Hiking the Tour of Monte Rosa: Trekking the Swiss and Italian Alps from Zermatt

The Tour of Monte Rosa (TMR) is a high-alpine alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc, a challenging circular trek through the Swiss and Italian Alps that spans approximately 174km (108miles). Typically completed in 10–11 days, the route features daily ascents and descents averaging 1,000m and walking times of up to 7 hours 30 minutes (excluding breaks), with unavoidable back-to-back, long, and technical days. Optional glacier crossings add a thrilling alpine dimension, making this a trek for experienced walkers seeking both challenge and adventure.

Following a circular route around the Monte Rosa massif, the trek provides unparalleled views of seven of the ten highest peaks in the Alps, including iconic mountains such as the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Dom, Rimpfischhorn and the Monte Rosa massif itself. The east face of Monte Rosa, Europe’s largest mountain wall, dominates the skyline with its Himalayan-scale wall of granite and ice, creating a landscape as awe-inspiring as it is challenging.

This expertly researched Cicerone guidebook is an essential companion for walkers planning the Tour of Monte Rosa, offering practical advice and detailed guidance to navigate this iconic high-alpine route safely and confidently.

• The route is described in 11 daily stages with one alternative stage and optional glacier crossings, supported by 1:100,000 mapping and elevation profiles for clear planning and navigation
• Stage-by-stage logistics in a handy facilities table covers accommodation options along the TMR, transport links, resupply points and itinerary advice, helping walkers plan each day effectively
• Practical planning guidance includes preparation, equipment, weather considerations and high-alpine safety tips, essential for a route with long, technical days and significant altitude gain
• GPX files are available to download for the whole Tour of Monte Rosa, providing a digital navigation option for smartphones and GPS devices on the trail
• Scenic and cultural insights bring the trek to life, highlighting historic Swiss and Italian villages, dramatic alpine passes, and breathtaking panoramas of the Monte Rosa massif and surrounding 4,000m peaks

For experienced walkers seeking a challenging, high-alpine adventure, the Tour of Monte Rosa offers a unique opportunity to journey among giants. With this trusted guidebook, you’ll be fully equipped to embrace the challenge, navigate the terrain, and experience some of the Alps’ most spectacular and iconic mountains.

Maddy Williams' first alpine trek was the Tour du Mont Blanc at age eleven, which sparked a passion for exploring the mountains and wild places on foot. Since then, she has hiked in many areas of the Alps, the UK, and further afield; from completing the Camino de Santiago in the depths of winter, to adventures visiting outer Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan's Tian Shan. Maddy grew up doing various jobs at Cicerone Press, before spending six years as a Civil Servant. She has since returned to guidebook publishing and is currently Cicerone's Operations Director, managing the team with her brother Joe. Maddy lives at the edge of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.