Tour de Monte Rosa Walk
7 Days Starting in Grächen and ending in Zermatt
Visiting: Italy, Switzerland
From:
$1592NB: Prices correct on 02-Jun-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
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 Graëchen deep in the Valais, the almost circular walk 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 walk around Monte Rosa will appeal to those wanting a serious challenge in a gorgeous alpine setting.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet Group In Grächen And Walk To Saas Fee (6-7Hrs, +800M -1000M)
Meals Included: L, D
A warm-up day. Meet your guide and group this morning (8:30am) then skirt the northern peak of the massif and discover a breathtaking view over the Rhone and Saas valleys. A pleasant path leads us to the famous village of Saas Fee (1800m).
+800m, -1000m/+2624ft, -3280ft
Day 2 : Trek To Macugnaga Via Monte Moro Pass (2868M), (6-7Hrs, +653M -1500M)
Meals Included: B, L, D
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.
+653m, -1500m/+2142ft, -4921ft
Day 3 : Walk To Alagna Via The Turlo Pass (2738M), (6-7Hrs, +1431M -1163M)
Meals Included: B, L, D
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.
+1431m, -1163m/+4694ft, -3816ft
Day 4 : Continue Through The Val D'otro To Gressoney (7Hrs, +1727M -524M)
Meals Included: B, L, D
We walk 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 walk the peak of Liskamm is a constant source of inspiration in the background.
+1727m, -524m/+5666ft, -1719ft
Day 5 : Ascend High Passes And Descend Via Lake Forca To Val D'ayas (6Hrs, +850M -900M)
Meals Included: B, L, D
This morning our walk 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.
+850m, -900m/+2788ft, -2952ft
Day 6 : Walk Above Cervinia Ski Resort - Superb Views To The Matterhorn (7Hrs, +1500M -466M)
Meals Included: B, L, D
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 bag, clothing and toiletries as luggage transfer is not possible today. Your luggage will be transferred to Täsch, for collection tomorrow.
+1500m, -466m/+4921ft, -1529ft
Day 7 : Continue To Zermatt, Trip Concludes (6Hrs, -1645M)
Meals Included: B, L
After making our way across the Theodule pass we re-enter the Valais and Vispertal region. The final leg of our walk will see us descend to Trockener Steg and Zermatt, with the famous Cervin, or Matterhorn, in the background to bid us farewell. Walking 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 EUR500 shared by groups of 1-5 people which includes the mountaineering guide, crampons, harness, group climbing equipment and one way cable car fare. 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 walking guide.
-1645m/-5400ft
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation -
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
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6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation (upgrade to 3 nights dorm, 3 nights double room - supplement applies)
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Luggage transfer by vehicle daily except day 6 (15kg limit)
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International Mountain Guide
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Taxi Zermatt to Tasch on the last day
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Luggage transfer by vehicle daily except day 6, 1 piece maximum 15kg
What's Not Included
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Drinks
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Travel to Grächen and from Zermatt/Tasch
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Storage of excess luggage
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Items of a personal nature
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Transfers
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Accommodation
6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation
Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets / duvets are provided. Swiss refuges tend to be surprisingly comfortable.
Grading
CHALLENGING – GRADE 5
The Tour de Monte Rosa is one of the most scenic, but also most challenging walk in the Alps. The daily guided walks are around 5-7 hours, however the overall fitness of the group will determine this. There are many challenging stages during the walk 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 walking adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only, with a strong walking pace. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep making the walk 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 walking 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 walk.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc. Except on day six where you will need to carry overnight requirements,
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Dates & Availability
Sunday - Saturday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024Sunday - Saturday
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Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Book with Confidence
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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 150 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.