A demanding high-alpine loop around the Alps' second-highest massif. Nine stages and six passes between 2,600 and 3,300 m link Swiss Zermatt with the Italian valleys of Gressoney, Alagna and Macugnaga — with the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa's glaciers in constant view.
The Tour of Monte Rosa circles the entire Monte Rosa massif along the Swiss–Italian border and ranks among the toughest loops in the Alps. The route stays mostly above 2,000 m, crosses six high passes and classically traverses the glacier below the Theodul Pass, where crampons or a mountain guide are required. Nights are spent in mountain huts and in Italian and Swiss alpine villages spanning four language areas. The reward is an unbroken backdrop of 4,000 m peaks — the Matterhorn, Dufourspitze (4,634 m) and Lyskamm — and the wild Macugnaga–Saas-Fee stage over the Monte Moro pass.
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Approximate point elevations derived from Copernicus DEM GLO-90 after geocoding stage locations via OSM; problematic points manually verified from map or trekking sources. Verify the specific GPX/map before your trip.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
From July to mid-September. Snow lingers on the passes in June and early July and some huts are still closed; huts and lifts wind down in early September.
A loop around the entire Monte Rosa massif on the Swiss–Italian border. It isn't extreme in distance, but six high passes, large daily ascent and the classic glacier crossing below the Theodul Pass make it a physically and technically demanding trek.
Experienced high-alpine hikers who are acclimatised and sure-footed on exposed, rocky terrain. The Theodul glacier variant requires crampons and a rope, or a mountain guide.
Nine walking days is a common brisk pace. With acclimatisation, rest days and variants, expect 10 to 12 days.
Start and finish in Zermatt (by train via Täsch; the village is car-free). Several sections can be shortened by cable car — Theodul, Monte Moro. Book mountain huts well ahead in peak season.
The villages of Gressoney, Alagna, Macugnaga, Saas-Fee and Grächen have shops and services. Between them there are only mountain huts with half board.
No permits are required. Only mountain-hut reservations are needed in season.
From July to mid-September. Snow lingers on the passes in June and early July and some huts are still closed; huts and lifts wind down in early September.
Tour de Monte Rosa is rated as Hard. A loop around the entire Monte Rosa massif on the Swiss–Italian border. It isn't extreme in distance, but six high passes, large daily ascent and the classic glacier crossing below the Theodul Pass make it a physically and technically demanding trek.
Tour de Monte Rosa usually takes 9–11 days. Nine walking days is a common brisk pace. With acclimatisation, rest days and variants, expect 10 to 12 days.
No permits are required. Only mountain-hut reservations are needed in season.
The villages of Gressoney, Alagna, Macugnaga, Saas-Fee and Grächen have shops and services. Between them there are only mountain huts with half board.
