Tour Overview
The Upper Lys Valley, also known as the Gressoney Valley, is a small pocket of Aosta which has for centuries been home to the Walser Germanic people. Their enduring traditions can still be found in the typical wood and stone houses. the cuisine and the unique dialect. Dominating the valley is western Europe's 2nd highest peak, Monte Rosa (4634m). This impressive valley is home to wild open spaces, beautiful forests and the snowy peaks of Monte Rosa. There are numerous traditional villages to explore, with their social wood ovens and cheese making heritage. Staying in comfortable family-run accommodation at night and hiking at elevations of around 2000m during the day, makes this a perfect alpine hiking holiday. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Pont-Saint-Martin, transfer to Agristurismo Le Soleil
Location: Pont-Saint-Martin
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo Le Soleil
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to Pont-Saint-Martin train station in the Aosta Valley, where you will transfer by taxi to your accommodation, Agriturismo Le Soleil. Here you can enjoy the Lys valley's crisp air, roam in the forest or relax at the Agriturismo, where the locally made goat cheese is ready for you to taste.
Pont-Saint-Martin is the main town in the Lower Aosta Valley. If you arrive early we suggest strolling through town to see the spectacular Roman bridge which crosses the Lys stream in the old town centre.
This afternoon you will have an arrival briefing with our local representative. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Ascend to La Barma Hut (3-4hrs)
Location: Aosta Valley
Accommodation Name: La Barma Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast set out on your first mountain hike of the trip, leading to the Mars mountain that separates Piedmont (east) from the Aosta Valley (west). Remember to pack a change of “comfy” clothes and overnight needs as luggage transport is not possible today (you will find your 'main luggage' waiting for you in Gruba).
The route initially ascends through the forest and fields, then you will soon find yourself immersed in the wilderness of mountain lakes and peaks. Try to spot the mountain hut in the granite valley! If you want to walk some more in the afternoon there are numerous options, just ask the 'Rifugista'.
** Note that luggage transfer is not available today so you will need to carry your daily requirements in your rucksack.
Distance: 6.5km/5.3mi, ascent +940m/3084ft, descent -280m/918ft, highest point 2069m
Day 3 : An exhilarating mountain hike to La Gruba (option to shorten) (9 or 4/5hrs)
Location: Aosta
Accommodation Name: La Gruba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If sunset is magic, sunrise is even more colourful here… if you are up this early it means you'll want to hike the long and wild option through the mountains towards Colle della Vecchia. It’s an adventurous and long hike, so be prepared to spend all day climbing up and down the valleys (subject to weather, check with your hut hosts).
If you prefer to take it easy but still have a nice hike you can opt to traverse and descend to Issime, passing by the numerous hamlets with typical mountain architecture. From Issime a short transfer will take you to the accommodation. Overnight in La Gruba in Gaby (Aosta).
Distance: 16.5km/10mi, ascent +1140m/3740ft, descent -1560m/5118ft, highest point 2351m, or easier option 12km/7.5mi, ascent +160m/525ft, descent -1260m/4133ft, highest point 2075m
Day 4 : Vallone del Loo to Gressoney St Jean with views of Monte Rosa (can shorten) (7 or 6hrs)
Location: Gressoney St Jean
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today the Vallone del Loo is waiting for you. It's a gradual and long valley hike, dotted with typical stone houses used to keep the animals but also to host the walkers that venture into this beautiful place. In the peace and quiet you will descend for the first time into the Gressoney valley and then climb onto the other side (transfer available) to the next accommodation, with views of the giant Monte Rosa (rosa=pink, for the colour of its granite stone).
The included lunch today is along the way at Agriturismo Blékléne.
Distance: 14km/8.75mi ascent +1150m/3773ft, descent -1080m/3543ft, highest point 2389m or with transfer: 13km/8mi, ascent 900m/2952ft, descent -1000m/3280ft
Day 5 : Guided by Monte Rosa, pass by shepherds huts to Alpenzu Hut (5hrs)
Location: Gressoney-Saint-Jean
Accommodation Name: Alpenzu Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Also called the Monte Rosa stage, as the mountain will guide your way, today you pass through many “alpeggi”, where cows and sheep spend the summer and meet the shepherd. The Walser culture is especially present here: a German nomadic population has lived here since medieval times thanks to their ability to farm at altitude. Here the architecture and even the dialect is a mirror of their culture, and one of the best examples is the Alpenzu Hut (Gressoney -Saint-Jean), where you stay tonight. Ask your host to visit the restored social wood oven.
** Note that luggage transfer is not available for tonight and tomorrow, it's transferred directly to Anderbatt, so you will need to carry your requirements for 2 days in your rucksack. Do not forget your sleep sheet and towel.
Distance: 11km/6.9mi, ascent +790m/2591ft, descent -620m/2034ft, highest point 2083m
Day 6 : Continue to Orestes Hut (8hrs) or shorten with cable car
Location: Gressoney-la-Trinité
Accommodation Name: Orestes Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you head to the Orestes Hut (located at 2600m). From the typical Walser village of Alpenzu you start out first through forest, before descending to the tiny village of Gressoney-la-Trinite. Follow the Lys river to Anderbatt and Staffal, the last village before the glacier, then there are 2 options. One is to take the cable car/gondola to Gabiet (not included, allow 10 euros pp) and walk (3km, 300m+) to Orestes hut. The other option is to hike up to the hut without taking the cable car (6km, 800m+), making it a much tougher day.
Note that at the hut they cook only tasty vegetarian and vegan food.
** As previously noted, luggage transfer is not available today.
Distance (without the cablecar): 15km/9.4mi, ascent +1400m/4593ft, descent -600m/1968ft, highest point 2619m
Day 7 : Hike to the foot of Monte Rosa and descend to Anderbatt (5hrs)
Location: Monte Rosa
Accommodation Name: B&B in Anderbatt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s hike takes you to the foot of Monte Rosa. Here the alpinists start their ascent to the famous Capanna Margherita (hut), named after the queen (and the pizza!), at 4500m, or the famous Lyskamm traverse. You will hike up to Colle Salza at 2882m then descend to Staffal/Anderbatt in the Lys valley, with stunning views of the glacier. For experienced and fit hikers only and subject to weather there is the option to hike to the “Alta Luce” panoramic point, located at nearly 3200m. Overnight B&B in Anderbatt, where your luggage awaits your arrival.
Distance: 8km/5mi, ascent +400m/1312ft, descent -1200m/3937ft, highest point 2882m
Alta Luce: 6hrs, 10km/6.2mi, ascent 700m/2296ft, descent 1500m/4921ft, highest point 3184m
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Anderbatt Camere E Cucina
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast in Anderbatt. Additional nights can be booked on request or you can take the bus to Fontainmore or Pont St Martin to continue your onward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in alpine hotels, huts & B&Bs -
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches (5 packed lunches, 1 at an agriturismo) and 7 dinners
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7 nights in alpine hotels, huts & B&Bs on a twin share basis, mainly with private facilities (la Barma Hutte has shared facilities)
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and route book.
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Luggage transfers on day 2 agriturismo to La Gruba, day 4 La Gruba to Villa Fridau and day 5 Villa Fridau to Anderbatt - max 1 piece, max weight 15kg.
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Transfer Pont-Saint-Martin train station to the agriturismo on day 1
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Emergency hotline
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Arrival briefing
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Travel to Pont-Saint-Martin and from Anderbatt
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Guide - this is a self guided trip
What's Not Included
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Travel to Pont-Saint-Martin and from Anderbatt
Travel to Pont-Saint-Martin and from Anderbatt is not included.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.
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Guide - this is a self-guided trip
This is a self-guided trip, so a guide is not included.
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Transfers
Transfers other than those specified are not included.
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Travel insurance - mandatory
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Luggage transfers when staying overnight at the huts
Luggage transfers are not available when staying overnight at the huts; you must carry your daily needs in your backpack.
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Sleep sheet & towel for rifugios (can hire locally)
Sleep sheet and towel for rifugios are not included but can be hired locally.
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Cable car fare (allow EUR10)
Cable car fare is not included; allow approximately EUR10.
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Extra luggage transport
We can transport extra luggage directly from the first to the last accommodation for an additional supplement.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunch on days 1 & 8, drinks
Lunch on days 1 and 8, as well as drinks, are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in alpine hotels, huts & B&Bs
Accommodation for the trip is in alpine hotels, huts & B&Bs. The huts have dormitory and room accommodation - this trip is based in the rooms. You will need a sleep sheet and towel for the refugios. The huts can provide these, (with a fee) however they are disposable so the environmental preference would be to bring your own if possible.
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Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
The trip is graded moderate with daily hikes of 4 to 9 hours, with options to shorten on some days. The longer option on day 3, up to 9 hours of walking, is a challenging hike. Bear in mind the altitude is always around 2000m and the terrain is sometimes rocky and slippery. Conditions can change rapidly in this mountain environment - you should always check with your host before setting out each day. Luggage transfers are not possible to the huts on days 2, 5 and 6 - you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your rucksack.
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What You Carry
On days 2, 4 & 5 where your luggage is transferred, you carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc. On days 3,6,7 you will also need to carry all the gear you need for your overnight accommodation and next day requirements. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel to Pont-Saint-Martin and from Anderbatt. Transfer Pont-Saint-Martin train station to the agriturismo on day 1. Luggage transfers on day 2 agristurismo to La Gruba, day 4 La Gruba to Villa Fridau and day 5 Villa Fridau to Anderbatt - max 1 piece, max weight 15kg.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Monte Rosa Alpine Walk?
The accommodation for the trip includes 7 nights in alpine hotels, huts, and B&Bs. The huts have dormitory and room accommodation, but this trip is based in the rooms. If you don't bring your own, the huts provide towels and bed sheets/sleeping sheets, which can be hired locally. ...more ...less
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Are luggage transfers available during the tour?
Luggage transfers are provided on specific days: from the agriturismo to La Gruba on day 2, from La Gruba to Villa Fridau on day 4, and from Villa Fridau to Anderbatt on day 5. However, luggage transfers are not available when staying overnight at the huts on days 2, 5, and 6, so you will need to carry your daily needs in your backpack. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the Monte Rosa Alpine Walk?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches (5 packed lunches and 1 at an agriturismo), and 7 dinners.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided trip, so a guide is not included.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?
On days when your luggage is transferred, you should carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone, and sun protection. On days 3, 6, and 7, you will also need to carry all the gear you need for your overnight accommodation and next day requirements. ...more ...less
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What is the difficulty level of the Monte Rosa Alpine Walk?
The trip is graded as moderate with daily walks of 4 to 9 hours, with options to shorten on some days. The longer option on day 3, up to 9 hours of walking, is a challenging walk. The altitude is always around 2000m and the terrain can be rocky and slippery.
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What happens if I arrive early in Pont-Saint-Martin on the first day?
If you arrive early in Pont-Saint-Martin, it is suggested to stroll through the town to see the spectacular Roman bridge which crosses the Lys stream in the old town centre.
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What kind of food is served at the Orestes Hut?
At the Orestes Hut, they cook only tasty vegetarian and vegan food.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, additional costs include travel to Pont-Saint-Martin and from Anderbatt, meals not listed as included, drinks, cable car fare (approximately EUR10), extra luggage transport, and items of a personal nature.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Monte Rosa Alpine Hike
8 Days Starting in Pont-Saint-Martin, Italy and ending in Andermatt, Italy
Visiting: Pont-Saint-Martin, Aosta Valley, Aosta, Gressoney St Jean, Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Gressoney-la-Trinité, Monte Rosa, Anderbatt Camere E Cucina ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MRA
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
