The Monte Rosa Crossing - The Spaghetti Tour

A spectacular 4-day tour that allows you to traverse the entire Monte Rosa massif from west to east. We'll climb many peaks over 4,000 meters along the way. Each evening, we'll return to a different refuge, where a warm welcome and excellent food (and Genepy) will be a constant source of refreshment. The name was chosen playfully by the Swiss guides, who, like us, enjoy the quality of the refuges on the Italian side—a feat far from guaranteed given the altitude and the difficulty of reaching them. The technical level required is not high; experience walking with crampons with a firm and sure step is sufficient. However, given the altitude and the long days of walking, good physical condition is required to fully enjoy the tour.

Program 

Day 1

We'll meet in Breuil-Cervinia at the cable car for a gear check and a pre-ski briefing. We'll then take the cable car up to the Rifugio Guide del Cervino (3,480m), where we'll begin the ascent to our first 4,000m peak, the Breithorn (4,164m). A technically easy climb, it will allow us to acclimatize without suffering too much from the altitude difference. From the summit, we'll then descend towards the Rifugio Guide d'Ayas (3,425m).

Travel time: approximately 6 hours

Elevation gain: 750m

Day 2

In the morning, we'll ascend the Verra Pass, at the beginning of the ridge that will take us to the summit of Castore at 4,200m. We'll need to be careful on some particularly exposed sections of the ridge, but we'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the glaciers. The descent then continues along the snowy ridge that will take us to the Felik Pass, and following the Felik glacier, we'll reach the Quintino Sella refuge (3,575m) at its end.

Note: It's also possible to climb Polluce before Castore. Technically, it's more challenging, with some vertical sections equipped with chains and easy climbing rocks. The climb will be assessed based on the group's ability and the route conditions.

Travel time: approximately 7 hours

Elevation gain: 800m

Day 3

After a long traverse on the western Lys glacier, we'll ascend towards the Lyskamm Nose and then begin descending on the opposite side. Depending on the season, the descent may be on snow or loose rock, but it presents no particular problems. We'll then set foot on the eastern Lys glacier, rejoining the trail that ascends to the Capanna Margherita Hut. We'll continue downhill until we reach the Gnifetti Refuge (3,647 m).

Travel time: approximately 7–8 hours

Elevation gain: 800 m

Day 4

At dawn, we'll set off again, ascending the eastern Lys glacier to the Colle del Lys at 4,200 m. From here, a long traverse will lead us to a final, long slope that leads to the Capanna Margherita, the highest refuge in Europe at 4,554 m. Along the way, we can consider climbing other peaks, such as the Balmenhorn or Ludwigshoehe. After a delicious slice of pizza Margherita, the highest in Europe, we'll begin the descent that will take us first to the Gnifetti refuge and then to the Punta Indren lift for the return to the valley in Gressoney. From there, a transfer of about an hour and a half will take us back to Breuil-Cervinia.

Travel time: 9 hours

Elevation gain: 1,000 meters, approximately 1,300 meters with other peaks

Dates

• 24/28 July  2025

• 2/5 September 2025

Meeting Point

Breuil-Cervinia - Departure of the cable car towards Plateau Rosa at 8.30 am

What to bring

• Harness *
• Crampons *
• Ice axe *
• Helmet *
• Water
• Snacks
• High mountain clothing (*see "Clothing" section)
• Small first aid kit
• Trekking poles are useful
• Boots suitable for use with crampons (semi-cramponable or crampon-compatible)
• Linen bag for overnight stay in the refuge
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp with batteries
• *will be provided upon request for those who do not have one

Price

• 550 euro per person with 3 people

• 700 euro per person with 2 people

The Price Includes

• UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide The Outside Planet
• Guides speak Italian, English, and German
• Any missing technical equipment

The Price does not include 

• Drinks, snacks, and lunches at the refuge
• Ski lift fare: approximately €35/person each way
• Overnight stay at the refuge with half board:

1. Guide Ayas 80 euro - Guide 55 euro
2. Quintino Sella 85 euro - Guide 55 euro
3. Gnifetti 95 euro - Guide 75 euro

• The guide's cost will be split between all participants
• Return taxi from Gressoney to Cervinia (approximately €40)
• Anything not specified under "The Price Includes"