The Tour of Monte Rosa
The Tour of Monte Rosa is less well known than some of the other classic long walks of the Alps, but provides a challenge to the fit hill walker and gives the chance to get close to some of the great snow mountains, including the Matterhorn, the Breithorn, the Weisshorn and the Dufourspitze, at 4634 metres the second highest summit of the Alps. Starting from the busy mountain town of Zermatt we trace a clockwise route around the range, visiting Italy for several nights on the way.
As on all Pathways guided Alpine trips, one of the pleasures of this journey is the accommodation in a variety of comfortable and welcoming small hotels and mountain refuges, and the chance to sample the cooking of different countries.
You will need to carry personal equipment, clothes and lunches for two days on two occasions, but otherwise all baggage (except your daypack) will be transported to your next overnight stop.
Breakfast and dinner are provided every day except rest days, when you are free to purchase your dinner where you choose. You will need to provide yourself with lunches and personal snacks.
Arrival is on Monday at Zermatt. From here the entire circuit is completed on foot, apart from the occasional use of chairlifts and the local postbus (included in the holiday price.)
Day 1 (Monday): Arrive in Zermatt
Day 2 (Tuesday): We climb up to join the Europaweg and follow this path which clings to steep slopes above the Mattertal. Some exposed sections, safeguarded by cables, are found on the approach to the Europahutte.
Day 3 (Wednesday): We continue along the vertiginous Europaweg, carefully (and speedily!) passing sections where stonefall may be an issue, to descend finally through the woods to our excellent hotel in the village of Grächen.
Day 4 (Thur
sday): We follow the Hohenweg above the Saastal, descending through a more pastoral area to our hotel in Saas Grund, where we spend two nights.
Day 5 (Friday): A rest day in Saas Grund and a chance to explore some walks from here.
Day 6 (Saturday): We take the postbus to Mattmark, and skirt the lake before climbing steeply to the Monte Moro Pass (2868m). Entering Italy, a steep descent, at first over slabs and boulders leads down to Macugnaga.
Day 7 (Sunday): A steepening ascent up the ancient paved trade route which crosses the Colle del Turlo (2738m), then a long way down again to Alagna and our family run hotel.
Day 8 (Monday): Another series of climbs take us over the Colle d’Olen (2881m), followed by a gentle descent to the Rifugio Gabiet.
Day 9 (Tuesday): A shorter day over the Colle di Bettaforca (2672m), with good views and a reasonably straightforward walk down to St Jacques.
Day 10 (Wednesday): We climb from St Jacques over the Colle delle Cime Blanche (2982m), where the Matterhorn comes into view. A contouring section leads to a steep climb up the moraine to the highest point of the trip at the Theodulpass (3290m). We spend the night at the Theodulhutte.
Day 11 (Thursday): With a local guide, we descend easily down the Theodul Glacier to Gandegg, from where scenic paths lead back once more to our start point in Zermatt.
Day 12 (Friday): Set off on return journey
Weather: The Alps can be quite changeable; cloud and rain is not unusual in summer, but when the sun shines it is very hot, and protection against sunburn is essential. At night it can be cold around huts and in higher valleys.
Grade and Terrain: This trip is suitable for any fit hill-walker with a head for heights. Paths are generally good, although there are some steep bouldery sections and snow patches may need to be crossed. Ice-axes are not required, although walking poles can be very useful. Ascents and descents are quite long, but usually well graded.
Accommodation and meals: Overnight accommodation is in simple but comfortable mountain inns and huts. Twin-bedded rooms are usually available in the inns (although single people can be catered for), but dormitory accommodation is normal in the huts. Three course evening meals are provided each evening (except on rest days), with a continental breakfast in the morning.
Except when staying in huts and one or two of the remoter valleys where access is difficult, you will find your bags waiting for you at your accommodation. During most days you need carry only a light daypack.
Daily Routine: Each morning after breakfast (normally 7.30 – 8.00 am) we ask you to bring your bags down for the driver to collect. We suggest that you bring just one bag each, preferably of the soft “sports” style, as these are easier than suitcases to load into the vehicle.
We set off around 8.00am and walk for about an hour, when we stop for a short break. Then we continue until lunch, between 12 and 1pm, which is usually at a viewpoint, by a stream or some other pleasant spot. Other breaks are taken as required.
We generally arrive at our overnight accommodation between 3 and 5pm, and you will find your bags waiting for you.
Dinner is usually between 7.30 and 8.00pm. We ask that you pay for any drinks the same night.
Equipment List:
Walking boots, lightweight, waterproof, supportive and comfortable
Rucksack – (45-50 litres)
Waterproofs (preferable fairly light)
Sunhat
Fleece gloves or similar
Lightweight fleece
Long trousers or tracksuit bottoms (lightweight polycotton or microfibre etc.)
Shorts
Shirts (inc. one long-sleeved)
Underwear
Walking socks
Sandals or light footwear (for huts)
Water-bottle (at least 1 litre – you will need to drink at least this amount, probably more)
Trail food, eg cereal bars, nuts and raisins, dried fruit
Sun cream
First Aid kit (including blister treatment)
Water purifying tablets (in the unlikely case you need to collect water from streams etc.)
Washbag (sample size toothpaste, shampoo etc.)
Towel
Toilet paper
Torch and batteries
Sheet sleeping bag (for huts)
Poly bags (useful for food, dirty clothes, maps etc.)
You may want to bring:
Camera (& film)
Binoculars
Flower book
Alarm clock
Walking poles (highly recommended for snow patches, stream crossings and general support.
Dates: Mon 16th - Fri 27th July 2012
Cost: £1250 (Land only)