Tour de Monte Rosa
Tour de Monte Rosa
Tour de Monte Rosa
Tour de Monte Rosa
Tour de Monte Rosa
Tour de Monte Rosa
Tour de Monte Rosa

Tour de Monte Rosa


Long distance hiking holiday in Switzerland and Italy

The Tour de Monte Rosa is one of the finest and most challenging multi-day walks in the Alps. We trek through the spectacular Pennine Alps bordering Switzerland and Italy, overlooked by some of the highest peaks over 4000m (13,120ft) such as the spectacular Dufourspitze, the iconic Matterhorn, and the jagged Weisshorn. This is the hiking trip for lovers of stunning mountain summits!

Highlights

  • Hike one of the finest long distance routes in the Alps
  • Views of glaciers, snowy summits and spectacular peaks
  • Quiet and remote trails, away from the crowds
  • Characterful mountain refuges, offering great hospitality
  • Meet the iconic Matterhorn, close up and personal
  • Cross an alpine glacier as we descend to Zermatt
  • Views to many of the famous 4000m (13,120ft) peaks

During this trip we walk right round the Monte Rosa Massif while trekking on ancient paths, through pine forests, meadows and hidden valleys, keeping close to Monte Rosa's impressive cliffs and jumbled glaciers. A truly stunning trip which includes a night in the world famous alpine town of Zermatt.


Our guide was an outstanding Mountain Leader. highly experienced, patient, very knowledgeable, and most of all great company and very encouraging for the whole trip. Just loved the hiking. The Tour de Monte Rosa deserves to be better known.

- Tania, Italy

I was surprised that we had hotel accommodation on the trek as I thought it was all going to be in Refuges…. the mix worked really well. All the Refuges were interesting in their own way, and so different in their situations…the Teodulo was in the most stunning situation and was the highlight of the trek. Fran, our guide, was excellent, competent, instructive, supportive, friendly, good fun and good decision maker. 

- David, England, 2017

Itinerary

  • This evening you will meet your guide in the town of Saas Grund, in Switzerland when they will brief you on the days ahead and answer any questions you might have about the trip. 

  • We begin our epic alpine journey the easy way! We jump on the Swiss post bus for a short ride up the valley to our departure point at Mattmark lake. The scenery is breath-taking with glaciers towering above us as we stroll along the lake side. After this easy warm up, we start the climb to our first major col of the trip, the Monte Moro pass which sits at 2853m (9357ft). Historically the Monte Moro is an important border crossing between the valleys of Saas in Switzerland, and Macugnaga in Italy. There is a golden Madonna statue to welcome us at the frontier, and the chance for our first Italian coffee at the Rifugio Oberto Maroli just below. The pass offers our first spectacular views of the Monte Rosa massif, including the two 4000ers the Weissmies at 4023m (13,195ft) and the Rimpfischhorn which reaches 4198m (13,769ft) a just reward for the effort and a perfect photo opportunity. We then have a steep descent to the lovely Walser village of Macugnaga. This remote valley is an experience in itself, with traditional Walser houses and flower strewn balconies.

    Ascent: 750m (2460ft) Descent: 1600m (5248ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles) Duration: 6h00-8h00 

  • Our trail today goes over the Colle del Turlo on an incredible paved path created by the Italian army in the 1920's. There is s a 'lost' and remote feeling to the valleys we pass through, and it's a clear contender for one of our favourite walks. We leave Macugnaga by following the Anza torrent towards the lake at Quarazza, passing several old wooden chalets before reaching alpine meadows where cow herds are often to be found grazing. Sometimes there is also a cow-herd spending the day with the herds creating an image of what seems like a by-gone era, yet a tradition that is still practiced today. Then there is a steady climb to Alpe Plana with a backdrop of impressive waterfalls. Eventually, we reach the paved trail which zig zags its way up to the pass with military precision. The pass is a jagged rocky notch on the horizon which marks the entrance to the Alagna valley. Monte Rosa is lost from sight, but the view of the impressive white dome of the Weissmies is compensation. From here it's a long descent to our overnight stop at the wonderful Rifugio Pastore.

    Ascent: 1510m (4952ft) Descent: 1300m (4264ft) Distance: 23km (14.4 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00

  • Leaving behind the lovely Rifugio Pastore we follow a trail through the woods to reach Aqua Bianca by the waterfalls, this is the 'stop' for the shuttle bus which we will take down to the lovely town of Alagna. From here we climb through the forests to the truly idyllic hamlets and farming settlements of the Otro valley. A further ascent into a wild valley takes us to the first pass Passo Foric (2432m) and then onwards to our high point of the day at the Col d'Olen (2881m). In 1636 Col d’Olen was the site of a major battle between Spanish and Piedmontese forces, won by the latter despite their heavy losses. The Col then became important during the 19th century as the starting point for mountaineering expeditions up Monte Rosa. After passing the Col we head down to our rifugio at the Gabiet lake which sits at 2375m (7790ft). 

    If the shuttle bus is not running your leader will take the alternative route from the Rifugio Pastore via the Vallon Delle Pisse and Alpe Pianlunga to the Rifugio Gabiet. In this case we head towards the impressive Pyramid Vincent, one of the smaller peaks of the Monte Rosa Massif, before turning left into the Vallon delle Pisse, an inelegant name for a lovely valley. We may stop for morning coffee at the ancient Rifugio Crespi Calderini, before continuing our route to the Col d'Olen at 2880m (9446ft). 

    Ascent: 1800m (5904ft) Descent: 600m (1962ft) Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) Duration: 8h00 

  • There is a gorgeous downhill trail through the larch woods to start our day, and then the chance for Italian coffee at we pass through the village of Gressoney. After a break we begin the day's climb to the beautiful and wild Saleroforko pass at 2689m (8819ft). A very efficient zig zag trail climbs the mountain, and before too long we win the col and views to the Val d'Ayas and the towering cliffs on the skyline. The descent from the Saleroforko is through a boulder field, but the trail is well-marked, and then we are on easy ground as we cross the alpine meadows. There is a sting in the tail as we have another short uphill over a broad pass, and then its an easy down through the woods and meadows to the tiny hamlet at Resy. There are some really lovely old stone and wood built traditional buildings here and it does feel like we are perched on the mountainside for the night. We love being here as our rifugio is in a stunning location and an evening drink on the terrace is something to be savoured.

    Ascent: 970m (3181ft) Descent: 1200m (3936ft) Distance: 16km (10 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00  

  • This is one of the highlights of the trek as we begin the day with a wonderful traverse towards the meadows of Alpe Varda and Alpe Mase. Our trail goes through the larch forests until eventually the terrain opens out and high above us lies the glaciated bulk of the Breithorn which is a popular 'easy' alpine route climbed from either Zermatt or Cervinia. We then have the inevitable climb towards the Colle Superieur delle Cimes Blanches which sits at 2982m (9780ft), though en route we pass the green waters of the Gran Lago where we can catch our breath before continuing. From the top of the pass we gain our first views of the Matterhorn at 4478m (14,687ft), an unforgettable moment. This iconic mountain is steeped in legend and history and for those who love the mountains it is a breath-taking moment when you first set eyes on it! Once we have taken the obligatory photos we then drop down through the glacial moraine before our final climb of the day to the impressive Col de Theodule at 3316m (10,876ft) or 'Teodulo' if you are giving the Italian name, and our rifugio for the night. Tonight we have 360 degree views of the Alps, and the Matterhorn on the doorstep. There have to be worse ways to spend the evening!

    Ascent: 1550m (5084ft) Descent: 300m (984ft) Distance: 18km (11 miles) Duration: 7h00-8h00

  • A mostly downhill day today as we descend from the rifugio at 3316m (10,876ft) to Zermatt at 1608m (5274ft) via the Theodule Glacier. The Theodole has various spellings depending if you are on the German speaking side of the col or the Italian speaking side in which case it is the Teodulo! If the weather is good then the early morning light offers fantastic photo opportunities of the big 'M'. The views are superb, with the centrepiece again being the Matterhorn, which is joined by the Alphubel, Dom, Obergabelhorn, Zinalrothorn and Weisshorn on both sides of the Mattertal. 

    As we will be crossing a glacier this morning you will be guided on this section by an IFMGA qualified guide, in other words a 'high mountain' guide who will join your own guide in leading the group. You will require to be roped together for the crossing, but no specialist equipment or skill is required. It's just a case of walking, and wearing regular hiking boots and using trekking poles. The glacier is very easy angled and in reality you are walking down what in winter is a ski piste. 

    At the hut at Gandegg we leave the ice, say goodbye to our high mountain guide, and traverse glacial moraine as we head down towards the famous alpine town of Zermatt and our village hotel. There is the possibility that you may be able to take a cable car down to gain more time in Zermatt and to save your knees. Please note that the cost of the cable car is not included in your trip fee. 

    Ascent: 250m (829ft) Descent: 1800m (5904ft) Distance: 16km (10 miles) Duration: 6h00

  • This morning we leave the bustling town of Zermatt, and head once more for the hills! We begin with a ride on the Sunnegga funicular train which allows us to gain height quickly and helps ease us into what would otherwise be a very challenging day. We leave the lift station and have an easy traverse to the ancient hamlet of Tufteren and the Europaweg trail where we can enjoy some great views of the Matterhorn before we turn our back on the mountain and start our traverse to the Europahutte. By lunchtime we reach the meadows at Taschalp and it is there we continue onto rougher terrain as we head towards the new Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge which is a staggering 500m long and now famed for being the worlds longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Our trail works its way along under the jagged peaks of the Täschorn and the Dom until we eventually reach the stunningly situated Europahutte at 2220m (7281ft) where the guardian Marcel will be waiting to prepare your dinner. The hut is relatively new and is situated in a really prime position for views of the Weisshorn. A sunset with a beer and the alpenglow setting on the peaks opposite is to be savoured. 

    Ascent: 946m (3103ft) Descent: 947m (3106ft) Distance: 21.5km (13.5 miles) Duration: 08h00 

    Note: The ascent given relates to the actual ascent walked, and does not include the ascent by funicular. This section of trail has considerable exposure and the path is narrow at times. If you feel the trail would be unsuitable you can do this section by taking an element of public transport and hiking from the village of Randa up to the Europahutte on a well sign-posted trail. Or you could choose to overnight in Randa and meet up with the group when they descend to the valley the following day. Any variations on our advertised itinerary will be at your own expense.  

  • Today is a challenging, but rewarding day as we leave the Europahutte and begin our journey to  the beautiful mountain town of Grächen. Following the permanent closure of the Europaweg trail between the Europahutte and Grächen in 2019, we now take a route which begins with a rocky path along the famous Europaweg, but then descends down a gully through larch forest to the village of Randa. On this trail we pass through the truly ancient mountain community of Chüebodmen where the wooden farm buildings are perched in a high summer meadow representing a rural tradition which goes back centuries. Once we reach Randa in the Mattertal we pick up the trail along the river and follow it downstream until we reach the village of Herbriggen where we can enjoy a drink before the steep pull up to our destination. This new footpath gives our legs a good work out, but our reward is our arrival in the quintessential Swiss village of Grachen where the traditional chalets are be-decked with geraniums and other colourful flowers. We usually spend quite a lot of time contemplating the impressive flower and vegetable gardens that line the streets! Like Zermatt, Grächen is a 'car free' town and very characterful. 

    Ascent: 915m (3001ft) Descent: 1503m (4929ft) Distance: 22.5km (14 miles) Duration: 9h00

  • Leaving the sleepy village of Grächen we start a day which is really stunning. We climb at first through very pleasant larch forests to a high meadow at Hannigalp, and then begin what is an extremely fine traversing line towards the Saastal. The trail keeps us focused at all times as it is sometimes narrow, and a little concentration is needed, however, nothing that should worry a seasoned hiker. Although we have dropped in height from the previous few days and there is a greener feel to the countryside, there are still rocky sections to contend with. Today our mountain views have changed and directly ahead now is the snowy summit of the Weissmies and the rocky Lagginhorn. These two well-known mountains continue to dominate our view as we walk what is a beautiful trail across the mountainside. There is lots of variety in terms of the terrain, there is often wildlife such as ibex or chamois, and, of course, the alpine wild flowers. Eventually, we complete our trek full circle back to our starting point at Saas Grund. We will check into our overnight accommodation in Saas Grund for a final, celebratory meal and reflect on accomplishing a walk that is one of the finest and most challenging in the Alps. 

    Ascent: 1220m (40001ft) Descent: 1270m (4165ft) Distance: 21km (13 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00

  • Today is your departure day from Saas Grund. The trip package ends after breakfast. 

It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.

Accommodation

We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. In many cases we have known the management for years, and it’s like visiting friends. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. We have given details of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable we will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a room while in the valleys or towns. If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on a twin bedroom sharing with someone of the same gender. 

In the more remote and inaccessible sections of the Tour de Monte Rosa the accommodation will be in rifugios (mountain huts) where the accommodation is usually in dormitory rooms. It's normal in the Alps to share accommodation whilst in the mountains and many good friends have been made this way! The rifugios tend to be very characterful and serve tasty local dishes. They are usually situated in stunning locations and the chance to enjoy a beer or glass of wine while watching the sun go down, and the ibex playing on the mountain-side can provide a really special mountain moment. For many of our guests the rifugios literally prove to be a high point of the trip. 

Pension Heino, Saas Grund

Guesthouse

We meet in Saas Grund at the family run Pension Heino. The Heino describes itself as a guest house, but in reality it is a very nice hotel. The rooms are en suite and very comfortable, and it is centrally located in Saas Grund and within easy distance of the bus stop for your arrival. The dinner is usually very good and they cater for most dietary requirements. Golda who runs the Heino is very helpful and nothing is too much trouble. 

Casa Alpina de Filippi, Macugnaga

Auberge

The Casa Alpina de Filippo is a characterful auberge on the outskirts of Macugnaga. This traditional 'Casa' is a lovely overnight with comfortable accommodation. The bedrooms are cosy and some have a balcony. The bedrooms are en suite with private bathrooms. Breakfast is served buffet style, and dinner is typical Italian dishes. 

Rifugio Pastore, Alagna

Refuge

At the end of our trail, and just past the botanic garden, you will find the Rifugio Pastore. Set in a high valley with meadows nearby the Pastore is in a lovely situation. The Rifugio Pastore is one of several renovated mountain huts in the heart of the Alta Valsesia Natural Park. It sits below the spectacular south wall of Monte Rosa. 

The rigufio sleeps just over sixty people in heated rooms of 4 or 6 beds and has two dormitories, one sleeps 12 and the other 16. Communal bathrooms are available just 20m (65ft) from the rooms which have toilets, wash basins and hot showers.

Rifugio Gabiet, Gressoney

Refuge

The Rifugio Gabiet is in a lovely situation beside the lake of the same name. After our descent from Col d'Olen a seat on the terrace with a cold drink is very welcome. The Rifugio is cosy and has recently installed new hot water showers, and toilets. It has a dining room, a bar and a living room which is heated by a fireplace and equipped with a small alpine library.

The rooms here have either two or four beds, and are located on two floors. They are equipped with bunk beds, orthopedic mattresses and eiderdowns. All the rooms have central heating.

Rifugio Ferraro, Resy

Refuge

Our destination tonight is the Rifugio Ferraro in the tiny hamlet of Resy which sits at 2000m (6560ft), and is one of the old Walser villages which flank the Val d’Ayas. The guardians of this refugio are Fausta and Stelio and they are determined that you will enjoy your stay with them. An evening drink watching the sun go down from Resy is one of the best of mountain experiences.

The cosy Ferraro has 26 beds spread out in eight rooms and a dormitory with showers and toilets.  The catering service will go far beyond your expectations for a mountain refuge. 

Rifugio Teodulo

Refuge

This is the highest point on the trip and it is quite a spot to spend the night. The famous Rifugio Teodulo is perched at 3316m (10,876ft) amidst glaciers, snowy peaks, and the best of all it is right next to the mighty Matterhorn offering absolutely stunning views of this iconic mountain. The rifugio which has recently been renovated is a fine place to spend the evening. 

It can sleep up to sixty people in bedrooms which range from 2 people to 8 people. The dining room has an extremely fine view right onto the Matterhorn. A new water pump has been stalled which means the hut now has running water which is pumped all the way up the mountain from Zermatt. There are toilets and one shower (not always available).  There are also stoves on each floor to ensure we have some warmth and comfort at this altitude.

Hotel Tannenhof, Zermatt

Hotel

The Hotel Tannenhof is in a great position in Zermatt. It is right in the middle of town but set back away from the noise, and bustle of the main street. The rooms are very comfortable, and offer en suite facilities. On this night we eat out in town, but take breakfast at our hotel and this is buffet style with a very good selection. 

Europahütte

Refuge

The Europahütte is perched high above the Mattertal and offers spectacular views to the mountains beyond. It is a relatively new hut and offers accommodation based on dormitory rooms. There is a lovely dining room with a sun terrace, and there are hot showers and indoor toilets. It is run by Marcel and his Finnish wife Katja and their three daughters Saskia, Kim and Ellie. In the kitchen they are often all involved in preparing our dinner!

Hotel Hannigalp, Grächen

Hotel

After a long day on the trail it is great to arrive in Grächen and find our lovely accommodation at the Hotel Hannigalp. The hotel has been run by the same family for four generations and they offer a warm welcome. The hotel also has a spa and an indoor swimming pool which is a great way to ease muscles!


  • The Alps are easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. Geneva, in Switzerland is one of the closest international airports which is easily linked by train to Saas Grund. For train times from Geneva airport to Saas Grund please consult here. This will normally involve taking a train from Geneva, which is very convenient as the train station is within the airport building, getting off at the town of Visp and then taking the local post bus to Saas Grund. The journey from Geneva airport takes approximately 3h30. 

  • It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate insurance for your chosen activity, including emergency helicopter rescue, repatriation, medical costs, as well as trip cancellation/curtailment insurance in the event of you being unable to join/complete the trip. 

    Please read the relevant clauses which are numbered 10, 11, 11a, 12, and 22 and are set out in our Terms and Conditions.

    We also recommend your insurance covers you for baggage loss/damage. Tracks and Trails Ltd are unable to accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any client equipment or luggage.

    If you are booking on behalf of other people it is important that you ensure that insurance has been arranged by all others included in your Booking Form.

    You should bring all insurance documentation with you at the time of the activity. If you fail to provide proof of insurance we reserve the right to ask you to leave the trip. 

    If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.

    For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.

  • When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

    Equipment

    • Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
    • Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
    • Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
    • Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
    • Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
    • Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
    • Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers

    Clothing

    • Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
    • Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
    • Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
    • Shorts/skort
    • Sun hat
    • Warm hat
    • Hat - sunhat
    • Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
    • Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
    • Fleece jacket/shirt
    • Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
    • Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
    • Thermal leggings - optional

    Comfort

    • Sunscreen
    • Lip salve
    • Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
    • Tissues
    • Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
    • Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
    • Book/Kindle/Music

    Documentation

    • Passport, plus a paper copy
    • Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
    • Travel Insurance
    • Credit Card
    • Cash - Swiss Francs/Euros
    • Waterproof bag for documents

    Personal First Aid

    • Personal medication - if required
    • Antiseptic cream/spray
    • Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
    • Glucose tablets
    • 2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
    • A few throat lozenges
    • Blister plasters 
    • Blister tape eg. Strappal
    • Bandaid plasters

    Items for the nights in mountain huts/refuges

    • Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ to be used under the blankets/duvet provided by the huts/refuges
    • Ear plugs - optional, but advised
    • Head torch - plus batteries
    • Teabags – optional, tea is expensive, whereas ordering hot water is less so

    Additional Items

    • Slippers for use in huts/refuges
    • Clothing for use at huts/refuges
    • Camera
    • Toiletries; miniature items 
    • Padlock - for luggage being left in storage

    **Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**

    Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit

  • On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.

    The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person. 

    If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened. 

    Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.

  • After we have processed your booking we will send you a comprehensive clothing and equipment list that is appropriate to your trip and activity. There will be some items on this list that we strongly recommend and others which are suggested. Our list is based on our experience of what is needed for any particular trip, but it is not the definitive article! If you have items you like to use then do bring them, but be aware of over-loading your 'day' rucksack with items that are heavy and therefore making the trip more challenging.

    Please contact us if in any doubt about what to bring.

  • For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page. 

    We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.

  • We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

    Please note your guide/instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. 

    For our walking, family, and snowshoeing trips your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. For our running trips your guide will be an International Mountain Leader, and an experienced mountain 'trail runner'.

    If you have booked on a cross country ski trip you will be with a fully qualified professional BASI Nordic Ski Instructor or equivalent. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.

  • On this particular trip there will not be any luggage support. In other words, when we leave on the morning of the first day, you will carry what you need for the entire trip in your rucksack. In reality this is not much more than what you would carry each day, just a few additional items. This type of trip is usually a very satisfying and rewarding experience allowing you to ‘cast aside’ unrequired material possessions for the duration of the trip. We are happy to discuss this with you if you wish to be reassured with regard to which items you need to carry. 

    Your trip begins and ends at the same hotel and it is possible to leave any unwanted luggage at the hotel for your return.

     

  • We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you choose and buy what you require. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills. 

    Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout your day of activity. If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. 

    Each evening you can choose to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.

  • On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. 

    We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day. 

    The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. 

  • It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card. 

    On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.

  • Food

    On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region. 

    If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.

    If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.

    If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.

    Water

    The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly. 

  • A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

  • We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

    http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

    Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera. 

  • Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your  departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.

    For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance. Also note that if/when the UK leaves the European Union that the EHIC card may no longer be valid. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

  • We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.

    You can read our full policy here.

  • Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case. 

  • Due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. These are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards in terms of the service we offer our guests. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means that your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements.

    There may be occasions when our partners have helped book your accommodation and organise the logistics for your trip. On these occasions your hotel may have recorded your room reservation in the name of one of our partners. 

    We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same package as Tracks and Trails Ltd. The price will be the same, though occasionally they may be operating in a different currency. Your itinerary and the items that are included, or not included in your trip fee, will also be the same. 

    We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. If you have any questions about this policy please contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you. 


Prices may vary depending on date.

What's Included

  • Five nights half board; breakfast & dinner, in a 2* hotel or similar based on two people sharing a room
  • Five nights half board; breakfast & dinner, in mountain huts, based on dormitory rooms
  • Fees and expenses of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader
  • IFMGA Mountain Guide for the glacier crossing down to Zermatt
  • Transport and cable cars which are part of your itinerary such as the Sunnegga funicular train on Day 8 and the shuttle bus to Alagna on Day 4

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Lunches
  • Insurance
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Transfers to the meeting and departure points
  • Cable cars, if you choose to shorten your day

Our guide was an outstanding Mountain Leader. highly experienced, patient, very knowledgeable, and most of all great company and very encouraging for the whole trip. Just loved the hiking. The Tour de Monte Rosa deserves to be better known.

- Tania, Italy

I was surprised that we had hotel accommodation on the trek as I thought it was all going to be in Refuges…. the mix worked really well. All the Refuges were interesting in their own way, and so different in their situations…the Teodulo was in the most stunning situation and was the highlight of the trek. Fran, our guide, was excellent, competent, instructive, supportive, friendly, good fun and good decision maker. 

- David, England, 2017
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Grade: Expert

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At a Glance

From Price £0
Holiday Type Walking
Duration 11 Days
Group Size 5-10
Minimum Age 18
Maximum Altitude 3316m (10,876ft)
Countries Visited Italy, Switzerland
Meet In Saas Grund, Switzerland
View all Walking Holidays

Iconic Mountain: The Matterhorn

Why book with T&T?

  • Highly professional guides
  • Personal service guaranteed 
  • Attention to detail throughout
  • Explore off the beaten track
  • Single rooms on request
  • No surcharge guaranteed
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