Climbing to the top of paradise: Gran Paradiso (4,061m)

In the summer of 2024, I solo climbed Gran Paradiso, Italy's highest mountain at 4,061m (13,323 ft), and one of the jewels of the Alps.

Gran Paradiso is known as one of the best mountains in the Alps above 4,000m to climb if you're starting your mountaineering journey. It is possible to safely do solo, depending on which route you take. The route I took (and shown in this video) was from Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II, which is known to have fewer crevasses, but the risk cannot be eliminated. The final 30 meters at the top of the ridge can also be a little bit frightening if you are not roped up to someone, as a single misstep can cost your life.

At the day of the summit, it was clear blue skies, green valleys, snowy peaks and breathtaking views. What more can you ever ask for?

Chapters
0:00 - Into the Aosta Valley
1:57 - Starting the climb of Gran Paradiso (3000m)
3:22 - The plateau and last climb before summit (3700m)
4:03 - Reaching the summit ridge (4000m)
4:39 - Starting the summit ridge climb
5:10 - The Gran Paradiso ridge traverse
5:38 - The Madonna at the top of paradise
6:08 - Traversing back the ridge
6:45 - Descending
8:03 - Outro