Monte Rosa Classic

Sporty
5 days
View of the Monte Rosa Massif
Seven 4,000-meter peaks in five days
Overnight at the highest hut in the Alps
Varied ridges, glaciers, and summits

Season:

June September

Departure Times

09:15

Zermatt Train Station

Key info

Experienced mountain hiker
Experience with crampons
Surefootedness
At least 7 hours hiking with a backpack

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

Five days in one of Europe's most impressive high mountain landscapes – seven peaks over 4,000 meters and endless glaciers.

Five days, seven summits, endless glaciers: The Monte Rosa Classic is a high-altitude tour for true mountain enthusiasts. Roped together, we ascend from Zermatt over the Breithorn deep into the Monte Rosa Massif, crossing new 4,000-meter peaks each day. Spending the night at the highest hut in the Alps crowns the tour.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Breithorn 4,164 m a.s.l.
We take the cable car to Klein Matterhorn, where we immediately dive into the glacial terrain. The Breithorn is considered one of the easier 4,000-meter peaks, but the altitude is immediately felt. Step by step, we cross the vast Breithorn plateau before reaching the summit. After the first summit break, we descend via the Ghiacciaio di Verra to Rifugio Val d’Ayas, where we end our first day in the high mountains.
Distance
6 km
Ascent
+400 m
Descent
-820 m
Walking time
4 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Crossing the Castor 4,228 m a.s.l.
Still in the dark, we prepare for the ascent of Castor. We climb steeply up the west flank before reaching the narrow snow ridge leading to the summit. The panorama stretches from the Valais Alps to the Po Valley. After descending via the Felikjoch, we reach our next camp at Rifugio Quintino Sella.
Distance
5 km
Ascent
+850 m
Descent
-700 m
Walking time
4-5 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Over El Naso to Corno Nero 4,321 m a.s.l. and Vincent Pyramid 4,215 m a.s.l.
We continue over the distinctive rock hump El Naso into the heart of the Monte Rosa Massif. The Corno Nero challenges us with a steep ascent but rewards us with spectacular views. We then proceed to the Vincent Pyramid – a striking peak that looks even more impressive from the south. After a long day, we enjoy Italian cuisine at Rifugio Gnifetti.
Distance
9.5 km
Ascent
+1200 m
Descent
-1200 m
Walking time
6-7 hrs
Day4
Day 4: Ludwigshöhe 4,341 m a.s.l., Parrotspitze 4,432 m a.s.l., and Signalkuppe 4,554 m a.s.l.
Today we collect three summits on our way to the highest mountain hut in Europe. Ludwigshöhe is our first target before tackling Parrotspitze. From there, it's just a short climb to Signalkuppe. At the top, our accommodation for the night awaits: Rifugio Regina Margherita at 4,554 m a.s.l. The impressive view extends far into the Italian lowlands.
Distance
5 km
Ascent
+1200 m
Descent
-250 m
Walking time
5 hrs
Day5
Day 5: Ascent to Zumsteinspitze 4,563 m a.s.l. and Descent to Zermatt
The final summit: Zumsteinspitze is on the agenda. The short ascent is easy thanks to our acclimatization, and at the highest point, we gaze over the entire Monte Rosa group. Then the long descent begins. Along the imposing Lyskamm, we descend to Rotenboden, from where the Gornergrat Railway takes us back to Zermatt. We end the week on a sunny terrace before heading home.
Distance
15 km
Ascent
+400 m
Descent
-2000 m
Walking time
7 hrs

Whats 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
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks

Hiking boots or mountaineering boots
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Ski touring boots or snowboard boots
Robust snow shoes with tele crampons

Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
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
ID card
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 points
Activity location

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