The Tour de Monte Rosa
Detailed itinerary, 8 days
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Day 01: Arrival Day
Arrival in Saas-Grund, briefing and welcome dinner.
Day 02: Saas Fee to Macugnaga
We begin our trip with a short ride on the post bus to our starting point at Mattmark. We stroll along the lakeside, before beginning our first climb to the pass at Monte Moro at 2868m where the statue of the Madonna of the Snows waits for us on the summit. Here we hope to see our first views of Monte Rosa and its impressive east face - one of the highest in the Alps. We descend through rocky ground and pine woods until we reach the ancient path which takes us to the charming village of Macugnaga.
Elevation gain 656m (2160ft), descent 1536m (5060ft).
Day 03: Macugnaga to Alagna
Today we head up to the lake at Quarazza, before wandering along the river through spruce forest to the pastures at Alpe Piana where cows may ask for some of your picnic! Next it's onto the ancient road, which takes us to the Colle del Turlo at 2738m. The 'road' is a wonder of engineering and craftsmanship and you can't help but be aware of history as you make your way upwards to the pass. This is a long day, but thankfully the 'road' continues down the other side where it meanders past ancient settlements to Alagna.
Elevation gain 1421m (4690ft), descent 1548m (5100ft).
Day 04: Alagna to GRESSONEY LA TRINITE
We begin our day by heading up into the Valle d'Otro, again passing some wonderful old buildings in the high meadows before beginning our climb proper to the Passo Foric at 2432m. Once at the pass, we will be able to see the south side of the Monte Rosa Range., before we begin our descent to the green waters of Lago Gabiet and down to the charming village of Gressoney La Trinité.
We also have the option of shortening the descent by taking a cable care from Gabiet down to Stafal.
Elevation gain: 1691m (
5580ft), descent 500m (1500ft) or 1058m (3490ft).
Day 05: Gressoney La TrinitE to CHAMPOLUC
A short transfer to Biela marks the beginning of this day. After a few steep switchbacks in the trees, we enter a steep valley, where several stone buildings remain. Cresting the Pentecoll at 2770m, we have sweeping views of Lyskam and Pollux and the ski resort of Champoluc.
A beautiful descent past some high mountain lakes takes us down to our quiet village for the evening.
Elevation gain 947m (3125ft), descent 1200m (3600ft).
Day 06: CHampoluc to breuil/Cervinia
We are heading off towards Alpe Varda and Alpe Mase and views of the glaciated slopes of the Breithorn. After climbing through larch woods and high meadows, where the cattle graze, we climb above the green waters of the Gran Lago to the Colle Superieur delle Cime Bianche at 2982m. Here we expect our first views of the famous Matterhorn, before heading down past the lake Breuil and our accommodation for the night.
Elevation gain 1412m (4630ft), descent 932m (3060ft).
Day 07: Plan Maison to Zermatt
We have an easy morning taking the cable car to Plan Maison and Testa Grigia. This is a hut situated 200m higher than the Teodulo Refuge. It provides views of the Breithorn and lies just below the Kleine Matterhorn. We meet our IFMGA high mountain guide here for the glacier crossing. A quick descent brings us to the Theodulpass and the border with Switzerland, and then further down to Zermatt.
Lift for part of the descent is optional.
Descent 1900m (6300ft).
Day 08: Departure day
Our trip finishes after breakfeast. If you need logistical support for your onward journey, please contact us.
