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Standing at 4634m, the enormous massif of Monte Rosa is the highest peak in the Pennine Alps, and the second highest in the entire European Alps. Surrounded by an amphitheatre of even more awe-inspiring 4000m peaks, a hike along the Tour de Monte Rosa is one of the most popular long distance walks in Europe for avid trekkers seeking both a challenging and spectacular route. Following in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, who studied the peak in the late 15th Century, your experienced mountain guide will take you along ancient trails linking Switzerland to Italy. On the Italian side, traverse the high meadows and forested valleys of Macugnaga, Alagna, Ayas, Champoluc and Gressonney, whilst on the Swiss side, marvel at the tumbling glaciers that feature in this fascinating world of rock and ice. On balcony trails, the panorama of 4000m plus snow-clad peaks, as well as the vast Monte Rosa massif, will take your breath away. Beginning from Stalden deep in the Valais, the almost circular hike traverses the massif, crossing into Italy before ending back in Switzerland in the pretty ski town of Zermatt. With daily ascents of up to 1750m, this outstanding hike around Monte Rosa will appeal to those wanting a serious challenge in a gorgeous alpine setting.
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23kg of CO2-e PP per day
(135kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Meet group in Stalden and hike to Saas Fee (6hrs)
Meet your guide and group this morning (9.00am) before taking a cable car ride and setting out on a scenic introduction to your trek. Skirt the northern tip of the Monte Rosa massif, enjoying splendid views of the surrounding peaks and valleys along the way. A pleasant trail leads to the legendary village of Saas Fee, nestled beneath several 4,000 m summits, including the Dom and Weissmies. This idyllic alpine setting provides a memorable end to your first day on the trail. Distance: 17km/10.5mi Elevation: +720m/2362ft, -1000m/3280ft
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Trek to Macugnaga via Monte Moro Pass (2868m), (6-7hrs)
We ascend the path to Mattmark Lake before taking on the legendary pass of Monte Moro (2868m), a very ancient link between Saas Tal and Macugnaga. This passage was used by the German Walser people when they immigrated to this region. Continue to the village of Macugnaga (1327m), nestled under Monte Rosa peak. Distance: 16km/9.9mi Elevation: +750m/2460ft, -1650m/5413ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Hike to Alagna via the Turlo Pass (2738m), (6-7hrs)
Today we will climb up through the Quaraxxa Valley to the Turlo pass (2738m) before hiking along the southern slopes of Monte Rosa. Our descent through the open pastures of Alesia leads us to Alagna (1191m), another picturesque and remote place in the beautiful Aosta Valley. Distance: 21km/13mi Elevation: +1431m/4694ft, -1163m/3816ft
Day 4
Continue through the Val d'Otro to Gressoney (7hrs)
We hike through the Otro valley, passing by its numerous pastures, before reaching the Olen Pass (2881m). From here we hike down through the pastures of Mos towards the valley of Gressoney and the hamlet of Gaval. During the hike the peak of Liskamm is a constant source of inspiration in the background. Distance: 16km/9.9mi Elevation: +1727m/5666ft, -1100m/3609ft
Day 5
Ascend high passes and descend via Lake Forca to Refugio Ferraro (6hrs)
This morning our hike takes us through the pasture of St Anna before taking on the Bettaforca Pass (2617m), directly underneath the imposing peaks of Castor and Pollux. The descent to the Ayas Valley presents a superb panorama showcasing Champoluc village, the hamlet of St Jacques hamlet as well as Forca Lake. Distance: 15km/9.3mi Elevation: +940m/3084ft, -1240m/+4068ft
Day 6
Hike above Cervinia ski resort - superb views to the Matterhorn (7hrs)
A beautiful day with glaciers, glacial lakes and alpine meadows as we climb through the Cortox Valley to the aptly named Cima Blanche (white) Pass (2982m), above the famous ski resort Breuil Cervinia. We ascend to the Theodule pass (3295m/10,810ft) and spend the night at the Theodulo mountain refuge (3317m) which is just above the pass. Note: You will need to carry your overnight gear including sleeping sheet, clothing and toiletries as luggage transfer is not possible today. Your luggage will be transferred to Täsch, for collection tomorrow. Distance: 18km/11.2mi Elevation: +1600m/5250ft, -466m/1529ft
Day 7
Continue to Zermatt, trip concludes (6hrs)
After making our way back across the Theodule pass we re-enter the Valais and Vispertal region. The final leg of our hike will see us descend across a glacier to Trockener Steg and Zermatt, with the famous Cervin, or Matterhorn, in the background to bid us farewell. Hiking concludes in Zermatt around 2pm, then taxi to Tasch just along the valley (to collect luggage). Depending on your fitness and weather/mountain conditions, there may be an option to ascend the summit of Breithorn (4165m) today, one of the most climbed +4000m peaks in the western Alps. This involves some organisation on your guide's behalf in respect to engaging a UIAGM qualified mountain guide and climbing equipment. The additional cost is approximately EUR460 (2026) for 1 or cost can be shared between 2 clients. This includes the mountaineering guide, crampons, harness and group climbing equipment. One way cable car fare is separate - approx EUR90. This must be paid for in cash locally. There are some technical aspects to the climb requiring care and attention at all times. The decision not to ascend will be at your guide's discretion based on current conditions and your fitness. Those not ascending Breithorn will take the route described above with your hiking guide. Distance: 10km/6.2mi Elevation: -1645m/5400ft
Meals: B,L
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 5 - The Tour de Monte Rosa is one of the most scenic, but also most challenging hike in the Alps. The daily guided hikes are around 5-7 hours, however the overall fitness of the group will determine this. There are many challenging stages during the hike with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this hiking adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only, with a strong hiking pace. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep making the hike more difficult. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The route is subject to modification depending on the conditions. As with all our challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality hiking boots with ankle support are a pre-requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this hike.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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7Days
Moderate to Challenging
Challenging
4Days
Moderate