Located deep in the Zermatt valley, the Monte Rosa is named after the Italian Valdotain dialect “roese” meaning “ice”. Nine peaks rising to an altitude of 4634m, unrolling their mantle of ice towards the 7 Swiss and Italian valleys that lead to the foot of the giant, all united by the Walser tradition.
Straddling the border between Valais, Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, the route alternates between crossing high passes and plunging into the heart of an original Alpine culture, for 6 days of guaranteed change of scenery. Optional ascent of the Breithorn (4160 m) guided by mountain guides.
You will like
The immense panoramic view of the Valaisian Alps with its crown of summits over 4000m
Your proximity to major glaciers
Walking in the footprints of the ancient nomadic Walser shepherds
Without luggage transport
€580 per person, classic accommodation
Optional extra
Additional day with ascent of the Breithorn (4160m), price on request
Supplements (guide price per person)
- Cable car Stalden > Gspon (CHF 20)
- Cable car from Cime Bianche > Schwarzsee / Zermatt (CHF 135-160)
- Return to departure point by train (CHF 45-50)
Half-board accommodation from dinner on the 1st evening to breakfast on the last day;
Road book: description and maps (1 paper road book for the group);
Tourist taxes;
Organisation and booking fees.
The price does not include:
Road transfers and cable cars;
Picnics;
Personal expenses (drinks, etc...), visits;
Luggage transport;
Cancellation assistance insurance (4.2% of the price of the holiday);
Return journey from your home to the departure point.
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
The itinerary day by day
Day 1
STALDEN - SAAS GRÜND
Transfer to Gspon by cable car, then traverse along a balcony trail towards Hannig and descend into the Saas valley between alpine pastures and forests, facing the 4000 meters summits of the Saas valley (Dom des Mischabel, Lenzspitze, Allalinhorn, Alphubel, ...). Night in a comfortable gite. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +500 m; -850 m / 15 km
Day 2
SAAS GRUND - MACUGNAGA
Bus transfer to the Mattmark dam. Hike up to the historic mountain pass Monte Moro (2868m) along the east face of the Monte Rosa. Descend to Macugnaga under the huge south face of this giant. Night in a refuge. 6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +800 m; -1370 m / 14 km
Day 3
MACUGNAGA - ALAGNA
Heading the Alagna valley through the Walsers trail and the Valle Quarazza. Crossing the Col de Turlo (2783 m) then descent to the Pastore refuge and its small botanical garden. Overnight in the refuge, beneath the imposing glaciers descending from the highest peaks of Monte Rosa. 8 hour walk / Elevation: +1500 m; -1200 m / 18 km
Day 4
ALAGNA - GRESSONNEY
Cross the Ottro valley, dotted with hamlets in the local traditional architecture, then a long ascent to the Ollen pass (2881m). Descend to Lake Gabiet, then to Stafal at the end of Val Greyssoney, then a last climb under Monte Bettaforca to rifugio Sitten. Night in refuge. 8.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1770 m -1060 m / 18 km
Day 5
GRESSONNEY - SAINT JACQUES
Hike up to the Saleroforko mountain pass (2689m) under the gaze of Castor and Pollux ! Descent through the vallone di Contenery and the Ciarcierio lake then traverse towards Saint Jacques. Night in a refuge. 4.5 hour walk / Elevation: +680 m; -780 m / 10 km
Day 6
SAINT JACQUES - KLEIN MATTERHORN - ZERMATT
A final day linking the Val d'Ayas and the imposing Matterhorn! The route continues along the bottom of the valley to the Cime Bianche pass and lakes, high above Cervinia. The rest of the journey takes place on the Matterhorn Paradise ski lifts. A majestic traverse between the legendary peaks of Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, with a break at Klein Matterhorn station, at 3883m ! 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1200m -400m / 12km
End of the hike in the afternoon in Zermatt.
Optional extra day with the ascent of the Breithorn (4160m) Day 6 - SAINT JACQUES - COLLE DE ROTHORN - CERVINIA
Climb up the Combe d'Aventine to the Col Nord des Cimes Blanches, passing close to Lago Perso. Descend into the Valtournenche on Lake Goillet then Cervinia by the end of the day. Overnight in a hotel in B&B 7.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1260 m ; -1320 m / 16 km
Day 7 - BREITHORN ASCENT (4160m)
Meet the mountain guide in the early morning before taking the cable car up to the Klein Matterhorn at 3880 m altitude. From the arrival station, you cross the Breithorn plateau and hike up to its summit at 4164 m. Return by the same route to the Klein Matterhorn station. Descend by gondola, this time to Zermatt where the adventure ends. 4 hour walk / Elevation: +750 m; -130m / 6 km
The programme has been drawn up on the basis of the latest information available at the time of writing; unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter the programme.
The trip
LEVEL ****
Elevation: +/-500 to 1700m average per day.
Walking time: 6 to 8 hours average per day.
Type of trek: mountain route on steep, rocky paths.
Good physical preparation is essential if you are to enjoy these beautiful ‘’Haute Route‘’ stages. Practise an endurance sport regularly, such as walking, running or cycling, for 6 to 8 hours a week. Your physical preparation will make your stay easier and help you enjoy it all the more.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: Level of difficulty
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights in mountain refuges, in dormitory
2 nights in gites, in multiple bedroom.
All accommodation offers hot showers.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
BY TRAIN
Access: Gare de Lyon (Paris) - Stalden.
Return : depart from Zermatt at 2:37pm arrive in (Paris) Gare de Lyon at 9:42pm.
or the following day : Zermatt at 9:13am arrive in (Paris) Gare de Lyon at 4:04pm Times given are indicative and should be verified at a train station or at www.oui.sncf and www.cff.ch
BY CAR Take the motorway from Geneva direction Lausanne, Martigny and Sierre then follow signs for Zermatt (you can purchase the Swiss motorway tax online Vignette Shop )
You can leave your car in the large underground or the outdoor car park at payment near the Stalden station (pick up your ticket at the SBB station): parking Parkhallen Saint-Michel 10CH / day or alternatively All Stalden car parks
End of the tour in the afternoon in Zermatt.
RETURN TO DEPARTURE POINT
Trrain from Zermatt to Stalden (approx. 1-hour journey).
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.
If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
CONTACT US
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Pack a comfortable rucksack of 50 to 60 litres, large enough to hold your belongings for the day (warm clothing, rain cape, water bottle, picnic box and cutlery, sun protection and identity papers), with room for a picnic and snacks, as well as for days without luggage.
YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE NIGHT WITHOUT YOUR BAGGAGE
Leave independently, for 2 or 3 days or more
In the ‘weight is the enemy’ section, here are some tips on how to save a few hundred grams.
For example, for your toiletries: a simple plastic bag with a zip or a small plastic box to avoid accidental crushing.
- Hotel-size soap is generally enough for a week.
- A tube of toothpaste 3/4 full will do the trick
- Shaving foam: a small sample can
- A small microfibre towel
- A small bottle of shampoo
- A travel toothbrush
Pharmacy: in addition to your personal medicines, bring :
- Elastoplast or a ‘second skin’ self-gripping strip to protect against blisters, such as Compeed
- A small pair of scissors, thread and needle
- A small tube of sun cream and lip balm
Now all you have to do is apply this recipe to your entire bag!
6 Days
Self-guided
Without baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level **** 
From 605 €
