Tour de Monte Rosa Guided Hike

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). Distance: 17km/10.5mi Elevation: +650m/2132ft, -500m/1640ft

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. Distance: 15km/9.3mi Elevation: +653m/2142ft, -1500m/4921ft

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. Distance: 21km/13mi Elevation: +1431m/4694ft, -1163m/3816ft

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. Distance: 11km/6.8mi Elevation: +1727m/5666ft, -524m/1719ft

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. Distance: 20m/12.4mi Elevation: +940m/3084ft, -1240m/+4068ft,

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. Distance: 17km/10.5mi Elevation: +1500m/4921ft, -466m/1529ft

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 across a glacier 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 EUR460 for 1 or cost can be shared between 2 clients. This includes the mountaineering guide, crampons, harness and group climbing equipment. One way cable car fare is separate - approx EUR90. 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. Distance: 10km/6.2mi Elevation: -1645m/5400ft