Often dubbed the Italian Haute Route, this area offers an outstanding cluster of high ski mountaineering peaks…
Located near Zermatt, the Monte Rosa massif contains several challenging ski-mountaineering summits including the highest peak in Switzerland, Dufour Spitz 4634m.
This area offers great skiing on big relief with high broken glaciers and peak ascents requiring basic mountaineering skills. This trip is ideal for intermediate to advance ski mountaineers. This 9-day program with 7 days of ski touring is available from mid-April to mid-May.
7day program:
Day 1:4pm meeting with your guide(s) for trip briefing, equipment check, and dinner. We will spend the night in a Zermatt Hotel.
Day 2: After an early Taxi ride to Saas Fee and a lift ride above the village, we will make a ski ascent of Allalinhorn(4027m) and eventually make our way to the Britannia hut(3030m) for a few nights.
Day 3: We will make a ski ascent of Strahlhorn (4190m) and return to the Britania hut (3030m).
Day 4: From the Britannia hut (3030m) we will make a ski ascent of Alphubel (4206m) and ski back down to Saas Fee. We will then take a taxi back to Zermatt and our hotel.
Day 5: After an early morning cable car ride to the Klein Matterhorn (3800m), we will make a ski ascent of the Breithorn (4164m) and ski down to the Guide d’Ayas Hut (3425m) on the Italian side of Monte Rosa.
Day 6: We will attempt an ascent of either Castor peak (4226m) or Pollux peak (4069m). Afterward, we will ski back to Switzerland via the Schwaxtor glacier and make our way up to the Monte-Rosa Hut (2795m) for a few nights.
Day 7: We will attempt a ski ascent of Dufourspitze (4634m), the highest peak in Switzerland, and return to the Monte-Rosa Hut (2795m).
Day 8: After ascending to the summit of Zumsteinspitze (4563m), we will enjoy a long descent back to Zermatt and our last evening together.
Day 9: Group breakfast and individual travel back home.
This is an advanced program. Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.
Previous experience with Summit Mountain Guides is an asset and helps you anticipate the difficulty and style of our program. Please contact us to discuss your specific ski background.
The Monte Rosa Ski Peaks are located near Zermatt and Saas-Fee along the Swiss/Italian Border in the Swiss Alps. The most convenient way to get to Zermatt is by a 3.5 hour train ride from the Geneva International Airport.
The group will be meeting with the guide in Zermatt the day before the trip start. We will go over equipment, last minute changes (weather & avalanche conditions), logistics for the following day(s) and sign a liability waiver.
Spring mountain weather in the Alps can vary wildly from -15C to +10C in the day. Visibility may be poor with whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation can change within the day.
Alpine Ski-touring or Telemark gear? Which should you use?
If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier should you use Telemark gear.
Spring skiing the high alpine of the European Alps offers variable snow conditions. On one particular run, things may go from perfect powder to challenging breakable crust and or variable wind affected snow. When compounded, the variable snow conditions, the long ski touring days and the large day packs all call towards the use of easier skiing set up like alpine touring.
The Monte Rosa Massif provide a fantastic mountain travel experience. The skis become a traveling medium. Alpine touring makes for fast and efficient travel hence contributing to a safer and more successful experience.