the Alps.

Available formats
👉 A 3- or 4-day course designed to help you reach your first 4,000m summit, with a progression adapted to your level.
Day 1: Glacier hiking session to get started, assess your level, and test your equipment.

Then choose between two options:
Days 2 & 3: Ascent of Gran Paradiso (4061m)
Days 2, 3 & 4: Expedition in the Monte Rosa massif

Full details of both options are provided below ⬇️
Important: When booking, please reserve Day 1 separately, then select your preferred option.

• 2-day itinerary in the Grand Paradis Massif (4,061 m) : 

Day 1: Cross the Vallée Blanche, introductory glacier hike linking the Aiguille du Midi and Pointe Helbronner on the Italian side with return by cable car. Overnight in Chamonix.
Day 2: Departure around 10:30 am from Chamonix to reach Valsavarenche in Italy via the Mont-Blanc tunnel (about 1h30 drive). Ascent to the Chabod refuge (2730m) at the foot of the north face of the Gran Paradiso.
Day 3: Early departure for the Ascension of Gran Paradiso by the Laveccio glacier (about 5 hours). Descent into the Valley via the Victor Emmanuel refuge (2750m).

👉 More information about this race

• 3-day itinerary in the Monte Rosa massif (4,554 m) :  

Day 1: Cross the Vallée Blanche, introductory glacier hike linking the Aiguille du Midi and Pointe Helbronner on the Italian side with return by cable car. Overnight in Chamonix.
Day 2 : Departure from Chamonix in the morning towards Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Arrival in Gressoney-La-Trinité, followed by a lift ascent to around 3,500m. Approach hike to the Gnifetti or Mantova hut (3,600m).
Day 3 : Early departure for a full high-altitude mountaineering day. Ascent towards the Margherita Hut (4554 m - 4h30 / 1000m D+, the highest hut in the Alps. Depending on weather conditions and group level, possible summits include: Pyramid Vincent (4215m- / 600D+ / 3 h),  Punta Parrot (4,431m) or Col du Lys (4,200m).
Day 4 : Morning ascent of Punta Giordani (4,046m), an ideal summit to complete your first 4000m experience in the Alps. Descent to the lifts and return to Chamonix.

👉 More information about this race

This program can be modified according to the weather conditions and the level of the participants. If the conditions require it, we may offer you a different 4000m summit. 

Learn more:
🤔 Go to “Your questions” at the bottom of the page
🔗 The “High Mountain Guide” experience in Chamonix: read our article
📃 A practical guide to mountaineering trips in Chamonix: read our article
👨 Prefer to pick your own guide? Click here and book directly on our mountain professionals’ platform.