Hilary Sharp Tour of Monte Rosa

Annotation

The Tour of Monte Rosa is a 134km Alpine circuit around Europe's largest massif, crossing between Switzerland and Italy. Broken into 8 stages and usually completed in 9-10 days, this guide describes the route starting in Zermatt and travelling anti-clockwise to visit Breuil-Cervinia, St Jacques, Macugnaga, Saas Fee and Grachen before returning to Zermatt. Between these towns, mountain huts offer accommodation and spectacular views of the glaciated landscape. Due to the altitude and short glacier sections, the trek is best suited for walking from mid-July to mid-August and is a great introduction to high mountain walking. The Tour explores impressive Alpine scenery, enjoying views of the Matterhorn in the early stages before revealing the vast range of Monte Rosa itself. Classical Alpine features abound en route; wildflower meadows extend above traditional timber villages while ibex, chamois and marmots can be spotted on craggy mountainsides. The guide includes all the information needed for planning and completing the trek, providing a route summary table, detailed sketch maps and comprehensive route description for each stage. Due to changeable weather in the Alps, the guide offers options for lifts and variants if plans need to be adapted. For the glacier crossings, the introduction includes advice about equipment, techniques and hiring guides if necessary.