Hiking the Tour of Monte Rosa
Trekking the Swiss and Italian Alps from Zermatt
Hiking the Tour of Monte Rosa
Trekking the Swiss and Italian Alps from Zermatt
Guidebook to the Tour of Monte Rosa (TMR), a 174km (108 mile) circular trek through the Swiss and Italian Alps. Presented in 11 stages with variants and two optional glacier crossings, the route includes several iconic alpine passes. With trek planning resources, an accommodation guide and 1:100,000 maps for each stage.Guidebook to hiking the Tour of Monte Rosa (TMR) through the Swiss and Italian Alps. This 174km (108 mile) circular trek is a challenging alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc, giving experienced trekkers the chance to explore some of the highest and most spectacular mountain scenery in the Alps.
Described in 11 daily stages of between 7.5 and 22km (4.5–13.5 miles), with one alternative stage and two optional glacier crossings, the route includes several iconic alpine passes.
- GPX files available to download
- 1:100,000 maps included for each stage
- Handy route summary tables help you plan your itinerary
- Refreshment and accommodation information given for each trek stage
- Advice on planning and preparation
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781786312662
Availability
Published
Published
26 May 2025
Edition
First
Pages
152
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.15cm
Weight
190g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device.
Mountain safety
Map key
Route summary table
Overview profile and sample itineraries
Stage facilities planner
Introduction
The Tour of Monte Rosa – overview
Route and schedule options
Planning your trip
Experience and preparation
What to take
When to go
Where to stay
Using this guide
Essential information
Sustainable travel
Getting there and back
Weather
Food
Money
Languages
Waymarks and route finding
Maps and apps
Safety in the mountains
Glacier crossing
The Monte Rosa region
History and culture
The Walser
Monte Rosa and the Golden Age of Mountaineering
Geology
Wildlife and flowers
The Tour of Monte Rosa
Stage 1 Zermatt to Gandegghütte
Stage 2 Gandegghütte to Resy
Stage 3 Resy to Alpe Gabiet
Stage 4 Alpe Gabiet to Rif Pastore
Stage 5 Rif Pastore to Macugnaga
Stage 6 Macugnaga to Monte Moro (Rif Oberto Maroli)
Stage 7A Monte Moro (Rif Oberto Maroli) to Saas-Fee
Stage 7 Monte Moro (Rif Oberto Maroli) to Britanniahütte
Stage 8 Britanniahütte to Saas-Fee
Stage 9 Saas-Fee to Grächen
Stage 10 Grächen to Europahütte
Stage 11 Europahütte to Zermatt
Appendix A Accommodation
Appendix B Useful contacts
Appendix C Further reading
Appendix D Italian–German–English glossary
Seasons
With the trail going above 3000m on several occasions, this route is best from July to mid-September. Expect plenty of snow on the ground in June and early July. Some mountain huts are only open in late June, closing early September.
Centres
Zermatt, Grächen, Saas Fee in Switzerland. Gressoney/Stafal, Alagna and Macugnaga in Italy.
Difficulty
This is an excellent route for experienced trekkers. There are two optional glacier crossings requiring micro-spikes or crampons. There are a number of unavoidably long days, as well as several +1500m climbs. Waymarking is good throughout, but some paths can be challenging due to steep, exposed and unstable terrain, or if there is snow at high altitude.
Must See
Some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Alps, including 7 of the 10 highest Alpine peaks; the Swiss Europaweg; traditional Walser settlements; the 3rd longest suspension footbridge in the world; formidable alpine passes like the Turlo, Theodulpass and Monte Moro Pass; legendary high Alpine huts; two glacier crossings.
August 2025
Route updates
Stage 2: Alternative route from Gandegghütte to the Theodulgletscher: an easier and less-eroded route onto the glacier leaves Gandegghütte on the access track. Instead of following the blue-signed route, continue on the track as it curves left and reaches the glacier at a lower point. It is not necessary to return to Trockener Steg.
Stage 8: Path closure between Britanniahütte and Plattjen due to rockfall damage until further notice. The path descending from Plattjen to Saas-Fee is also closed.
Alternatives:
- take Stage 7A instead
- Descend to Saas-Almagell from Britanniahütte
- From Britanniahütte, traverse to the Felskinn cable car station to descend to Saas Fee
Stage 11: Europaweg section between Spriegelboden and Täschalp. This section has been warned as closed since summer 2024, but some walkers have advised it is passable. Firstly, check with the guardian at Europahütte for advice.
To avoid the section entirely, drop down to the valley at Randa either before or after the Charles Kuonen Hängebrücke (bridge). You can either continue to Zermatt along the valley, or ascend to Täschalp along the footpaths, or by taking the summer shuttle taxi (link).
If the ascent to Täschalp is taken, it is possible to stay in the hamlet or at the Täschhütte (off-route) – the onwards route to Zermatt would be a very long day (over 8hr of walking time).
Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.
Learn morePopular related guides
