Lesser-known than the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Tour del Monte Rosa is a hidden gem, every bit as awesome: a true alpine trekking experience along a challenging course, with grandiose views, welcoming mountain huts, even a glacier crossing--all with far fewer people.  Our journey starts and end in Gressoney, a charming village in Valle d'Aosta with convenient transport links to Milano, which sits right below the south face of Monte Rosa.  We will traverse the Ayas and Valtournenche valleys before reaching the Theodul Pass, the trek's highest point at 3,319 m/10,900 ft.  Roped up and guided by an expert mountain guide, we will cross into Switzerland through a simple glacier descent.  Walking all day at the very foot of the Matterhorn and in full view of the northern face of Monte Rosa, we will make our way to iconic Zermatt.  After soaking in the atmosphere of this world-famous alpine town, we will take public transport to nearby Saas Fee and Saas Almagell in the Saastal, enjoying a short thrilling hike on the way.  The adventure continues on the next day as we cross the historic Monte Moro at 2,853 m/9,360 ft, an ancient point of passage across the Alps, returning to Italy with a descent into Macugnaga.  On clear days, the breathtaking east face of Monte Rosa towers above us.  The final leg of our trek takes us through traditional Walser hamlets in the Anzasca and Valsesia valleys of Piedmont, before crossing the final ridge and descending back to Gressoney. Throughout the trek, we will get to admire how the natural environment  changes from forested valley bottoms to pastures to alpine meadows and boulder fields, with the Monte Rosa and the surrounding peaks as an imposing backdrop.  A perfect adventure for seasoned hikers looking for a challenging alpine experience.

Important Notes: 

• The Tour del Monte Rosa is a hut-to-hut traverse, with a couple of nights in hostels or small town lodges.  Accommodations generally have fabulous views but are simple: People sleep in dorms, which usually have bunk beds and are generally co-ed, and bathrooms are shared.  But so are dining room tables and evening stories…
• Breakfasts and dinner, as well as bedding, are provided in the huts, but hikers must carry their personal gear (clothing, equipment, lunch snacks).  Every ounce counts!
• The maximum daily elevation gain/loss is 1,800 m/5,900 ft (equivalent to about 5-6 hours of climbing time) and the highest point (and highest night) on the trek is at 3,319 m/10,900 ft.  No picnic, really, but doable with training and some will power.
• Excellent physical shape, prior multi-day hiking experience, comfort on uneven terrain and long uphill/downhill stretches are all required, and so is a good dose of adaptability--plus walking poles and rain gear, of course.
• Some portions of some stages can be done with cable cars, which make climbs and descents easy and quick, but so much less rewarding!  The cost of cable car tickets is not included in the trip cost. 

 Day 1: Meet in Gressoney La Trinité (1,630 m)

Travel to Valle d'Aosta and join your group. Travel to Gressoney La Trinité (AO) (private or public transfer from Milano can be arranged). Meet the guide and group and enjoy a welcome dinner together

Night in Gressoney La Trinité (-, -, D)

Day 2: Gressoney Staffal (1,820 m)-Rothorn Pass (2,690 m)-Resy (2,070 m)

Our first day takes us from the Gressoney to the Ayas Valley through the Rothorn Pass. We will take a quick cable car ride to the little church of Sant'Anna, with spectacular views of the south face of the Monte Rosa, and continue to the Sallero lakes and the pass, before descending to our first hut, located in an traditional Walser house in the hamlet of Resy.

Hike: 8.5 km, +660 m, -680 m

Transfers: Shuttle bus (approx 10 mins)
Optional cable car ascent Gressoney Staffal-Sant'Anna

Night at Rifugio Guide di Frachey in Resy (B, L, D)

Day 3: Resy (2,070 m)-Colle Superiore delle Cime Bianche (2,982 m)-Laghi delle Cime Bianche (2,815 m)-Rifugio Teodulo (3,319 m)

After a brief descent and a peak at the south face of Monte Rosa from a different angle, a steady climb through the beautiful and so far untouched Vallone delle Cime Bianche will take us to the Colle delle Cime Bianche, from where we will catch our first glimpse of Matterhorn.  Descending into the Valtournenche Valley, we will reach a small lake before following the ski slopes up to the Rifugio Del Teodulo (3,319 m/10,900 ft), located at the border between Italy and Switzerland on an ancient communication route.  The Matterhorn will be towering above us during the second part of the hike and watch over us at night.

Hike: 16.3 km, +1545 m, - 300 m

Night at Rifugio Teodulo (B, L, D)

Day 4: Descent from Rifugio Teodulo (3,319 m) to Zermatt (1,650 m)

This day is entirely downhill but is by no means a stroll.  We will begin by roping up and donning crampons and descend an easy glacier with the assistance of a certified mountain guide.  After reaching the Trockener Steg, we will have the option of continuing on foot to Zermatt, enjoying the descent from permanent snow to flower-filled meadows, or take a cable car.  The Matterhorn and the north face of Monte Rosa surround us--a stunning sight.  Our arrival in world-famous Zermatt with its shops, restaurants, and cafes will take on a different meaning coming in on foot from the wild upper slopes.

Hike: 4 km, +30 m, -400 m 

Cable car descent Trockener Steg-Furi-Zermatt

Night at youth hostel in Zermatt (B, L, D)

Day 5: Cross the Randa suspension bridge (2,080 m) and travel to Saas Fee (1,790 m)

Between Zermatt and Saas Fee the Tour del Monte Rosa traverses the steep and wild slopes of the chain of Four-Thousanders that stretch north from the Monte Rosa, which culminates in the Dom de Mitschabel (4,545 m/14,911 ft).   We will avoid the exposed stretches, sometimes closed due to rock falls, but hike across the stunning suspension bridge above Randa (1,415 m), which we will reach by public transportation.  After the hike, a transfer by train/bus will take us to Saas Fee (1,790 m, or Saas Almagell, 1,680 m)

Hike: 6.3 km, +650 m, -650 m

Transfers: Public train/bus Zermatt-Randa and Randa-Saas Fee or Saas Almagell (approx 2 hrs)

Night in youth hostel in Saas Fee or Saas Almagell (B, L, D)

Day 6: Cross the Monte Moro Pass (2,853 m) back into Italy

After reaching the Mattmark Dam (2,200 m) by public transportation, we will walk along the artificial lake and then climb the stunning trail hat leads to the Monte Moro Pass (2,853 m), an ancient passage between Switzerland and Italy.  We retrace the steps of generations of travelers over stony steps and well-carved boulders to reach the pass, marked by an imposing statue of the Virgin Mary.  The view opens up on the dramatic eastern face of Monte Rosa, which drops 2500 meters towards the valley floor below.  A cable car ride and short descent will take us to the Scarteboden hut (1,550 m), above the Walser village of Macugnaga in the Piedmont region.

Hike: 8 km, +700 m, - 200 m

Transfers: Public bus Saas Fee/Saas Almagell to Mattmark (approx 30 mins)

Cable car descent Monte Moro-Alpe Bill

Night at Rifugio Scarteboden, Macugnaga (B, L, D)

Day 7: Cross the Turlo Pass into Valsesia and reach Rifugio Pastore

After descending to Macugnaga, a long uphill will take us from the hamlet of Isella (1,240 m), through the Quarazza Valley, to the Turlo Pass (2,740 m).  It is a long slog, but a military road built at the beginning of the 20th century will help us climb steadily and comfortably.  The descent into Valsesia, which boasts of being one of the greenest valleys in Italy, will lead us to the hamlet of Zum Bitz, where we will stay at the comfortable Rifugio Pastore (1,575 m) in a pretty Walser hamlet on a pleasant meadow, just below the south-eastern face of Monte Rosa.  The Capanna Margherita, the highest hut in Europe at 4,554 m/14,940 ft, may be visible through the clouds at the top of the face.  A small nearby visitor center will allow us to acquaint ourselves about any wildlife that we have not already met on the trail.

Hike: 21 km, +1500 m, -1165 m

Night at Rifugio Pastore (B, L, D)

Day 8: Cross back into the Gressoney Valley

ur last day will offer us more great views to fill our eyes before the end of the trek, but we will have to work hard.  After a brief walk, a shuttle bus will take us to the village of Alagna (1,200 m), from where another long climb will take us to the Passo di Zube (2,874) on the ridge that separates Valsesia from the Gressoney Valley and, if we have any energy left, we may even be able to add a nearby summit to our accomplishments.  The descent to Gressoney La Trinité (1,630 m) takes us along ski slopes back to meadows and forests, past a large artificial lake, again in full view of the south face of Monte Rosa.  We will celebrate our feat with a farewell dinner. 

Hike: 15 km, + 1650 m, - 1245 m

Optional cable car ascent Alagna-Passo dei Salati and descent Passo dei Salati-Gressoney Staffal

Optional shuttle bus transfer Gressoney Staffal-Gressoney La Trinité

Services (B, L, D)

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast, participants will leave at their leisure.

Services (B, -, -)