tour monte rosa mtb

Tour of Monte Rosa

Holiday details.

The Tour of Monte Rosa is another pioneering mountain bike journey which showcases 5 days of awesome views and spectacular descents.

Email us for a quote specific to your group size and needs.

The Ride the Alps mountain bike tour of the mighty Monte Rosa is a true adventure. These are little used trails so the riding is rough and very technical in places. It’s definitely our toughest trip for experienced Alpine mountain bikers only.

What is included? The package includes five days of guiding with half board accommodation (dinner, bed and breakfast). One very high altitude hut and both refuges in Italy are inaccessible by motor vehicle so this means that this an exclusively self-supported tour. That is, no van to carry luggage, tools and spares. We can help you to arrange airport transfers if you need them. Email us for more information.

When can I ride the route? Choose your own dates. We will run this trip from late June to the end of September. Any earlier and there may be too much snow on the high passes. Any later and the refuges and mountain hotels will be closed. We are flexible on start and finish days.

How do I get there? Fly or take the train to Geneva airport and we can help you with travel arrangements for getting to the first night hotel. You can also drive over and leave your car at the first/last night hotel.

How hard is it going to be? A very demanding route for committed mountain bikers who ride regularly every weekend and have ridden multi day routes before. There is no van on this trip to carry luggage, tools and spares. Riders preferably need some experience of bikepacking in order to come on this trip. On the Italian side of the mountain the riding is rougher and more technical than on any of our other point-to-point routes. There are several long sustained technical descents. Although the daily mileage is quite low and the climbing reduced by cable car support it’s definitely our toughest trip both physically and technically. The Monte Rosa is for experienced Alpine mountain bikers only.

This route is point to point and provides a great chance to see some of the best views and scenery in the Alps. There are several hike-a-bike sections but also lots of fantastic singletrack descents! We cover around 170km in distance and ascend approximately 4,840m. We descend around 13,640m (depends on chairlifts used and how much playing you do en route.)

The maximum altitude is approximately 3,330m so there are no problems with altitude sickness but you may still feel the altitude in your lungs on the climbs.

What is the accommodation like? Accommodation is in a mixture of good quality 3* hotels with en-suite rooms and mountain refuges. There will be group sleeping arrangements in the refuges. With the exception of the first high hut where there is no running water there are hot showers and good and plentiful food every night.

What sort of bike do I need to bring? A mountain bike! In good working order, recently serviced prior to the trip. Full suspension and disc brakes are highly recommended for this trip to make your life more comfortable. Your bike must be a good quality mountain bike with at least decent front suspension forks and tyres suitable for descending steep rocky terrain. No hybrid bikes as these are not suitable. We ride dual suspension 5 to 6 inch travel “all mountain” and “enduro” style bikes.

Get in touch at [email protected]

If you prefer, you can call us 7 days a week between 8am to 8pm on +33(0)450 559248 . For information on how to book, or to make an enquiry, please see our how to book guide .

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Tour de Monte Rosa – A Classic Alps Hiking Route

Europe , Hikes , Italy , Switzerland

With ten peaks reaching higher than 4,000 meters, the Monte Rosa massif is one of the most impressive in the Alps . It is fair to say that the 9 day Tour de Monte Rosa trek, around the massif, is one of the best hiking routes in Europe .

The hike provides an epic mixture of awesome mountain-scapes across two great European states.

From hushed mountain passes to green valleys dotted with wooden Swiss Chalets during the first half of the hike, to the tranquility of remote Italian mountain villages during the latter stages of the trek, the Tour de Monte Rosa provides a great alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc .

But do be aware, despite being one of the most scenic treks in the Alps, the route is strenuous , particularly the 3,295m high crossing of the Theodul Pass!

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Tour de Monte Rosa Overview

The Tour de Monte Rosa is a long, multi-day hiking trail covering a total distance of 162 kilometers and gains more than 13,000 meters of altitude over 8 to 10 stages.

The highest point reached on the hike is 3,295 meters.

Most people start their hike in Täsh, Switzerland going in an anti-clockwise direction. Resting just to the east of the Matterhorn, the stunningly beautiful Monte Rosa is situated at the border between Switzerland and Italy .

The Tour de Monte Rosa provides a perfect opportunity to experience the different valleys in both countries.

On the circular hike you will pass some heavily glaciated areas, be afforded many scenic views of the highest peaks in Switzerland and take on some of the highest mountain passes in the Alps. The route will bring you to famous towns such as Zermatt, Aosta and Saas Fee, while crossing the notorious Europaweg.

You may also like : hiking in Switzerland

Tour de Monte Rosa Pros & Cons

Here's what we like and dislike about the Monte Rosa hike.

Incredible views of the Monte Rosa massif and the Matterhorn
Hike in two countries - Switzerland and Italy!
Walk the amazing Europaweg between Grächen and Zermatt - this route is considered by many to be the most beautiful 2-day hike in the Alps
Spend the night in some of the most famous European mountain huts
More expensive than standard camping hikes due to the use of mountain huts
Physically challenging, not for the faint-hearted

Monte Rosa Hike Route Map

This map illustrates the Tour de Monte Rosa.

Most people start their hike in Täsh or the Saas Fee.

The route is normally done in an anti-clockwise pattern but if you want to make the route a little easier then a clockwise plan is better as the ascents are more gradual.

You will need to cross Theodul Pass (3,295m), which is one of the highest passes in the Alps.

For an excellent guidebook and map we recommend Hilary Sharp's The Tour of Monte Rosa: A Trekker's Guide .

Monte Rosa Trail Altitude Profile

In the chart below you can see the altitude profile of the full hike. It is quite clear there is a lot of altitude to be gained over the stages. The heighest point is 3,295 meters. You can see that there are a few strenuous stages reaching high mountain passes that will require great effort.

This profile was produced by Trace de Trail and shows the altitude profile for the hike as well as the ultra marathon!

Tour de Monte Rosa Itinerary

Below we have laid out the most popular version of the Tour de Monte Rosa route – 9 days, starting and finishing in Saas Grund. The itinerary includes approx. distances, hiking times and elevation changes.

Day 1: Saas Grund – Macugnaga

Ascent: 650m Descent: 1500m Hiking time: 6-8hrs

The Monto Moro pass sitting at 2,853m is your first major col of the journey. Soon after you will reach the Italian part of the trip. Cameras will be much used since you will have great views of the Monte Rosa massif and an impressive look onto the Macugnaga wall.

Day 2: Macugnaga to the Rifugio Pastore

Ascent: 1450m Descent: 1300m Hiking time: 7-8hrs

A great route over the Colle del Turlo while you reach the valley of Alagna. The Monte Rosa will be out of view, but not for long.

Day 3: Alagna to Col d’Olen

Ascent: 1750m Descent: 560m Hiking time: 7-8hrs

A lot of altitude gain today, since you will need to reach Bocetta delle Pisse before descending to Alpe Pianlunga. You can spend the night at a rifugio close to lake Gabiet.

Day 4: Col d’Olen to Resy

Ascent: 1050m Descent: 1300m Hiking time: 6-8hrs

When you reach the Gressoney valley you will truly feel yourself in the Italian Alps. Enjoy an Italian coffee while admiring the impressive Monte Rosa. But don’t depart too late, since there still is an ascent to complete before reaching the refuge at Resy, which is a stunning location.

Day 5: Resy to the Matterhorn!

This is one of the highlights of the trek as you begin with a wonderful traverse towards the meadows of Alpe Varda and Alpe Mase. Soon you will gain views of the Breithorn while you’re climbing towards the Colle Superieur delle Cimes Blanches 2982m. From the top of the pass you gain first views of the Matterhorn, 4478m. After a short descent, your ascent continues to Theodul Pass at 3295m, where you spend the night.

Day 6: Theodul Pass – Zermatt

Descent: 1700m Hiking time: 5hrs

An easy day since all you need to do is descend. Your day starts with the crossing of the glacier before passing Gandegg and on towards the Mattertal.

Day 7: Zermatt to the Europahutte

Ascent: 850m Descent: 300m Hiking time: 6hrs

A pleasant start to the day since you head down the Mattertal before climbing steadily alongside the Europweg, a high mountain route. Be careful of rockfall, since this is unstable terrain. Spend the night in the Europa hut.

Day 8: Europahutte to Grachen

Ascent: 500m Descent: 850m Hiking time: 6-7hrs

Your hike along the Europaweg continues by crossing boulder fields with stunning views.

Day 9: Grachen to Saas Grund

Ascent: 1300m Descent: 1200m Hiking time: 6-7hrs

Even though it’s the last day of the Tour de Monte Rosa, you will finish in style, since this is one of the most stunning paths in the Alps.

Monte Rosa Hiking Video

A beautiful video overview of the Tour de Monte Rosa by valsesiaincoming1 .

Tour de Monte Rosa FAQ

When is the best time to trek the tour de monte rosa.

The best time to tackle this high-level trek around the Monte Rosa massif depends on the amount and timing of the previous winter’s snowfall and the onset of cold weather in the autumn.

Since the route crosses high passes (Theodul at 3295m), snow can create dangerous conditions. Therefore in a normal year it is not advisable to set out before early July .

In the summer months, July and August, the trail is busiest, temperatures can rise to 25 degrees, but thunderstorms or a dump of snow is possible as well.

By the end of September huts will close and it might get a lot harder to complete the trek.

How much does the Tour de Monte Rosa trek cost?

Guided trekking tours of the Tour de Monte Rosa will cost in the region of $1,500-$2,000.

This will include mountain hut accommodation, food throughout the trek and luggage transfers between each stage, which will allow you to enjoy the hike with just a small backpack. You will also be accompanied by an experienced guide.

The trek can however be done unsupported. The cost would be in the region of $1,000. A DIY trek would mean carrying more weight in your backpack and some planning of logistics in the weeks / months before.

How difficult is the Tour de Monte Rosa trek?

Hiking the Tour de Monte Rosa is strenuous and demanding. Make sure your are physically and mentally fit for the trek. There are many steep, uphill sections to conquer, with over 13,000m of altitiude gained throughout the circuit. You need to ensure you are in shape for the physical demands of this route. Mental fitness is as important and often go hand in hand.

The Tour de Monte Rosa is doable for any fit mountain walkers who are able to hike between 5h and 8 hrs per day for several days in a row.

Please note : there are a few sections where you can use public transport to shorten your hike if you are struggling.

Are permits needed for the Monte Rosa trek?

No permits are required to the Monte Rosa circuit trek.

Is altitude sickness a risk on the Monte Rosa trek?

No, you will not cross passes any higher than 3,300 meter, and since you’re hiking slowly to this altitude, you have more than sufficient time to acclimatize.

Most people don’t feel any symptoms of altitude sickness before reaching 3000-3500 meter. But this is when they haven’t spent enough time acclimatizing.

What gear do I need for the Monte Rosa?

To do a serious hike like the Tour de Monte Rosa you will need appropriate layered clothing, including a warm insulated jacket and a hard shell waterproof layer .

Some comfortable lightweight trekking boots are a must to enjoy this trek, while good waterproofs are essential, not only to protect you against rain or snowfall but to double as windproofs. Since you’ll be crossing passes of more than 3000 meters, gloves and several base / second layers may prove useful. Trekking poles are a good way to not overload your knees and ankles.

If you are hiking unsupported you will need to carry a 50-60L backpack , however, if you plan to join an organised tour then many organisations will often include luggage transfer to your next accommodation in the valley, so you only need to carry a small backpack with some lunch, snacks and clothes.

A good three season, preferably four season sleeping bag is a must!

To help you plan and prepare for your trek we recommend reading our gear section .

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About the author

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Ultra Tour Monte Rosa

4 - 7 september 2024, 2024 ultra tour monte rosa.

4 – 7 September 2024

Use the buttons to the right for information about 2024 races and volunteering opportunities.

Lizzy says, "This is where I used to do my hard training, and this route is the race I would have loved to run."

A stage-race or 1-day ultra - different ability friends can finish together!

Following the beautiful Tour de Monte Rosa, a long-distance trail encircling the second highest mountain in the Alps.

UTMR Trail Videos

UTMR Youtube Channel →

For me UTMR is the mountain race of mountain races. The remote trails, the brutal elevation profile and the stunning scenery will take your breath away in every way.

The course was challenging but the scenery was even more rewarding. I loved the intimacy of UTMR, the opportunity to meet new people, and share the trails with them for three days….

Anders Kartik Jensen ultra runner utmr square

I think UTMR just became one of my favourite races, its has everything – super well organised with great ambiance, beautiful scenery and a really tough and technical course – what more can you ask for?

About the race

Ultra Tour Monte Rosa is a 100 mile / 170 km ultra trail race along a classic European long distance footpath, the Tour de Monte Rosa. The race route leads anticlockwise around the Monte Rosa massif, making a compete circuit of the Mischabel Peaks and the 4000m summits of the Nadelgrat ridge. At 4634m Monte Rosa is the second highest mountain in the Alps and western Europe. On its eastern side the mountain falls away in an almost vertical 2,400m wall of granite and ice, the biggest in Europe. The route encircles a total of 29 of the 4000m summits, and is surrounded by many more, a magnificent landscape!

The Ultra Tour Monte Rosa event consists of 100 miles / 170 km as a single-day ultra race , or as a four-day stage race of 41, 42, 45 and 44 km. We also have a beautiful 60 km route following the höhenweg of the Mischabel range and a wonderful 23 km Berglauf!

The full tour is an alternative to the UTMB , though more technical and more wild, taking runners 20% longer to complete than the UTMB course. The races are held in early September, the optimal time for stable weather and for the high passes to be clear of snow.

Lizzy Hawker, RD

While I was running these trails around Monte Rosa, my training ground for the UTMB, I thought “this is the race I would really like to run”. It didn’t exist so we’ve created it for you to enjoy. As a one-stage race of 170 km it is a serious challenge – bold, brutal and beautiful – and as a stage race, it’s a lot of fun. Come and try it!

– Lizzy Hawker, Race Director, UTMR

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EXCURSIONS AND TREKKING

Tour Monte Rosa

The Tour of Monte Rosa (TMR) is a trek ideally divided into 9 daily stages with an average duration of 6-7 hours; it extends for about 180 km and winds along the paths that surround the majestic Monte Rosa massif between Italy and Switzerland.

Furthermore, the TMR has a specific route for mountain bike enthusiasts.

In particular, in the stage from Saint Jacques to Colle Teodulo it travels along the Vallone di Nana road and the Grand Tournalin Hut becomes a stage of the prestigious Tour.

On website www.peveradasnc.it/mtb/percorsi/vsiter/monterosa.htm you will find all the indications and GPS tracks

TI POTREBBERO INTERRESSARE

Tour des six, alta via n° 1, gran tour des refuges, taxi la carrozza.

Taxi rides with lunch in a refuge are organized. Trip (ascent + descent) with lunch (drinks not included) 45.00 euros per person. Minimum 4 people.

For reservations +39 335 66 26 748

Route planner

Between Italy and Switzerland – Tour of Monte Rosa

Wild spaces, quiet paths and 4,000-metre (13,000 ft) mountains in every direction – Italy's Tour del Monte Rosa (TMR) is perfect for trail running. Its 165 kilometres (102 mi) are often walked in eight or ten stages. However, I've divided the entire route into five stages, so that you can enjoy a mountain running challenge, whilst maintaining the relaxing atmosphere of a hike and spending the nights in refuges or small mountain towns. The route, which begins and ends in Macugnaga in Piedmont, circumnavigates the Monte Rosa anti-clockwise. The massif is an infinitely fascinating world of rock and ice. You'll gaze upon the highest and most beautiful Alpine peaks, 40 of which exceed 4,000 metres (13,000 ft). The trail passes through picturesque villages of the Walser community, a people of German descent who settled in the mountainous regions of northern Italy, particularly the Alps. Although Monte Rosa is the protagonist of this adventure, breathtaking scenery with views of the Matterhorn also features. One of the most iconic scenes of this route is the Matterhorn rising on the horizon of Zermatt. The TMR is not a new route; the first to travel it was Horace Bénédict de Saussure, a wealthy Swiss scientist and mountaineer. On 15 July 1789, he left Geneva, crossed the Simplon Pass and entered this unknown land. He found a wild mountain, where the only sound was the roar of breaking ice and the crunch of the snow under his studded boots. De Saussure didn't venture into the mountains for a holiday as we do today, but to study the orography, the indigenous populations and the natural phenomena of these places. You'll need to be fit to tackle this route as the stages are demanding. I only recommend this route if you have experience running in the mountains. It's challenging, with high-altitude passages and some technical sections, but you can run through almost any terrain if your muscles are ready to tackle the climbs. This path crosses two countries, Italy and Switzerland, so remember that the currency will change. The best time to undertake this adventure is from June to September when the alpine refuges are open. Book overnight stays well in advance. A good pair of trail shoes is essential. I highly recommend wearing warm, waterproof layers for the frequent weather changes in the high mountains. You'll require crampons at minimum for the glacier crossing, but consider bringing additional safety equipment. You can get to Macugnaga by bus from Domodossola station, which has direct rail connections to Milan. If you've set your sights on the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), the TMR is the perfect training ground, as it's similar, if slightly more challenging. Welcome to the world of the mountains. Have a good run! If you want to explore the TMR on foot, find out more here: komoot.com/collection/1577214

Do it yourself

Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.

Tour of Monte Rosa (TMR)

Last updated: April 18, 2024

Stage 1: Macugnaga to Saas-Fee – Tour of Monte Rosa

Here you are at the beginning of your adventure! The first stage of the Tour of Monte Rosa is the easiest, 25 kilometers long and with less than 2,000 meters of positive altitude difference.

Stage 2: Saas-Fee to the Europahütte – Tour of Monte Rosa

The second stage of your Tour is the most challenging, but offers great variety in terms of technique, overall elevation gain and atmosphere.

Starting from the suggestive Saas-Fee, you enter the Ussere Wald forest. The path passes through a mountain pasture and continues climbing between larches and stone … read more

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Stage 3: Europahütte to Gandegghütte – Tour of Monte Rosa

This is the middle stop on the TMR, and its highlight is the scenic Charles Kuonen suspension bridge, the longest in Switzerland.

After saying goodbye to the Europahütte, go down towards the 494 meter long suspension bridge, inaugurated in 2017 to replace the old path often damaged by landslides and collapses … read more

Stage 4: Gandegghütte to rifugio Gabiet – Tour of Monte Rosa

The fourth stage of the TMR includes an alpine experience that you don't have every day: crossing a glacier.

The day begins on the ice. This section may require equipment such as ropes and harnesses. However, if weather conditions allow and you trust your ability in an alpine environment, crampons may … read more

Stage 5: Rifugio Gabiet to Macugnaga – Tour of Monte Rosa

Here you are at the last stage of this challenging Tour of Monte Rosa. Today you will cross Alpine passes famous for their extraordinary views.

Leave the Gabiet refuge and head towards the first notable pass, the Col d'Olen. Just below the hill you will find the old gold mines owned by the wealthy family … read more

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Distance 104 mi
Duration 31:59 h
Elevation 33,725 ft

MTB freeride Monte Rosa – mountain biking on the edge between the earth and the sky

When dreams come true… my dream in this case. I have been working on this journey, from Lake Maggiore to Aosta, for two years. Our adventure begins in Intra at Lake Maggiore. We enjoy the Mediterranean ambience with a nice dinner at the lakeside. The morning after, 25 minutes after leaving the lake towards the hinterland, there is nothing that reminds us of tourism at all.

Lianas are hanging in the way on the access road. On the brink of Val Grande National Park , which is often described as “the largest wilderness in the Alps”, nature has prevailed. There is hardly any other place in Europe where nature is so unspoilt. Green, green and green is what we see on those mountain slopes, which remind us of the Andes and the Himalayas . Several abandoned hamlets are located on the wayside of the beautiful trails. They were built by smugglers, sheperds, partisans and lastly by nature lovers and form a network of paths offering mountain bikers everything they could possibly want. Extremely impressive! Mostly on our own, we spend 2.5 days in the mountains between Lake Orta and Valsesia . The trails here are more similar to the ones in Friuli than to the ones in the Maritim Alps. A vigilant gaze and absolute concentration are the key to these wonderful downhill runs.

In Alagna we take the gondola lift towards the sky. Nothing grows up here at all. Wearing crampons, we carry our bikes over the glacier towards Rifugio Città di Mantova, a mountain hut in the Aosta Valley . At a hight of 3.500 metres, the walk in the thin air is exhausting and we are hoping for good weather. Then we watch an unforgettable sunset below Lyskamm. The way down from the Mantova is probably the hardest thing one can and should do with a bike. In the beginning we have to carry our bikes approximately 200 metres downhill, before we are able to ride our bikes for the first time on rocky plates ground by glaciers. Then we have to carry our bikes way up to Alta Luce summit. I’m pretty sure this is the best place for enjoying the panorama of the whole Monte Rosa massif with its glaciers and all. Still a 1.600 metres really challenging downhill trail is waiting for us. Wow, what an unforgettable, tough morning. The afternoon will be created depending on how much time we have left. The journey continues.

We are facing the next highlight: at 3.335 metres above sea level we are standing directly in front of the Matterhorn . Sounds incredible… well, it is! But the way up there is rocky and long. We are carrying our bikes for 5 hours. Words can hardly describe what awaits us there. One of the most magnificent views and maybe the best trail in the whole Alps! We can ride our bikes downhill all the way from the peak to the bottom, except for only very few parts. Oh my god!! This is amazing!! Having spent 11 hours outside in the fresh air, we are totally spent but so happy! From here on we can do fun rides to Aosta, play and have fun. Is there anything better in this world after such a week, than strolling through the streets of Aosta having Italian ice cream and drinking Aperol? I don’t think so!

I cannot influence the weather, but each one of you, who wants to join us on this adventure, keep your fingers crossed for good weather! If the weather is nice, there is surely no other bike week in the Alps, which is more lasting than this one!

Never Stop Exploring.

The feedback we got after we first tried out this tour definitely showed us, that this tour is the most challenging one in our range. You’ll have to carry your bike uphill, ride long and tricky trails downhill and be mentally strong, as this terrain is really not ”appropriate” for falls. Everyone who is interested in this tour, regard this week as a holistic mountain adventure. If you want to ride one trail after the other, this tour is not the right one for you.

Registration ONLY via email to: [email protected]

Approx. 14,000 m downhill Approx. 6,000 m uphill

We ride in small groups (maximum 7 participants) to create perfect biking days for you. We will be accompanied by a shuttle car at all times, which will pick us up time and again to bridge annoying flat sections, able to take us higher than other vehicles and transport your luggage for you.

8 tour days
6 days guiding with Eric & Felix
2 overnight stays with great half-board in a mountain hut
5 overnight stays with rich breakfast in a ** / *** gite/hotel (double room)
Small groups (max. 7 participants)
Inclusive of all uplifts and 1 external shuttle
Transfer back to starting point
Fine engraved USB-stick with pictures of the tour
Triple 2 STOD freeride shirt (optional, for an extra charge)

We will send you a detailed packing list together with the booking confirmation.

Requirements

At first sight, the distances might not seem a lot, but the days will be long and exhausting. We will spend much time above 2,000 and 3,500 metres above sea level. We will have to carry our bikes most of the time when going uphill and the air is thin in such heights. This will be super exhausting for your body and mind! So please be prepared!

There will be daily stages of up to 1,500 metres uphill and 3,000 metres downhill. There will be sections of about 1.300 metres uphill where you’ll have to push or carry your bike.

Tour description

Day 1: Rivera, Ticino Swiss

Having arrived individually, we’ll meet at our meeting point in Rivera at 5.00 pm. Short Bike check a put your luggae in our Shuttle. A 1,5 hour drive brings us to Intra. During a cozy dinner we discuss the program of the following days.

We are purposely not giving away the details of the route of this tour. At the moment, no other guiding company offers this tour, because one has to explore the whole area before beeing able to guide here. We worked really hard to prepare this camp for you. If you are passionate about mountain biking and nature, and have some pioneering spirit, you would simplylove this camp. You will definitively experience tremendous impressions of the unique landscape and trails. You will break new ground in a region you thought you knew already!

Approx. 14,000 metres downhill/ Approx. 6,000 metres uphill

After a nice and cosy breakfast we will be taken back to the starting point by our shuttle car, followed by a well-deserved closing off-session. From here, everyone departs individually.

This offer is subject to changes, as we have not completed our exploring. New tours and opportunities might come up, which we would then integrate in the tour to optimise this trip for you.

One more thing:   This tour is challenging when it comes to your riding techniques and physical fitness! You ought to have experience with challenging trails and different kinds of soil – this is a prerequisite! Few parts of this tour are exposed and will be signalled by the guide early on. You need good stamina and a certain drive to ride, push and carry your bike about 1,500 metres up in one go. We assume that you control your bike safely and use equipment of high quality.

MTB Freeride Monte Rosa

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Celebrate Earth Day this April. MBT will be donating a portion of each booking, to our conservation partner, EOCA. Book now for 2025!

Hiking the Tour of the Monte Rosa

Through the swiss & italian pennine alps.

When it comes to alpine adventures, the Monte Rosa range is undoubtedly a name that comes to mind. This magnificent mountain range, located in the Pennine Alps, straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy. While the region is famous for its renowned peaks like Dufourspitze and Signalkuppe, there are also lesser-known areas within Monte Rosa that offer a unique and rewarding hiking experience. For those seeking an off the beaten path adventure, exploring Monte Rosa is an absolute treat.

One such area is the Sesia Valley, nestled on the Italian side of Monte Rosa. This hidden gem boasts breathtaking landscapes, charming alpine villages, and a network of hiking trails that will captivate outdoor enthusiasts. The Sesia Valley remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in pristine nature and experience a sense of serenity that is often hard to find in more popular destinations.

One of the highlights of hiking in the Sesia Valley is the opportunity to explore the Walser villages. These small, traditional hamlets are steeped in history and offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. Walking through these picturesque villages, with their wooden chalets and flower-filled balconies, feels like stepping back in time. The Walser people have preserved their unique language, architecture, and way of life, creating an authentic and enchanting atmosphere.

As you venture deeper into the Sesia Valley, you'll be rewarded with stunning alpine scenery. Towering peaks, glacier-fed streams, and lush meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers create a visual feast for the eyes. Hiking trails meander through this natural wonderland, catering to a range of difficulty levels and allowing hikers to choose their own adventure. From leisurely strolls along gentle paths to challenging ascents to mountain passes, there is something for everyone.

One trail that shouldn't be missed is the Alta Via della Valle d'Otro. This multi-day trek takes you through remote valleys, high mountain passes, and breathtaking vistas. Along the way, you'll encounter crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations. Camping or staying in mountain huts along the route adds an element of adventure and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the alpine environment.

Another hidden gem in the Monte Rosa range is the Gressoney Valley. Located on the Italian side, this valley is renowned for its charming villages, such as Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Gressoney-La-Trinité. The valley is also home to the famous Lyskamm ridge, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Hiking trails in the Gressoney Valley cater to a variety of skill levels, making it an accessible destination for hikers of all abilities.

While exploring the lesser-known alpine regions of Monte Rosa, it's important to be prepared and well-equipped. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so packing appropriate clothing, navigation tools, and sufficient supplies is essential. Additionally, it's advisable to check trail conditions and consult local guides or tourist information centers for up-to-date information before setting out on your adventure.

Off the beaten path and away from the crowds, hiking in the lesser-known alpine regions of the Monte Rosa offers a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. The untouched natural beauty, the rich cultural heritage, and the sense of tranquility make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking a new challenge or a nature lover looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Monte Rosa's hidden alpine regions will leave you with lasting memories of a truly remarkable journey.

Interested in exploring the Tour de Monte Rosa ?

If you would like to experience our new UIMLA Monte Rosa guided trek for 2024 through 170k of stunning vistas crossing Switzerland and Italy, bookings are now open for 2024.

For those who would like some flexibility, we offer a self-guided full circuit Monte Rosa trek through 140k of pristine trails.

By Sara Wild

Uimla trekking guide & owner/ director.

Sara has lived and worked in the Chamonix Valley since 2007 after moving her from the UK with her family. Prior to living in the Alps Sara was a teacher of design and also outdoor education, all her free time was spent here in the Alps. In 2007 Sara moved with her then young family to pursue her dream of living and working in the mountains. Mont Blanc Treks was formed in 2010 offering personalised guided and self-guided trekking holidays enabling her to share her passion for this beautiful part of the world.

Get in touch with Sara for any route or itinerary advice: [email protected]

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Hiking the Tour de Monte Rosa

Learn about the historic roots of the Tour de Monte Rosa hiking route, a gorgeous and wild loop from Zermatt through Italy around Switzerland’s tallest mountain.

trail sign along the Tour de Monte Rosa hiking route in the Alps

Multi-Country hut-to-hut hiking on the Tour de Monte Rosa

Walking the Tour de Monte Rosa (TMR) route through Italy and Switzerland, an unfolding gallery of panoramic mountains, quaint villages, and idyllic streams greets your eager eyes. Perfectly set stone trails seem to exist just for the enjoyment of hikers. It might be hard to imagine walking along this sweeping path with an enormous load of salt and spices on your back. But, in fact, that is exactly the use these “roads” were originally built to serve.

alps hiking trail through the stone buildings of Rifugio Pastore

A Brief History of the Hiking Route

The Monte Moro Pass was once a local trade and seasonal migration route for the Walser people, some of the region’s most influential inhabitants. Walser refers to people from the upper Valais region (or Wallis in German) who had a long history of migrating to uninhabited areas, building new communities, and spreading their language, culture and lifestyle to many areas in the Alps. You’ll notice the Germanic flavor to settlements even on the Italian side of mountains. The trail over Monte Moro was forged as a mule trail for traders crossing between these 2 valleys.

Today, the Madonna delle Nevi (Madonna of the Snow) watches over the pass. She was placed in 1966 and is a popular destination for many local Catholics during the feast days in early August. This small area is popular for both skiing and hiking, with local lifts from Macugnaga that make access easy. Its proximity to the Italian Lakes District also makes it a popular destination for Italians looking to exchange big city hustle for the ease of smaller mountain villages.

Madonna delle Nevi - Madonna of the Snow statue - Italian alps

Further west, the Theodul Pass linking Italy’s Aosta Valley and Switzerland’s Valais Canton historically served as a bridge for resources, religion, and politics. Sometimes it even meant survival when the strain on resources grew with populations in both areas. The pass remains a formidable obstacle for those traveling across the border between Zermatt and Cervinia, with a crossing of the Theodul glacier still necessary. But crossing the Theodul will soon be much easier. A new cableway connecting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station and the Testa Grigia station above Cervinia is in the works. Skiing has replaced the trading of goods. But the pass still remains an important link between the people and economies of the region.

cows grazing on alps hiking trail with mountains in the background

Hiking the Tour de Monte Rosa Today

The convenience of modern travel makes access to the Alps fairly straightforward. The trails surrounding the Monte Rosa massif still serve as the most direct path of travel between the remote valleys you’ll visit here. Trading may be done a little differently now, but these paths are still well-used. For hundreds of years, they have held up extremely well and are still traveled much like they were back then: on foot.

Are you looking to explore this route? Check out our Private Guided Tour of Monte Rosa .

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Dates & Prices

Activity level, accommodations, alps tour de monte rosa trekking tour, circle europe's second-highest peak.

Monte Rosa, "the Pink Mountain," is the second-highest peak in both Western Europe and the Alps at 15,203 feet. Led by our expert hiking guides, embark on this adventure replete with conquests of majestic alpine peaks and passes. Starting in the village of Saas-Fee and finishing in Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, hike almost the complete circuit of the massif. Beneath cascading glaciers, through ancient hamlets and wildflower fields, take in vistas of Monte Rosa, and learn about Walser culture and tradition. Traveling through the Swiss canton of Valais to the Italian Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, soaking up heartfelt hospitality and enjoy restful nights at charming hotels.

From: $5,995

Available: July, August, September
Activity: Level 5
Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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