Detailed day-by-day program for the Monte Rosa glacier trek.
The day before
Appointment at 6.30 pm at the guides' office in Saint-Gervais for a briefing
Day 1
Climb to Guide D’ayas
Departure from Saint-Gervais by car to Saint-Jacques en Val d'Ayas, starting point for the trek. Taxi to Pian di Verra (2,394 m) from where you will leave on foot to go to Guide d'Ayas refuge (3,425 m) via Mezzalama refuge (3,002 m). Difference in altitude of + 1,031 m.
Day 2
Pollux (4091m) ascent
Return trip of the ascent of Pollux (4,091 m) via the top of di Verra glacier, then descent to Guide d'Ayas refuge for the second night. It is not a difficult ascent with some mixed terrain and a nice last snow ridge. Difference in altitude of + 668 m/ - 670 m.
Day 3
Castor (4228m)
You will then climb Castor northern face (4,228 m) to end by a beautiful snow ridge. You will go down towards Quintino Sella refuge (3,584 m) where you will spend the night. Difference in altitude of + 803 m/ - 644 m.
Day 4
Crossing of Naso del Lyskamm (4,200 m)
The most technical way of that trek (depending on the conditions). You will start from Quintino Sella refuge to cross under the southern face of Lyskamm on a beautiful glacial plateau. You will climb Naso to discover the great stretches of Mont-Rose. A very beautiful panorama. From there you will go down to cross Lys glacier and spend the night at Cità di Mantova refuge (3,498 m). Difference in altitude of + 616 m / - 702 m.
Day 5
Margherita or Zumstein
You will return where you were the day before to visit the highest refuge of Europe : Cabane Margherita (4,556 m) or Zumstein (4,563 m) depending on the conditions and your energy. It is a long but technically easy stage. Then you will go down to spend the last night at Gabiet refuge (,2375 m) among ibexes. Difference in altitude of + 1,060 m/ - 1,660 m.
Day 6
Down to Gressonney
The last stage is much easier, right in the middle of the high mountain pastures. After going down to Gressonney, you will climb to Bettaforca (2,971 m) by cable-cars and via a path and then you will walk along a nice path on Saint Jacques where you will take your car.
The guides could be led to change the program depending on the weather conditions, the mountains and the level of the participants.
Register either directly online, or by returning the completed 2025 registration form to us by email, dated and signed.
For further information, please contact us by e-mail or telephone on +33 (0)4 50 47 76 55 (Saint-Gervais) or +33 (0)4 50 47 10 08 (Les Contamines). We’ll be happy to guide you in the realization of your project.
All the practical details for the Monte Rosa glacier trek.
Group sessions :
Tuesday June 17
Tuesday July 1
Tuesday July 15
Monday July 28
Tuesday August 12
Tuesday august 26
Private sessions: every day subject to availability in the refuges.
1 guide for 3 people max.
Departure at 3 participants for group sessions.
Possible departure at 2 participants with an additional cost.
You will be supervised by a mountain guide.
It’s recommended you already have some mountaineering experience (walking with crampons, roping up). Some rock climbing experience is reccomennded but not required.
The climb requires a good training and is addressed to sports people. You will have to walk for 6 to 9 hours per day, so you should prepare by practicing "cardio" during workouts. Endurance sports such as cycling, running or long walks are an ideal preparation.
Don’t forget that you’ll be walking with a 8 kilograms backpack, this increases the amount of effort needed to walk, be sure to be training with this extra weight.
You will evolve on an unmarked mountain route, you must be aware of the dangers associated with this activity (glacier crevasses, serac falls, rock falls, avalanches, very low temperatures).
Price of the group formula:
€2220 / person
Prices for private formulas:
1 participant: 4680€
2 participants: 2810€ / person
4 participants: 2810€ / person
The price includes
The price does not include
To be covered by an insurance «assistance-repatriation» is mandatory to participate in our stays. If you do not have «assistance-repatriation» insurance, we can offer you one at the price of €10 (5€/day). We also offer optional «cancellation» insurance at the price of €24 (€12/day). This insurance does not take into account the sporting character of our stays. More information in the cancellation and assistance repatriation insurance booklets.
Appointment at 6.30 pm at the Saint-Gervais guides' office (in the tourist office of the village) where you will meet your guide. If you cannot be present, the briefing can be done by phone. More details about how to travel by public transportation can be found on our "contact" page.
Technical equipment
You can rent the technical equipment at:
For Saint Gervais: Blanc Sports or Sports Unlimited
For les Contamines : Intersport
Clothing
Accessories
