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This guidebook to walking the Tour of Monte Rosa, explored the Italian-Swiss border region in an 8-stage trek, starts and finishes in Zermatt. Along the way, the Alpine trail takes in spectacular views of the Monte Rosa massif, including ten 4 000 m summits, as well as breaks in mountain huts and the towns of Resy, Saas Fee, Macugnaga and Cervinia among others. The Tour of Monte Rosa also provides a wealth of practical information to prepare you for the trek. The Monte Rosa massif is the largest in western Europe. The Tour of Monte Rosa is an adventure, challenging and very varied, taking a high route around the massif, hugging the glaciers on several stages. As the tour passes through areas of true wilderness, walkers will experience a sense of remoteness rarely found in the Alps. The spectacular scenery is not all that the Tour of Monte Rosa offers: the contrast between the Swiss and Italian sides of the range adds immeasurably to the whole experience and walkers are advised to take the time to explore some of the charming hamlets and villages found en route and to savour fully the different gastronomy, history and culture that make up this alpine region.
Introduction
The region
The Monte Rosa massif
Glaciers
Ancient passes
The Walser community
The valleys
The main towns
Wildlife and vegetation
When to go
Getting there
Getting around
Accommodation
Regional highlights
Languages and currencies
Emergencies, rescue and insurance
Alpine weather
Clothing and equipment
Maps
Glacier travel
Planning your trek
Using this guide
Tour of Monte Rosa
Stage 1 Zermatt to Theodulpass
Stage 2 Theodulpass to Resy/St Jacques
Stage 3 Resy/St Jacques to Gabiet
Stage 3A St Jacques to Gabiet via Colle di Pinter
Stage 4 Gabiet 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
Stage 8A Grächen to Zermatt – valley route
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Summits of the Monte Rosa massif
Appendix C Accommodation
Appendix D Useful contacts
Appendix E Glossary of useful terms
Appendix F Glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques
Appendix G Background reading
Hilary Sharp is British, a qualified Accompagnatrice en Montagne (International Mountain Leader), and is based permanently in France. After 23 years living in the Alps she now lives in northern Provence, within easy driving distance of the southern French Alps. She runs her own trekking business, and her love of walking and climbing has taken her to many parts of Europe and further afield.
