Monte Rosa

One of the most imposing and majestic mountains in the Alps, Monte Rosa rises to a height of 4,634 metres, with the highest of its four main peaks, Dufour; the others are Norden, Zumstein and Gnifetti. With its variety of peaks of different heights, the mountain has always been a favourite with climbers and walkers.

The rugged east face of Monte Rosa, which many people have compared to a face in the Himalayas, is also famous for its many glaciers. One of them, the Belvedere, is the only glacier increasing in size on the Italian side of the Alps, and is the starting point for the main routes up the east face of Monte Rosa. From the high peaks of the mountain the panorama is incomparable: the eye sweeps from the Matterhorn via Lyskamm and the Breithorn to the majesty of Mont Blanc. An ambition for many climbers is to reach the Capanna Margherita, a hut perched on the Gnifetti peak, dominating and watching over Macugnaga far below.

Climbing enthusiasts will not want to miss the famous Tour of Monte Rosa. This is a week-long trek around the Monte Rosa massif to explore the Walser settlements which were established centuries ago in the six main valleys radiating from the mountain. Starting from Macugnaga you take the trail to Zermatt via Monte Moro and Saas-Fee, and from here the Valle d’Ayas and the Valle del Lys, continuing to Gressoney and Alagna. From here the route crosses the Turlo Pass to return to Macugnaga.