Tour of Monte Rosa by trail running: a wild trek in Switzerland
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMonte Rosa Massif - France / Valais
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions85.39 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a unique trail running experience in the heart of the Alps, between Switzerland and Italy. Starting in Zermatt , you'll traverse diverse trails through glaciers, mountain passes, and alpine valleys , with the Matterhorn and the iconic peaks of the Valais region as your backdrop. This comprehensive and demanding route is designed for experienced trail runners who love wide-open spaces and technical terrain. On the first day, cross the Théodule Glacier with expert guidance before reaching the Italian side. Each stage offers spectacular scenery and varied terrain: high-altitude pastures, technical trails, flowing sections, and seemingly endless descents into the valleys.
With over 160 km and 10,000 m of elevation gain , this adventure is perfect for those preparing for an ultra or dreaming of total immersion in the high mountains . Luggage is transported daily to allow you to run light, and accommodations offer comfort and rest after exertion.
An exceptional stay combining performance, alpine immersion and the pleasure of trail running , to fully experience the mountains.
The highlights
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Crossing the Théodule glacier with a Swiss high-mountain guide
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The most beautiful panoramas of the Alps: Matterhorn, Lyskamm, Monte Rosa
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The comfort of accommodation each night and luggage transport
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average distance/day: 25 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1450 m
Management
French
English
Mountain guide specializing in trail running
Program
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Zermatt → Champoluc via the Theodule glacier (21 km — 1,000 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Täsch then ascent by train and cable car to Trockener Steg.
Departure on the Théodule glacier, accompanied by a high mountain guide, before crossing over to the Italian side.
A first day at altitude between snow and rock, panoramas of the Matterhorn and descent towards Champoluc.
Day 1 -
Champoluc → Alagna Valsesia (26 km — 2,000 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 2000 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An alpine and challenging stage, between hanging valleys and panoramic mountain passes.
A gradual climb up to the Col di Olen before a long descent to Alagna, in the heart of the Italian Piedmont.
Day 2 -
Alagna Valsesia → Macugnaga (26 km — 1,700 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wild and isolated crossing beneath the north faces of Monte Rosa.
Alternating between forest trails and technical terrain before arriving in Macugnaga, a charming village dominated by the Belvedere glacier.
End of the day relaxing: access to the hotel spa included.
Day 3 -
Macugnaga → Saas Fee (25km — 1,800 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1800 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascent towards the great border passes and return to Switzerland via spectacular high-altitude trails.
Permanent view of the Lyskamm peaks and glaciers.
Arrival in Saas Fee, nicknamed the "pearl of the Alps".
Day 4 -
Saas-Fee — Saint-Nicklaus (25km — 1,100 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A more rolling but still alpine stage, alternating between forest crossings and panoramic balconies.
Magnificent view over the Rhône valley and the Weisshorn.
Day 5 -
Sankt Niklaus → Täsch (25 km — 1,100 D +)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final intense and superb stage to complete the Tour of Monte Rosa.
A sustained climb towards the Täschalp pass then back towards the Zermatt valley to conclude this mythical loop.
End of stay at Täsch station.
Day 6
Accommodation
The Guide de Frachey refuge is a high-altitude accommodation (approximately 2,060 m) located in Resy, in the Aosta Valley (Italy) , at the foot of the Palon di Resy and at the beginning of the Bettaforca valley. It offers panoramic views of the Val d'Ayas in a very pleasant natural setting, ideal for trail running or mountain hiking .
A friendly, mountain atmosphere, ideal for group internships or stays.
Starting point for many hikes around Monte Rosa and a stop on several major alpine routes.
For this stay in Italy, you will be accommodated in a comfortable hotel , typical of Italian hospitality.
Private rooms with en-suite bathroom and toilet.
Comfort and amenities may vary depending on the category, but all rooms have what you need for a pleasant stay.
Most hotels have an on-site restaurant , where breakfast and often dinner are served.
Depending on the establishment, you can enjoy traditional Italian dishes or a varied menu with local specialties.
The atmosphere is typically warm and friendly , reflecting Italian hospitality.
For this stay, you will be accommodated in a comfortable hotel , typical of Swiss hospitality.
- Private room with en-suite bathroom and toilet. Comfort and amenities may vary depending on the category, but the room has everything you need for a pleasant stay.
- On-site restaurant serving breakfast and often dinner. Depending on the establishment, you can enjoy traditional Swiss dishes or a varied menu with local specialties.
- The atmosphere is warm and friendly , reflecting the typical hospitality of Swiss hotels.
Access
Go to the starting point
Täsch is accessible by train from Geneva (3h30) or Lausanne (2h50), which are themselves accessible by TGV Lyria from France.
Several parking lots are available in Täsch
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a mountain guide specializing in trail running.
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel and a mountain refuge
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
- The transfers planned in the program
- Luggage transport
- Access to the spa for the evening of Day 3
The price does not include
- Lunch on Day 1
- Transportation to the meeting point and from the end-of-internship location
- Drinks and 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.
