The Tour du Monte Rosa circumnavigates the 10, 4000m summits of the Monte Rosa massif taking you through two alpine regions within Switzerland & Italy. Approximately 140 km in length with an accumulation of approx. 7,000m of elevation starting & finishing in the iconic alpine town of Zermatt. Full Self-guided Trek Like many of the renowned long distance treks in the Alps many of the trails on the Tour of Monte Rosa have been used for centuries by travelers, tradespeople & farmers in order to access & link the network of valleys, hamlets & villages in this region of the Pennine Alps. The Theodulepass (3301m) is one of the most famous in the Alps linking Switzerland with Italy, artifacts dating bac to 2AD have been found here & can be viewed at the archaeological museum in Zermatt. The Walser community features on the Italian side of the route, Germanic people who settled in this area over 1000 years ago. This trek gives you the opportunity not only to view the glorious Monte Rosa massif but will give you sight of some truly iconic Swiss 4000m peaks, Weisshorn, Dom, Breithorn, Caster, Pollux, Liskamm, Weissmies & of course the mighty Matterhorn. What is a Self-guided trek? This self-guided Tour du Monte Rosa trek offers the independent and more experienced mountain walker a real adventure trekking though Switzerland & Italy on this classic route. All planning & preparation is done for you and we will provide you with all you need so you can just enjoy your holiday. By trekking self-guided with us you can be assured that we will be available to help any time before and during your trek. A good degree of mountain sense is required in order to route find and navigate your way along the trails as it can be difficult at times especially in bad weather and poor visibility. Trek in Brief Trek: Tour du Monte Rosa Full Circuit self -guided Accommodation: 7 x 3* Hotels, 3 x Mountain Refuges Duration: 10 nights Meals: 3x B&B in Zermatt & Saas-Fee, 7 x half board Trekking: 9 days (B&B + 3 course evening meal) whilst on the tour Suitability & grading: Grade 7- Good level of stamina & Dates: To suit you fitness required for 10 days of trekking over alpine Prices: See website for further details terrain Bag transfer: Not available Mont Blanc Treks Ltd © 2018 www.montblanctreks.com Our Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Zermatt Day 2 Zermatt to Refugio Theodulpass: You commence the Tour du Monte Rosa from Zermatt ascending through larch forests passing through the hamlets of Blatten & Furi providing pleanty of opportunities to stop for refreshments & enjoy the surroundings. From hear you will head tout of the trees & meadows onto more rocky & barren terrain leading to Trockenersteg & the cable car station. A final ascent via the Theodulepass glacier to the col at 3301m & the refuge which sits on the ridge with fabulous views including many of the Swiss 4000’s. Distance: 11km Height gain: +1700m Descent: -0m Day 3 Refugio Theodulpass to Refugio Ferrero, Resy: Your day starts with a descent down through the ski area of Cervinia followed by a traverse high above the village passing through the Coll Supierior della Cime Blanche at 2882m. From here you will leave the ski area & descent into a more remote environment pasting Gran Lago & into the valley of Alpe Mase, Fiery & finally on to the hillside hamlet of Resy & to the Refugio Ferrero 2017m. Distance: 15km Height gain: +100m; Descent: -700m Day 4 Refugio Ferrero, Resy to Safal: This is a relativly short day so not need for an early start, treat this as a rest as there is harder days to come! From the refuge ascent up towards the ski lift & take the traversing path away from the Bettaforca to the alternative & more remote route via the Passo de Rothorn 2689m. From the col descent steeply at times down into the ski area of Stafal & Gressoney. Once in the ski area descent via the chapel through the forest to the village of Stafal 1823m Distance: 11km Height gain: +628m Descent: -877m Day 5 Stafal to Alagna: Leaving Stafal make the steep ascent up the gully to high plateau within the ski area. Although the path follows the line of the cable car it is out of view & the ascent feels remote & tranquil. Once at the plateau enjoy a refuge stop at one of the many refuges before heading up through the ski area to the wild & wonderful Col d’Olen 2881m. Descend steeply at time towards the Alagna ski area, cut leftwards to get away from the ski resort by taking the route via Devils Rock to Passo Foric descending finally through the Valle d’Otro to the village of Alagana 1180m. Distance: 14km Height gain: +1058m Descent: - 1700m Day 6 Alagna to Macugnaga: A big & beautiful day ahead so an early start is advisable. Initailly easy taking the route along the valley before an iinital ascent to Refugio Pastore which is nestled within a beautiful alpage, stop & refresh if you have the time before continuing on your way to the impressive route to Colle del Turlo 2738m. Descend on the paved trail into the remote & beautiful Valle Quarazza & finally on to Macgnaga at 1317m. Distance: 20km Height gain: +1649m Descent: - 1512m Day 7 Macugnaga to Saas-Fee: An beautiful early morning ascent through larch woodland brings you into the Macugnaga ski area ascend to the wonderful Monte Moro (2984m) with fabulous views of the Mote Rosa as you go. Take a detour to the iconic golden Madonna before making your descent into Switzerland and to where the road joins the trail at Mattmark (2200m). From here you have the option to take the bus to Saas Fee or to walk the remaining route that traces the river & the road via Saas Almagell & on to Saas Fee at 1803m. Distance: 20km Height gain: +1797m Descent: -1341m Day 8 Saas-Fee to Grachen: A beautiful day awaits on the lofty traverse high above the Saas valley, making your assent from Saas Fee to the high point at Lammugrabe (2329m). The route takes you through steep boulder terrain and traverses exposed steep slopes with fabulous views as far as the Bernese Oberland. The route finally changes direction and heads hight above the Matterhorn valley to the village of Grachen (1619m). Mont Blanc Treks Ltd © 2018 www.montblanctreks.com Distance: 16km Height gain: +700m Descent: -900m Day 9 Grachen to Europahutte: Departing Grachen traverse along the Wanderweg to Gasenreid before gaining height steeply to Mittelberg and the St Bernard statue which offers great views of the Bernese Alps and magnificent Grosser Aletschgletscher. The path continues over difficult terrain at times taking you to the Europahutte refuge beautifully perched high above the Matterhorn valley. Distance: 14km Height gain: +1000m Descent: -100m Option to stay in the valley in Randa with hotel accommodation, ask for details if you are interested in the option. Day 10 Europahutte to Zermatt: Departing from the refuge, you descend and take the impressive Charles Kuonen suspension bridge for a fitting final day. This section of the Europaweg is stunning as the trail traverses its way on exposed & breathtaking terrain. Beyond the exposed sections you reach Ottovan (2187m) where you can rest & reflect on the day so far before continuing on the final section with incredible views of the Matterhorn that takes you on the high route into Zermatt (2215m). Distance: 21.5km Height gain: +1175m Descent: -850m Day 11: Departure. Option to add on additional days in Zermatt at the beginning or the end, please ask for further details. Accommodation Over the years we have tried & tested accommodation whilst trekking with our guided groups & we know that each hotel, auberge or refuge offers good facilities, service and food. Our standard trek includes hotel accommodation on 7 nights, with twin/double rooms with private facilities. On the three nights in refuges dormitory accommodation is the norm however it might be possible to request a private room at a supplement depending on availability. Single rooms are available at a supplement, 7 nights (subject to availability) at all hotel locations, please request this on the booking form. Trek Grading All of the treks we offer are physically demanding you will be travelling over rugged and mountainous terrain with a sustained amount of ascent and descent on a daily basis. Make sure you are aware of the daily distances travelled and the height gain & descent so you know what to expect. We have graded the Tour du Monte Rosa as grade 8. See below for the explanation: Mont Blanc Treks Ltd © 2018 www.montblanctreks.com GRADE 8 STRENUOUS & DEMANDING: Tour du Monte Rose: This is a very physically demanding treks that requires an excellent level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. You need to have plenty of mountain walking experience & exercise on a regular basis. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 m per day without a break. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents. Fitness In order to get the most out of your trek and enjoy each day to the full, it is essential that you make sure you are prepared before you arrive here in the Alps. Have a look through the table below and suggested training depending on your base level of fitness. Carrying a sack: It’s a good idea to have a trial at packing your rucksack beforehand to maximize space, check the weight & get rid of any un-needed items! If you are not used to trekking with a heavier rucksack take it out with you when training during the months beforehand.