Italian Haute Route

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Enjoy the finest high-level glacier tour in the Alps after initial training and acclimatisation on the Arolla peaks. The 4-day Italian Haute Route makes a circuit of the Monte Rosa massif, starting and finishing at Zermatt, during which you can climb up to seven 4000m summits. The highlight is a night spent in the highest building in Europe - the Margherita Hut - which sits on the summit of the 4554m Signalkuppe.

We recommend all participants come to the Alps for a couple of days before the course to begin their acclimatisation with walks to high huts. With four nights in high huts this is technically and physically a slightly tougher itinerary than Swiss 4000'ers but is entirely achievable for fit mountain walkers.

Sample itinerary:

Days 1-2: Walk from Arolla to Dix Hut (2928m) with a snow-craft and crevasse rescue training session near the hut. Ascend Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3869) or La Luette (3548m) return via Pas de Chevres with potential for short rocky ridge route from the col, time permitting.

Day 3: The Italian Haute Route: Drive to Zermatt and take cablecar to Klein Matterhorn (3820m); traverse Castor (4223m) to Quintino Sella Hut (3585m).

Day 4: Cross the Passo del Naso to the Lis Glacier; ascend Piramide Vincent (4215m) and descend to Gnifetti Hut (3647m)

Day 5: Ascent to Signalkuppe (4554m) via the tops of Ludwigshöhe (4341m), Parrotspitze (4432m) and
Zumsteinspitze (4563m and 4th highest top in the Alps); stay at Margherita Hut

Day 6: Scenic descent of Grenz Glacier to Monte Rosa Hut, continuing to Zermatt on Gornergrat railway.

For information on accommodation and what's included in our Swiss Alpine Mountaineering Course prices click here.