Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alps Tour de Monte Rosa Trekking
Day 1 Arrive in Geneva & Head to Saas-Almagell
3-hour private van transfer
Welcome to Switzerland! Arrive at Geneva International Airport, where you will be met by your MT Sobek guide for a transfer to the resort town of Saas-Almagell near Saas-Fee. Sitting at 6,004 feet, this pretty alpine town marvels at the magnificent amphitheater of peaks like Dom, Allalinhorn, Alpubel, and their glaciers. In late afternoon, gather with the group for an orientation followed by dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Kristall Saphir Superior
(D)
Day 2 Warm-Up Hikes Around Saas-Fee
3-5 miles/ 5-7 hours optional hiking (hikes vary on this day)
Spend the day hiking the trails around Saas-Fee to help you to acclimatize to the altitude. Depending on the weather, enjoy a tram ride to take in the views of Passo del Moro (which you will conquer the next day) or hike the lower trail around Saas Valley and spot wildlife like deer and chamois. The trip participants who wish to take it easy for the day can unwind at the hotel or explore the enchanting Walser culture and architecture on their own.
Accommodation: Hotel Kristall Saphir Superior
(B, L)
Day 3 Soar to Monte Moro Pass & Discover Walser Culture
5 miles/4.5 hours hiking with a maximum elevation gain of 2,294'
Along the shores of Stausee Mattmark Lake, walk to the Walser Trail that ascends over rocky outcrops to the highest point of the day, Monte Moro Pass, at 9,500 feet. Step into the Italian Piedmont and gape at the 16-foot golden statue of Mary of the Snow, and Monte Rosa's imposing 6,000-foot rock wall at the head of Valle Anzasca. After a light lunch at 9,173 feet, descend by tram to Staffa/Macugnaga and visit the Walser museum, dedicated to a culture known for its unique language and ingenious architecture.
Accommodation: Hotel Zumstein
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike the Scenic Passo del Turlo
15 miles/8.5-9 hours hiking with an elevation gain of 5,001' and loss of 5,078'
After transferring to the trailhead in the town of Borca, hike up well-maintained mule paths to the Passo del Turlo at 8,981 feet. Along the way, pass the Fairies Lake, brooks and waterfalls like La Pissa, and keep an eye out for ibexes and marmots. Weather permitting, savor a picnic at the pass. Descend 5,000 feet into the village of Alagna Valsesia, taking in the views of the soaring summits of Corno Nero (14,392'), Punta Parrot (14,772'), and Punta Gnifetti (15,165') along the way.
Accommodation: Hotel Monterosa
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Tackle Colle d’Olen, the Highest Pass of the Trek
12 miles/9 hours hiking an elevation gain of 5,822' and loss of 4,265'
Hike through gorgeous wildflower fields and a string of charming hamlets — Follu, Scarpia, and Pianmisura. Skirt the Sasso del' Diavolo rock ('Devil's Stone'), then tackle a steep trail to Colle d'Olen pass, at 9,594 feet. The highest point of the tour showcases astounding views of ibexes grazing below the pass. After lunch, follow along a dirt road down to the delightful village of Gressoney-La-Trinite, where, if time permits, you can visit the Walser Cultural Center. Bid farewell to Piedmont and say hello to Valle D'Aosta.
Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Jolanda Sport
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Marvel at Mont Blanc from Colle del Pinter Pass
12 miles/8 hours hiking with elevation gain of 4,585' and loss of 3,680'
From the postcard-pretty Gressoney Valley over wildflower pastures dotted with farmhouses, venture to the Colle del Pinter pass at 9,247 feet. Savor a picnic on a backdrop of three glorious peaks: the Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin, and the Dent d'Hèren. As you descend into the Walser hamlet of Cuneaz, marvel at the Italian side of the Matterhorn, the Breithorn, and Monte Rosa massif. Relax overnight in the quaint Champoluc, a village where the Walser people have blended in harmoniously with the local culture.
Accommodation: Hotel Castor
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Ascend to Col de Nana & See Cervino, the Italian Matterhorn
11.5 miles/6.5 hours hiking with an elevation gain of 1,935' and loss of 4,243'
Transfer to the Alpe di Nana Alta trailhead and start hiking over dirt roads and alpine trails to the Col de Nana pass at 9,241 feet. Descend along the Colle di Croux route — an adventure filled with resplendent views of Cervino, the Italian side of the Matterhorn, and the stunning series of peaks beside it. Refresh with a beverage in the hamlet of Cheneil, then embark on the final but steep and forested descent to Valtournenche, one of the most popular resorts in the Val d'Aosta region.
Accommodation: Hotel Tourist
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Savor Fantastic Vistas of Monte Rosa & Stay in Zermatt
2.5 miles/1.5 hours glacier crossing and 2 miles/1.5 hours hiking with an elevation loss of 5,381'
Transfer to the popular ski resort of Breuil-Cervinia on the Italian side of the Matterhorn, and hop on a gondola up to the 11,588-foot Plateau Rosa panoramic point in the midst of the Monte Rosa glaciated peaks. Prepare for the grand finale, and cross the untouched Theodul Glacier to Trockner Stegg peak. Descend to Furi and take the tram into Zermatt. Spend the rest of the day exploring the idyllic car-free town of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
(B, D)
Day 9 Depart from Geneva
3-hour private van transfer
After a transfer to Geneva International Airport, say goodbye to your trip leader and fellow travelers. Flights departing on this day should be scheduled after 1pm.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly
(B)
