Grivola – 3,969 m Ascent

Entirely located within the Aosta Valley, Grivola (3,969 m) is one of the most recognizable mountains of the Gran Paradiso massif. Its elegant pyramidal shape dominates the landscape of the central Aosta Valley and has long made it a coveted summit among mountaineers; the Italian poet Giosuè Carducci famously described it as “the arduous beautiful Grivola”.

Although it is far less frequented than the better-known 4,000-metre peaks, Grivola remains a symbol of classic Aosta Valley alpinism. The ascent is long, varied and never trivial: the technical difficulties are not extreme, but the exposure, the sustained effort and the quality of the rock require experience, judgement and constant attention.

From the summit, the view opens onto Gran Paradiso, Mont Blanc and much of the Aosta Valley. More than a summit to collect, Grivola is a mountain to choose for its character.

Two possible routes

Via Rifugio Vittorio Sella (2,588 m)

On the first day, the route climbs through Valnontey to the Rifugio Vittorio Sella, reached in about 2.5 hours of walking.
During the approach, it is often possible to spot ibex and chamois grazing on the surrounding moraines, in the quiet atmosphere of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
The atmosphere of the hut and its excellent dinner complete the first day perfectly, at least until the very early wake-up before dawn.

On the second day, the ascent begins by headlamp, climbing the upper Valnontey towards Colle della Nera.
After putting on crampons, the route descends briefly to cross the Trajo Glacier and reach the start of the climb.
From here, the mountaineering section begins: a varied and continuous progression, with short climbing passages alternating with easier but never trivial sections, where the rock quality and the exposure require constant focus.

The summit, marked by a cross erected by the Mountain Guides of Cogne, offers an exceptional view over the whole Aosta Valley.

The descent follows the same route back to the glacier. From there, depending on conditions and timing, it is possible either to return along the ascent route or continue in a traverse towards Bivacco Gratton and descend to the village of Cretaz.

Via Gratton with overnight stay at Bivacco Gratton (3,200 m)

For those looking for a more essential and immersive experience, the ascent based at Bivacco Gratton offers a more old-style mountaineering atmosphere.
The bivouac is small but welcoming, located in an exceptional panoramic position. On clear evenings, the view is outstanding.

On the first day, the route starts from the village of Cretaz and climbs with a demanding elevation gain of about 1,700 m to reach the bivouac, set in a remote and wild environment.
It is possible to find the bivouac occupied by hikers, although it is rare to meet other rope teams attempting Grivola on the same day.

On the second day, departure at dawn by headlamp.
A system of chains allows access to the glacier. The route then crosses the Trajo Glacier to reach the cone at the start of the normal route, from where the main ascent begins and follows the same itinerary described above.

Descent normally follows the same route.

Previous mountaineering experience on mixed terrain and confidence moving on ridges and exposed sections are required. The ascent does not involve extreme technical difficulties, but it requires sure-footedness, strong physical endurance and the ability to handle long mountain days, with elevation gains of up to approx. 1,700 m and 8–10 hours of activity.

1.200 € / person

Included

• IFMGA Mountain Guide service
• Guide’s professional liability insurance

Not included

• Half board at the hut if the Rifugio Vittorio Sella route is chosen, or food for the bivouac if the Gratton route is chosen
• Guide’s half board at the hut, to be shared by the participant
• Transfers and travel expenses
• Personal equipment rental, if needed
• Personal accident or cancellation insurance
• Anything not specifically listed under “Included”

The activity requires specific mountaineering equipment, including crampon-compatible boots, crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness. A complete equipment list will be sent during the booking process.

Accommodation

Depending on the chosen itinerary, overnight stay at the Rifugio Vittorio Sella or at Bivacco Gratton. The hut offers shared rooms or dormitories with half-board treatment; the bivouac is a more essential accommodation option and requires participants to provide their own food.