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Tour Monte Rosa 2008

Inn-to-Inn

The Trip

Resting in the Swiss Alps, just east of the Matterhorn is the stunningly beautiful Monte Rosa. Anchoring one of the most heavily glaciated areas in the Alps, Monte Rosa is the highest peak in Switzerland and the centerpiece of this circular hike. Beginning on the Italian side of the Matterhorn in Val tournanche, this route dips into the Aosta and Piemonte region of the northern Italy, winding its way over isolated mountain passes and down into quiet villages. Circling into Switzerland and the western Valais, the route will bring us to the Swiss villages of Saas Fee and Graechen before delivering us to Zermatt.

From the hushed mountains passes and isolated stone farms to the immense green valleys and wooden Swiss chalets; from the buzz of thriving Swiss mountain resorts to the tranquil quiet of less visited Italian villages, from pasta to rosti this trip will undoubtedly offer yet another intriguing mix of landscapes and cultures.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Rendez vous in Aosta, Italy in the afternoon. This village is easily reached by train from Milan, Italy or from Geneva, Switzerland. Once we have gathered as a group we will transfer to the small village of Valtournenche. Welcome dinner.

Day 2: Hike to St. Jacques. Our day begins with a short transfer to Cheneil, a small hamlet of stone farmhouses. From here we climb up through open pastures to the Colle di Nina at nearly 9,200’ with its impressive views of the range of peaks between the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. Our long descent to St. Jacques is a classic high alpine experience: amazing views, open meadows, craggy outcroppings.

Day 3: Today’s hike is accented by a wild and timeless feeling. Climbing up to the Colle de Pinter (9,164’) and then descending to the picturesque village of Gressonay-St.Jean, we hike through untamed pastures and past old rustic farms.

Day 4: Having left the Val d’Aosta, we have now entered the Piemonte region and the valley of Walsers. The Walsers, originally of German descent, migrated over the mountains from Switzerland to this region. With them they brought their culture, language and architecture. Arriving in the early afternoon there will be time to explore Alagna and the small Walser Museum.

Day 5: From our starting point at 4,810' we climb to the Colle di Turlo at 9,035'. Wild and unscarred by ski lifts, roads and hotels this hike will prove to be the longest and most remote hikes of the trip. Our descent of about 4,900' leads of to Isella and then Macugnaga for the nights.

Day 6: From Macugnaga we will take the cable car to the Passo di Monte Moro. Looking back the views of Monte Rosa and her east wall equal the most impressive of mountain landscapes. Its precipitous rise is awesome. We leave Italy and cross into Switzerland at the pass. On our descent from the pass we take an ancient trade route paved for use by mules. Arriving at the dam at Mattmark we then take a bus to Saas Almagell from where a pleasant hour hike leads us to the village Saas-Fee.

Day 7: Our hike to Graechen leads us to the high plateau of Stafelalp that skirts the rocky mountain of the Lammenhorn. This hike is rugged and open and exposed. Arriving Hannigalp we will take the cable car to the village Graechen

Day 8: Today there are two options for our hike to the Europa Hut. From Graechen we descend to St. Niklaus and travel to Randa by train. From Randa we follow the trail up to Europa Hut. The other route, the "Europa Weg" also departs from Graechen, but stays high along the west-facing slope. This newly built trail offers outstanding views of Rhone Valley to the north and the Mischabel Range to the south. The very rocky, very rugged trail is open and exposed at times. Europe Hut is a recently built hut offering comfortable though simple accommodations.

Day 9: By now the mountains will be readily recognizable, Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, Ober Gabelhorn, Zinalrothrn, Weisshorn. We begin our final hike ending in Zermatt. Overnight in hotel. Farewell dinner.

Day 10: Individual departure from Zermatt. Please allow for travel time when making plans.

Additional Information

Included:

All accommodations, all breakfasts, all dinners, all group transfers on ski lifts, buses and trains as described in the itinerary, guides, great hiking and memories.

Not Included:

travel to the meeting point (Aosta, Italy) and from ending point (Zermatt, Switzerland), airfare, lunches, optional excursions, unexpected or unplanned transfers, items not on set dinner menu, beverages, insurance, tips to guides/leaders, items of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, postage, excess baggage charge, passport fees, etc.). Allow roughly $200 - $300 in additional costs.

Packing:

This hike is not vehicle supported. You will need to carry a small to moderate sized pack with only the clothing and accessories you will need for the duration of hike. (See our sample packing list.) With advances in synthetic clothing and other travel gear, it's possible to keep your pack weight to 20 lbs. including lunch and water.

Accommodations:

Comfortable 2- 3 star hotel with private baths. Some night's facilities will be shared. One night we will stay in a mountain refuge that has bunk rooms, hot showers and a great atmosphere! The hotels will reflect the rich culture and atmosphere. Breakfasts and dinners are served at the hotels and lunches are picnic style along the trail.

Travel:

Nearest airports are Milan, Italy or Geneva, Switzerland. There is regular train/bus service to Aosta from either airport.

Meeting point:

Aosta, Italy train station on day 1 at 2:00 pm.

Ending point:

At the hotel in Zermatt. Please allow for travel time from Zermatt.

For a more detailed itinerary or to register please call.