Punta Dufour 4.634 m, Dufourspitze in German and Pointe Dufour in French, is the highest peak of Monte Rosa
This is an alpine ascent reserved for those who are already familiar with activities on high altitude mountains, and an experience that will without a doubt make unforgettable memories you will cherish forever.
The ascent to Punta Dufour is a challenging and fascinating peak and was named in honor of Guillaume-Henri Dufour who was the coordinator of the first Swiss cartographic map work. It is the highest peak of Monte Rosa and can be reached by following a challenging route with rock passages and numerous aerial and exposed sections of snow and rock.
The setting is magnificent with spectacular panoramic views from Mont Blanc to Matterhorn, the Swiss Alpine chain and the major peaks of Monte Rosa. It is without a doubt a very coveted point for enthusiasts of classic alpinism. It requires good physical training and aptitude for altitude, whether you decide to start from the nearby Margherita hut or from the lower shelters Gnifetti and Mantova.
UIAGM Alpine guide, 1 half board stay at Capanna Margherita or Gnifetti or Mantova, return trip on cable car to Indren, free use of anything communal, any extra personal technical equipment necessary
- 5 layers of clothing for the upper body (thermal shirt, light fleece, heavy fleece, down jacket, anorak.)
- two set of gloves (soft and ski ones)
- sunglasses (with 3 or 4 protection)
- heavy trousers (windproof)
- underpants
- gaiters
- rigid, ankle height, waterproof boots.
- two pair of ski socks
- headlamp
- hat that covers your ears
- bag sheet for the hut
- sun screen & lip balm
- poles
- ice axe
- helmet
- 1lt water bottle/thermos
- climbing harness & crampons
- 30/40 litre backpack, a compact size to not impede movement ,
- ID document/passport
- 2 carabiners with ferrule
- 1 x climbing sling loop 120 cm
This accent can only be done with an alpine guide
This ascent requires an excellent level of training
Difficulty: AD – mountaineering difficulty both on the rock and ice; 40° slopes of snow and ice, and grade III climbing passes. Good physical fitness and ability to move with crampons on ice and rock are a necessity.
Uphill difference in height: 1000m from Capanna Gnifetti
Downhill difference 1400m
Mountaineering is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to serious injury or death. The guides of Monte Rosa are all UIAGM certified and are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the dangers, but the risk can never be eliminated and must be accepted before joining one of our groups. The guides of Monte Rosa will always do their best to help you achieve your goals and ensure you have a very pleasant experience; however, you must accept to rely on their unquestionable judgment while you are in the mountains and to respect and accept any decision they make. Being properly prepared and having a minimum standard of physical fitness is necessary to maintain an adequate safety margin in mountaineering climbs. If, due to your physical condition or for any other reason, your guide decides that you are not ready to attempt the ascent to Monte Rosa, you will be offered suitable alternatives.
Get inspired with our suggestions!