A brilliant week in the Alps squeezed into a weekend
The Gran Paradiso Weekend trek is an excellent introduction to Alpine moutaineering - reasonable level of intensity (level 7 / 10 intensity noted by KE is spot on), non-technical, yet a serious peak (just over 4000m) that requires physical endurance & offers some great mixed terrain (boulder fields, glacier trekking), while also giving you all the charm of the mountain hut experience.
The organization & accomodation was top notch; our guide ...
The Gran Paradiso Weekend trek is an excellent introduction to Alpine moutaineering - reasonable level of intensity (level 7 / 10 intensity noted by KE is spot on), non-technical, yet a serious peak (just over 4000m) that requires physical endurance & offers some great mixed terrain (boulder fields, glacier trekking), while also giving you all the charm of the mountain hut experience.
The organization & accomodation was top notch; our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and highly experienced; and KE did an excellent job providing information & customer support in preparation for the trip. Furthermore, the low ratio of participants to guides (max 4:1) allows for a great personal interaction with the leader and close attention to the safety and enjoyment of the group.
My group consisted of only three participants after a last-minute cancellation. Two of the participants had limited / no experience with Alpine mountaineering and used the weekend trip as a taster session to gauge their interest in a longer-term expedition. I believe the Gran Paradiso Weekend is a great introduction to Alpline mountaineering, and my fellow participants' comments indicated that the trip served their purposes well, with a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment.
I will absolutely look to KE Adventure Travel for future expeditions further afield!
Rating for tour operator:
KE Adventure Travel provided high-quality accomodation, a highly-experienced and affable guide, clear & helpful communication on all key points (kit list, physical preparation, travel tips, etc.) prior to departure, as well as an accessible, friendly, and helpful customer service team. Overall, a great experience that I'd unhesitatingly recommend to friends and fellow travelers / mountaineers.