An Adventure Among Friends for Gabro's 50th Birthday: The Ascent to Capanna Regina Margherita

As a mountain guide, I've had the privilege of accompanying many groups to the peaks, but each expedition has its unique charm, and the adventure with Matteo, Gabro, Daniele, and Marco was undoubtedly a memorable one.

It was the perfect opportunity to celebrate Gabro’s 50th birthday, and his friends had prepared a special gift: the ascent of Punta Gnifetti on the Monte Rosa massif, aiming to reach the Capanna Regina Margherita, the highest refuge in Europe at 4,554 meters.

Arrival at the Rifugio Gnifetti

Our adventure began with a calm evening at the Rifugio Gnifetti. That night, at 3,647 meters, was an important moment for the group. There was a mix of tension and excitement in the air. The four were different from each other but united by a strong bond of friendship.

Matteo, the most experienced in the mountains, had planned everything in detail. It was clear that his goal was to give Gabro a unique experience, but he also enjoyed every moment. During dinner, Gabro, who works in the music field, spoke about how excited he was. Between bites, they ended up discussing music, a recurring theme in their conversations.

Daniele demonstrated his more flamboyant spirit. He wasn't your typical mountaineer but knew how to embrace every situation with lightness. Marco, with a background as an athlete and a director, was perfectly at ease; a snowboarder and skater, he faced the challenge with the focus of someone who understands what it means to push their limits.

Dawn and the Ascent to the Summit

We set off at dawn, the first light of day casting beautiful colors across the peaks of Monte Rosa. The morning silence, broken only by the sound of crampons on the snow, created an atmosphere filled with anticipation.

Matteo, always looking ahead, maintained a steady pace, attentive to the details of the path. Gabro seemed absorbed in the moment, but every so often he would turn to exchange banter with Daniele, who lightened the mood with his usual humor. Marco was concentrated, approaching every step as a new challenge.

At each break, conversations emerged that made the journey even more interesting. I remember a moment when Gabro said, “I didn’t think it would be this demanding, but the view and the company are rewarding every bit of effort.” It was clear that, despite the fatigue, the group was experiencing something that would remain in their hearts.

Capanna Regina Margherita

After hours of climbing, the Capanna Regina Margherita finally appeared before us. The refuge, isolated and majestic, seemed almost suspended between the sky and the earth. I still remember Gabro's expression when we arrived; it was a mix of disbelief and satisfaction. He had earned that summit, a gift for his 50th birthday that he would never forget.

After we settled in the refuge for about half an hour, soaking in the breathtaking views, the group prepared to head back down.

The Descent and a Well-Deserved Beer at the Rifugio Mantova

The descent is never easy, especially after such an endeavor. Fatigue began to set in, and heavy legs made every step more challenging. But the thought of a cold beer spurred us on to the Rifugio Mantova, where we stopped for a well-deserved break.

That moment at the refuge was perhaps one of the best. The atmosphere was relaxed, the struggles of the ascent now behind us, and that cold beer was the perfect reward for our efforts. Daniele, always ready with a joke, exclaimed, “I think this is the best beer of my life!” And Marco, with his usual reflective gaze, added, “After a day like today, it’s amazing how simple things take on a different value.”

Final Reflections

As we returned to the valley, I paused for a moment to watch the group. They were tired but happy. What they had experienced was not just a physical challenge but a journey that had strengthened their bonds of friendship. As a guide, I had the privilege of accompanying them on this adventure and witnessing their determination and team spirit.

Matteo, Gabro, Daniele, and Marco lived something that they will always carry with them. As Matteo said before we parted ways, “This is just the beginning of many more adventures together.

The Guide