Gran Paradiso

The Gran Paradiso, at 4,061 meters, is the highest mountain in the Graian Alps, located eight kilometers south of the Grivola. It is also the highest mountain in Italy that is entirely on Italian soil. Sharp peaks, narrow ridges, and deep valleys characterize the mountain range. The view from the top is unrivaled. You can see as far as Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, and Monte Viso on a clear day.

Gran Paradiso is part of the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy, which is named after the mountain. The Vanoise National Park continues the park on the French side of the border. Almost the entire route to the ridge is graded F+, with the last few dozen meters to the Virgin Mary summit requiring grade I UIAA rock climbing with significant exposure, while access to the proper main summit requires 15 minutes of grade II UIAA climbing. Novice alpinists flock to the Gran Paradiso, and many of them only make it to the Madonna summit. Gran Paradiso has a steep snow/ice North West Face that can be climbed at AD+ from the Refuge Frédéric Chabod, in addition to the main summit routes.

Elevation: 4,061 m

Location: Piedmont (Metropolitan City of Turin) and Aosta Valley, Italy