Tour De Monte Rosa Walk

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TRIP COST TRIP NAME: TOUR DE MONTE ROSA WALK Joining Grächen from Graëchen : $2180 TRIP CODE: MRC Switzerland TRIP DURATION: Trip Concludes: Zermatt 7 DAYS Zermatt

All prices are per person GRADE: CHALLENGING ‑ 5 Matterhorn Macugnaga

OPTIONS & Val d’Ayas SUPPLEMENTS ACTIVITY: GUIDED ALPINE WALK Italy 3 nights double ACCOMMODATION: 6 NIGHTS MOUNTAIN room supplement: $350 REFUGES / GÎTE HOSTELS

IMPORTANT NOTES DATE DETAILS: 2020 | 05 JUL - 11 JUL, 12 JUL - 18 JUL, 19 JUL - 25 JUL, 26 DN1 - Walking boots with good ankle support are a requirement for this walk. JUL - 01 AUG, 02 AUG - 08 AUG, 09 AUG - 15 AUG, 16 DN2 - Please ensure you read AUG - 22 AUG, 23 AUG - 29 AUG, 30 AUG - 05 SEP, 06 the downloadable trip notes prior to booking. SEP - 12 SEP, 13 SEP - 19 SEP highlights Walking spectacular sections of the challenging Tour de Monte Rosa Being surrounded by an amphitheatre of 4000m peaks Sharing your experience with a group of like minded travellers Discovering beautiful Zermatt the trip Standing at 4634m, the enormous massif of Monte Rosa is the highest peak in the Pennine Alps, and the second highest in the entire European Alps. Surrounded by an amphitheatre of even more awe‑inspiring 4000m peaks, a hike along the Tour de Monte Rosa is one of the most popular long distance walks in Europe for avid trekkers seeking both a challenging and spectacular route. Following in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, who studied the peak in the late 15th Century, your experienced mountain guide will take you along ancient trails linking Switzerland to Italy. On the Italian side, traverse the high meadows and forested valleys of Macugnaga, Alagna, Ayas, Champoluc and Gressonney, whilst on the Swiss side, marvel at the tumbling glaciers that feature in this fascinating world of rock and ice. On balcony trails, the panorama of 4000m plus snow‑clad peaks, as well as the vast Monte Rosa massif, will take your breath away. Beginning from Graëchen deep in the Valais, the almost circular walk traverses the massif, crossing into Italy before ending back in Switzerland in the pretty ski town of Zermatt. With daily ascents of up to 1750m, this outstanding walk around Monte Rosa will appeal to those wanting a serious challenge in a gorgeous alpine setting.

© World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 2/17/2020 3:25:24 PM Page 1 tour de monte rosa walk itinerary at a glance Day 1 Meet group in Grächen and walk to Saas Fee (6-7hrs, +800m -1000m) Day 2 Trek to Macugnaga via Monte Moro Pass (2868m), (6-7hrs, +653m -1500m) Day 3 Walk to Alagna via the Turlo Pass (2738m), (6-7hrs, +1431m -1163m) Day 4 Continue through the Val d’Otro to Gressoney (7hrs, +1727m -524m) Day 5 Ascend high passes and descend via Lake Forca to Val d’Ayas (6hrs, +850m -900m) Day 6 Walk above Cervinia ski resort - superb views to the Matterhorn (7hrs, +1500m -466m) Day 7 Continue to Zermatt, trip concludes (6hrs, -1645m) detailed itinerary Note: The heading for each days description below shows the approximate time it will take to complete the walk for someone of good fitness. At the end of the days description is the ascents and descents for the day in metres. The planned itinerary can be affected by mountain weather and trail conditions. Our partner reserves the right to make changes according to current conditions. DAY 1 Meet group in Grächen and walk to Saas Fee (6-7hrs, +800m -1000m) A warm-up day. We 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). +800m, -1000m/+2624ft, -3280ft meals: L,D DAY 2 Trek to Macugnaga via Monte Moro Pass (2868m), (6-7hrs, +653m -1500m) Ascend the path to Mattmark Lake before taking on the legendary pass of Monte Moro (2868m/9409ft), 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. +653m, -1500m/+2142ft, -4921ft meals: B,L,D DAY 3 Walk to Alagna via the Turlo Pass (2738m), (6-7hrs, +1431m -1163m) Today we will climb up through the Quaraxxa Valley to the Turlo pass (2738 metres/8982 feet) 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. +1431m, -1163m/+4694ft, -3816ft meals: B,L,D DAY 4 Continue through the Val d’Otro to Gressoney (7hrs, +1727m -524m) We walk through the Otro valley, passing by its numerous pastures, before reaching the Olen Pass (2881m/9452ft). From here we hike down through the pastures of Mos towards the valley of Gressoney and the hamlet of Gaval. During the walk the peak of Liskamm is our constant source of inspiration in the background. +1727m, -524m/+5666ft, -1719ft meals: B,L,D

DAY 5 Ascend high passes and descend via Lake Forca to Val d’Ayas (6hrs, +850m -900m) This morning our walk takes us through the pasture of St Anna before taking on the Bettaforca Pass (2617m / 8586ft), 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. +850m, -900m/+2788ft, -2952ft meals: B,L,D DAY 6 Walk above Cervinia ski resort - superb views to the Matterhorn (7hrs, +1500m -466m) Climb through the Cortox Valley to the aptly named Cima Blanche (“white”) Pass (2982 m/9783ft), then ascend to the Theodule pass (3295m/10,810ft). Spend the night at the Theodulo mountain refuge (3317m) which is just above the pass. 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. +1500m, -466m/+4921ft, -1529ft meals: B,L,D DAY 7 Continue to Zermatt, trip concludes (6hrs, -1645m) After making our way across the Theodule pass we re-enter the Valais and Vispertal region. The final leg of our walk will see us descend to Trockener Steg and Zermatt, with the famous Cervin, or Matterhorn, in the background to bid us farewell. Walking 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/13,664ft) today, one of the most climbed +4000m/13,100ft 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 EUR500 shared by groups of 1-5 people which includes the mountaineering guide, crampons, harness, group climbing equipment and one way cable car fare. 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 walking guide. -1645m/-5400ft meals: B,L inclusions 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners 6 nights mountain refuges / gîtes in dormitory style accommodation (upgrade to 3 nights dorm, 3 nights double room ‑ supplement applies) International Mountain Guide Luggage transfer by vehicle daily except day 6 (15kg limit) Taxi Zermatt to Tasch on the last day items not included Travel to Grächen and from Zermatt/Tasch Drinks Items of a personal nature Storage of excess luggage Transfers Travel insurance ‑ mandatory

© World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 2/17/2020 3:25:24 PM Page 3 tour de monte rosa walk getting there BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin. com BY TRAIN FROM ZURICH ‑ If you are flying into Zurich you can take a train from the airport to Grächen (with 1‑3 train changes) and the journey time is around 3‑3.5 hours. From Zurich central station it takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes with 1‑2 changes. There are regular trains from Zurich and other stations in Switzerland. For any information & reservations you can contact Switzerland Rail, http://www.sbb.ch/en/ or we can arrange your train tickets in advance. Parts of the Grächen/St. Niklaus holiday resort are pedestrian only, train is the easiest way to get there. BY AIR Your closest airport is Zurich Airport. Refer above for details of reaching Grächen by train on arriving at Zurich Airport. trip grading - challenging CHALLENGING – GRADE 5 The Tour de Monte Rosa is one of the most scenic, but also most challenging walk in the Alps. The daily guided walks are around 5‑7 hours, however the overall fitness of the group will determine this. There are many challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this walking adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only, with a strong walking pace. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep making the walk more difficult. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The route is subject to modification depending on the conditions. As with all our challenging programs, we expect participants to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are a pre‑requisite for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not suitable for the conditions encountered on this walk. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications. about your group You will be joining a group with participants joining from different countries. Other group participants therefore may not speak English. The guide will speak in English and French to cater to all participants. This is not an only English speaking tour.

© World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 2/17/2020 3:25:24 PM Page 4 tour de monte rosa walk accommodation DURING TOUR Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10‑12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Swiss refuges tend to be surprisingly comfortable. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED Switzerland, Italy VISAS Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE The walking season in the European Alps is short – from mid June to mid September and many of the mountain refuges are closed outside this time. In winter parts of the trail are transformed into world class ski runs, evidenced by the comprehensive network of cablecars or téléfériques. Bearing in mind that much of the route is at altitudes of over 1000m and up to around 2500m, the temperatures can vary significantly. Please note at the beginning of the season you may experience snow and therefore the walking can be harder and slippery underfoot. Temperatures in summer range from around 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common. At the higher elevations it is important to dress with layers as cold winds and possible snow falls can happen even in summer. MIN GROUP SIZE 6 MAX GROUP SIZE 14 MOBILITY REQUIREMENT This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, walking boots (must be of sturdy design with ankle support), warm clothes, day pack and sun hat – walking sticks are recommended. Sleeping sheet & towel required for dorm accommodation. (A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking). special notes TRIP ORGANISATION Our groups consist of a maximum of 14 people. Your luggage is transferred each day by minibus (except on day 6). There is a 15kg maximum for the bags that are to be carried and any excess will be refused so make sure you weigh it beforehand. Excess luggage needs to be stored at your pre‑trip hotel for collection after the trip. In some circumstances we can arrange for it to be transferred to Tasch (near Zermatt). We do not accept hard cases or frames so please use a soft duffel style bag for all luggage. The trip begins in Grächen ‑ For pre‑trip accommodation in Grächen see https://www.graechen.ch/en/ Accommodations. We will confirm the meeting place with you on booking or at least 2 months before the departure date ‑ see below for details.

CONFIRMATION OF DEPARTURE The operation of this trip requires a minimum number of participants. Departures can be cancelled up to 3 weeks prior to the trip start date. While the vast majority of departures operate during the season, if there are too few people the trip will be cancelled and we will do all possible to offer you an alternative trip or an alternative departure date. Should the alternatives offered not be suitable we will provide a refund of the trip price only. No further compensation shall be payable. For further details please review our conditions of contract in our brochure. The tour concludes around 3pm in Zermatt / Tasch. You can stay overnight in Zermatt or surrounds, or take a bus or train back to Grächen. how to book To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.utracks.com. On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). World Expeditions/UTRACKS has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS/World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us https://www.facebook.com/UTracks https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/ https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover

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IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.

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