Departing by road from Annecy or Chamonix, we take the Mont Blanc tunnel and then the motorway to Gressoney la Trinité in the Val d'Aoste at the foot of Mont Rose. We'll take the Staffal ski lift
to the Glacier d'Indren (3,275m). A short traverse of the glacier takes us quickly to the Mantova hut (3,418m) and then the Gnifetti hut (3,625m). Day 2 will be an ambitious climb up the south-east ridge of the Pointe Zumstein to the summit (4,563m). Then on Day 3, we'll climb the Pyramide Vincent (4,215m) and return to Chamonix mid-afternoon.
During this adventure, the technically demanding glacier passages will be few and far between, but they will be enough to teach you some valuable lessons. Bear in mind that mountain conditions - such as snow cover, refreezing, weather and wind - can modulate the difficulties in surprising ways. Above all, life in the mountains is a continual learning process.
A first experience of walking in crampons is recommended, and good physical condition is essential to get the most out of this experience.
