UVA Student Climbs Gran Paradiso with Swedish Army Arctic Rangers

An Alpine Adventure: UVA Student Joins Swedish Rangers on Italian Summit

In the silent expanse of Italy’s Graian Alps, under the cover of darkness, the unexpected occurred. A climber’s misstep on a fragile snow bridge led to a fall into a crevasse. Yet, quick reflexes and teamwork ensured his safety, allowing the group to refocus on the daunting climb ahead to Gran Paradiso’s 13,300-foot peak.

Among this intrepid team was Giacomo McDowell, a University of Virginia student and Navy ROTC midshipman. While many of his peers spent their summer at typical internships, McDowell chose a path less traveled, joining forces with active-duty Swedish Army Arctic Rangers to tackle the mountain’s challenges.

McDowell’s connection to Sweden and mountaineering runs deep. Raised in Stockholm, he developed a passion for climbing alongside a friend during a trek to Kebnekaise, Sweden’s tallest mountain, before high school graduation. Their lives took different turns afterward—his friend joined Sweden’s K4 Arctic Ranger Regiment, while McDowell pursued studies in Charlottesville.

Reuniting after a year and a half, they set their sights on an alpine adventure. When plans to climb Mont Blanc were derailed, Gran Paradiso became their new target. To prepare, the team drew on varied experiences: two rangers trained on Kebnekaise in harsh winter, while another member brought expertise in mountain warfare. McDowell contributed insights from his previous Tour du Mont Blanc hike. Local guides Amadeo and Christophe joined them, offering essential gear and knowledge of the route.

The journey commenced earlier than planned due to a tight schedule—they aimed to reach Cinque Terre by afternoon. Initially, the group planned to leave Chabod Refuge at 4 a.m., but opted for a midnight start. “Our guides laughed it off, saying it wouldn’t be possible,” McDowell recalled. Despite uncertainties about their headlamps lasting the night, guide Amadeo encouraged them: “Well, we have never taken a group up in the dark, but you all seem to enjoy suffering, so let’s do it.”

Dividing into two teams, they ascended 5,000 feet under the dim glow of their headlamps. The journey was grueling—subzero winds, dehydration, and altitude sickness tested their endurance. The snow bridge incident served as a stark reminder of the risks involved.

Despite the challenges, they reached the summit at dawn. “The first warm rays of sunlight had just begun to creep up over the horizon,” McDowell described. “Looking down at the refuge, we were blessed to have the entire mountain to ourselves as the long conga line of headlamps departing from Chabod Refuge began pushing up the glacier below.”

For McDowell, the climb was also a testament to his training. His twice-weekly ROTC physical sessions and personal workouts prepared him physically, while the leadership principles from the Navy and Marine Corps guided him through the mental and strategic demands of the expedition.