Ascent of Monte Rosa and Dufourspitze
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationItaly / Monte Rosa Massif - France
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions8.49 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Set off to conquer the Dufourspitze , a 4,634-meter peak and iconic summit in the Monte Rosa massif . This private trip offers you the opportunity to climb this legendary mountain safely, accompanied by an expert guide who will provide personalized advice to maximize your chances of success and enhance your mountaineering skills . The journey begins in Zermatt , where you'll reach the Monte Rosa Hut at 2,883 meters , offering breathtaking views of the Gorner Glacier . Upon arrival, the spectacular panoramas of the Matterhorn , Breithorn , Castor , and Pollux already hint at the exceptional nature of this adventure. At dawn, equipped with your headlamp, you'll begin the ascent towards the Silbersattel at 4,515 meters , as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the surrounding peaks. A spectacular, airy ridge will then lead you to the final rocky step, culminating at the summit. There, a 360° view of the Alps will reward your efforts, before you descend back to the valley, your head filled with memories. A unique challenge for high-mountain enthusiasts , combining pushing your limits with breathtaking scenery.
The highlights
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The magnificent atmosphere of the 4000-meter peaks of Valais
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The 3rd highest peak in the Alps after Mont Blanc and Mont Blanc de Courmayeur
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A 2-day climb
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1150 m
- Average daily descent: 1150 m
- Maximum altitude: 4634 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
The trip is led by a high-mountain guide for groups of two participants, who will provide the necessary technical information for a successful trip. The guide may need to modify the program to ensure safety based on mountain weather conditions or the physical condition of the participants.
Program
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Monte Rosa Hut
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Maximum altitude 2883 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The meeting point is in Zermatt , in front of the Gornergrat train station . In 30 minutes , this panoramic train takes us to Rotenboden station , perched at an altitude of 2,800 meters . From there, we follow a path traversing beneath the Gornergrat ridge. A descent equipped with handrails and ladders leads us to the glacier below, which we cross to reach a 300-meter moraine . This passage leads us to the refuge, whose unique architecture, clad in aluminum panels , resembles a rock crystal. Thanks to its south-facing facade equipped with photovoltaic and thermal solar panels, this refuge, located at 2,883 meters, manages to cover 90% of its energy needs —a remarkable example of innovation in the high mountains.
Day 1 -
Dufourspitze (4634m)
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 2000 m
- Negative elevation 2000 m
- Maximum altitude 4634 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off very early in the morning , initially making our way through rocky terrain before reaching the Monte Rosa glacier . The ascent begins gently but becomes more demanding as we climb, eventually reaching the Silbersattel at 4515m. This small pass, nestled between the Nordend and the Dufourspitze , is reached after a final traverse over a wall of ice.
From the Silbersattel, we continue through a mix of rock, ice, and snow to reach the summit at 4634m . A breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks rewards our efforts. Time at the summit is limited, as a long descent awaits us afterward. Finally, the trail back to Rotenboden station will test our last reserves of strength but leave us with unforgettable memories.
Day 2
Note
PROGRAM CHANGE
Most failures are due to the weather. It's important to know that above 4000m, wind and/or bad weather often make the ascent impossible or too dangerous.
We try to anticipate these parameters as best we can and make the best decisions to help you reach the top.
But in all cases, our priority will always be safety. The mountain guide accompanying you knows the area perfectly and will be best placed to assess the feasibility of the climb. As a last resort, they will make the decision to continue or not.
For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent level corresponding to that announced, the management and organization reserve the right to interrupt your participation if your technical level and/or physical fitness do not correspond to those required.
Under no circumstances will this interruption give rise to a refund or payment of compensation.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Dormitory-style accommodation in mountain huts
- Full board
- The train at Rotenboden
- Supervision by a high mountain guide
- The collective equipment necessary for safety
The price does not include
- Individual technical equipment
- Drinks in mountain huts
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Group equipment (ropes) is provided.
Equipment to bring
- High-altitude mountaineering boots with rigid soles and crampon compatibility are mandatory.
- A comfortable 40/50L mountaineering backpack
- An ice axe
- Cleats
- A harness equipped with a screwgate carabiner ( note that carabiners cannot be rented; you will need to buy them if you don't have any ).
- A helmet
- One or two telescopic ski poles ( depending on your preferences )
- A water bottle/thermos of at least 1.5 liters
- A headlamp, with spare batteries and bulbs
- A pocket knife
- A rain cover for your bag
- A pair of gaiters (not available for rent)
- A sleeping bag liner ( mandatory, and there are blankets available in the refuge )
- A Ziploc bag with medication and toiletries ( bare minimum: toothpaste )
- A small tube of SPF 50 sunscreen
Clothing to bring
- Cap
- Hat (or cap) for the sun
- Glacier sunglasses (category 4 protection) + ski goggles
- A balaclava (like a balaclava that covers the whole head) (very useful in very cold weather)
- 1 pair of very warm mittens
- 1 pair of glove liners
- 2 or 3 breathable, long-sleeved technical base layers
- Breathable technical base layer
- Down jacket or vest (not mandatory but appreciated if it's very cold on summit day)
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
- 1 pair of comfortable mountain pants for approach trails
- 1 pair of Gore-Tex type windproof trousers when you are on a glacier
- 1 pair of breathable technical tights
- Socks
