The Tour of Monte Rosa - A Trekker's Guide

The Tour of Monte Rosa is a challenging and very varied adventure, taking a high route around the massif, which has ten summits over 4000m. Italy and Switzerland meet here, and the contrast between these two countries, their different culture, food and languages, give this trek its originality.

Introduction   

The Tour of Monte Rosa   
The Region   
How to Use this Guide   
Which Direction to Go? 
 

Practicalities   

When to Go   
How to Get There   
Accommodation   
Languages   
Currencies   
Insurance    
Facilities and Gear Shops   
Difficulty of the Trail   
Maps       
Footpaths and Waymarks   
Lifts and Buses
  

Safety   

Emergencies and Rescue   
Equipment    
Glacier Travel   
Alpine Weather    
Guided Treks
  

Information   

The Monte Rosa Massif   
Glaciers   
Ancient Passes   
4000m Summits   
The Walser Community   
The Valleys   
The Main Towns   
Wildlife and Vegetation   
Interesting Visits and Regional Specialities   
Shorter Options   

The Trek

Route outline
Stage 1: Zermatt to Theodulpass    
Stage 2: Theodulpass to Résy/St Jacques    
Stage 3: Résy/St Jacques to Col d’Olen    
Stage 4: Col d’Olen to Alagna/Pastore    
Stage 5: Alagna/Pastore to Macugnaga    
Stage 6: Macugnaga to Saas Fee    
Stage 7: Saas Fee to Grächen    
Stage 8: Grächen to Zermatt – the Europaweg    

Information boxes
The Breithorn    
Chamois
Hotel Guglielmina    
Transhumance    
Ibex       
Larch       
Marmots    
Fighting Cows   

Appendices

Appendix 1: Background Reading    
Appendix 2: Accommodation   
Appendix 3: Useful Contacts   
Appendix 4: Useful Terms and Glossary    
Appendix 5: Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue Techniques