5
challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided alpine walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1470GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: MRC

Trip highlights

  • Hiking spectacular sections of the challenging Tour de Monte Rosa
  • Being surrounded by an amphitheatre of 4000m peaks
  • Sharing your experience with a group of like minded travellers
  • Discovering the resort town of Zermatt situated below the iconic Matterhorn peak

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 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.

Countries:

Switzerland, Italy

Starting Point:

Grächen

Finishing Point:

Zermatt

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

A warm-up day. Meet your guide and group this morning (8:30am) and take a cable car to Hannigalp 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). Elevation: +650m/2132ft, -500m/1640ft

Meals:  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. Elevation: +653m/2142ft, -1500m/4921ft

Meals:  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. Elevation: +1431m/4694ft, -1163m/3816ft

Meals:  B,L,D

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. Elevation: +1727m/5666ft, -524m/1719ft

Meals:  B,L,D

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. Elevation: +850m, -900m/+2788ft, -2952ft

Meals:  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 sheet, clothing and toiletries as luggage transfer is not possible today. Your luggage will be transferred to Täsch, for collection tomorrow. Elevation: +1500m/4921ft, -466m/1529ft

Meals:  B,L,D

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 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 EUR170pp plus the lift ticket (around EUR90) for a group size 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 hiking guide. Elevation: -1645m/5400ft

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
  • 6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation
  • International Mountain Guide
  • Luggage transfer by vehicle daily except day 6, 1 piece maximum 15kg
  • Taxi Zermatt to Tasch on the last day

  • Travel to Grächen and from Zermatt/Tasch
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Storage of excess luggage - fees apply
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Items of a personal nature

Other Challenging Swiss Alps Hiking Holidays

Suitability

challenging

5

CHALLENGING – 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.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Hiking boots with good ankle support are a requirement for this hike.
Note:
Please ensure you read the downloadable trip notes prior to booking.

Priceper person from

£1470GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Additional luggage storage - per 15kg bagGBP£60
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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