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Monte Rosa Summit Tour

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5 days
Ten 4000ers in five days
Climbing rocky as well as narrow snow ridges
Challenging alpine mountaineering week

Season:

July September

Departure Times

09:15
Zermatt train station

Zermatt Train Station

Key info

Extensive high-altitude touring experience required

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

Ten 4000ers in five days: For those who aim high and love mountaineering.

This week long tour takes you to ten 4000ers, including the highest point in Switzerland: the Dufourspitze. Rocky sections, snow ridges, and vast glacier slopes provide a pure high mountain experience. Each day takes you deeper into the glacier world, with spectacular views and challenging climbs.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Climb the Breithorn
From Zermatt, we take the train to the Klein Matterhorn. We start our tour on the Breithorn plateau and reach the first 4000er. The descent leads over the Ghiacciaio di Verra to the Rifugio Val d’Ayas at 3,394 m (11,135 ft). Perfect to get ready for the coming days.
Distance
7.5 km
Ascent
+550 m
Descent
-950 m
Walking time
4-5 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Pollux and Castor in One Day
In the morning, we climb Pollux. A short but exciting ridge with fixed ropes takes us to the summit. After descending, steep snow slopes and an exposed snow ridge lead us to the next 4000er: the Castor. Today's destination is the Rifugio Quintino Sella at 3,585 m (11,762 ft).
Distance
6.5 km
Ascent
+1150 m
Descent
-1050 m
Walking time
6-7 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Circumnavigation and climbing Lyskamm
We start by circumnavigating the Lyskamm on the south side and include the Naso del Lyskamm (4,100 m / 13,451 ft). Then we proceed over the east ridge to the Lyskamm East Summit (4,527 m / 14,852 ft). After descending to the Lysjoch, we continue to the Rifugio Gnifetti at 3,647 m (11,965 ft).
Distance
12 km
Ascent
+1500 m
Descent
-1500 m
Walking time
8-9 hrs
Day4
Day 4: Six 4000ers in One Go
Today we collect peaks: Vincent Pyramid, Balmenhorn, Schwarzhorn, Ludwigshöhe, Parrotspitze, and finally the Signalkuppe (4,554 m / 14,941 ft). That's where the Rifugio Regina Margherita is situated, the highest hut in Europe. A breathtaking view of the Monte Rosa east face and the lights of the Italian lowlands create an impressive atmosphere.
Distance
6 km
Ascent
+1500 m
Descent
-400 m
Walking time
7-8 hrs
Day5
Day 5: Zumstein and Dufourspitze
For the grand finale, we traverse the Zumsteinspitze to the Dufourspitze, the highest peak in Switzerland. The last meters require full concentration once again. After the long descent past the Monte Rosa Hut, the Gornergrat Railway takes us back to Zermatt, where we relax and conclude our high mountain week.
Distance
13 km
Ascent
+900 m
Descent
-2300 m
Walking time
9-10 hrs

What's included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Hut reservation
Summit Certificate

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Backpack 30-35 l

Warm, functional clothing
Wind jacket or GTX jacket
Shell pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks

Crampon proof mountaineering boots

Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Helmet
Hiking pole

Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Headlamp
Silk sleeping bag liner
Toiletries
SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting point
Activity location

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