Hiking the Tour of Monte Rosa

The Tour of Monte Rosa (TMR) is a high-alpine alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc, a challenging circular trek through the Swiss and Italian Alps that spans approximately 174km (108miles). Typically completed in 10–11 days, the route features daily ascents and descents averaging 1,000m and walking times of up to 7 hours 30 minutes (excluding breaks), with unavoidable back-to-back, long, and technical days. Optional glacier crossings add a thrilling alpine dimension, making this a trek for experienced walkers seeking both challenge and adventure.

Following a circular route around the Monte Rosa massif, the trek provides unparalleled views of seven of the ten highest peaks in the Alps, including iconic mountains such as the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Dom, Rimpfischhorn and the Monte Rosa massif itself. The east face of Monte Rosa, Europe’s largest mountain wall, dominates the skyline with its Himalayan-scale wall of granite and ice, creating a landscape as awe-inspiring as it is challenging.
This expertly researched Cicerone guidebook is an essential companion for walkers planning the Tour of Monte Rosa, offering practical advice and detailed guidance to navigate this iconic high-alpine route safely and confidently.

The route is described in 11 daily stages with one alternative stage and optional glacier crossings, supported by 1:100,000 mapping and elevation profiles for clear planning and navigation
Stage-by-stage logistics in a handy facilities table covers accommodation options along the TMR, transport links, resupply points and itinerary advice, helping walkers plan each day effectively
Practical planning guidance includes preparation, equipment, weather considerations and high-alpine safety tips, essential for a route with long, technical days and significant altitude gain
GPX files are available to download for the whole Tour of Monte Rosa, providing a digital navigation option for smartphones and GPS devices on the trail
Scenic and cultural insights bring the trek to life, highlighting historic Swiss and Italian villages, dramatic alpine passes, and breathtaking panoramas of the Monte Rosa massif and surrounding 4,000m peaks


For experienced walkers seeking a challenging, high-alpine adventure, the Tour of Monte Rosa offers a unique opportunity to journey among giants. With this trusted guidebook, you’ll be fully equipped to embrace the challenge, navigate the terrain, and experience some of the Alps’ most spectacular and iconic mountains.

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.