Climb Monte Rosa (4554m)
Summit the second-highest mountain in Western Europe for sweeping alpine vistas across Italy and Switzerland
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, qualified mountaineering guidesHotel & Mountain hut
2 nights in a mountain hut, 2 nights in a hotel in ChamonixMeals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinnersTransfers
Transfers between Chamonix and StaffalEquipment
Blankets or duvets are provided at the mountain refugeSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 6 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Top out on Punta Gnifetti (aka Signalkuppe, 4554m), one of the Monte Rosa massif's major peaks, and bag a bonus summit on the Vincent Pyramid (4215m)
Bunk down in cosy mountain huts and celebrate post-summit at Margherita Hut, the highest mountaineering refuge in Europe
Climb in a group of just six people and learn mountaineering skills from expert climbing guides in the build up to summit day
Key Information
Day 1
Chamonix
Arrive at the hotel in Chamonix at any time and settle in. Meet your host and fellow summit-addicts in the early evening for a chat through the adventure ahead, then head out in search of dinner.
Day 2
Training for the challenge ahead
Driving
Hiking
Sort out any last-minute kit rentals in Chamonix and then drive 2.5hrs over to the Italian side of the Alps, reaching Staffal where you start your adventure. Take the cable car to Punta Indren and hike up the glacier of the same name, surrounded by classic alpine scenery. Here, your guides will run you through a mountaineering training session to prepare you for the challenge ahead. Hike on to reach the Mantova mountain refuge - your base camp for the next two nights.
Day 3
Summit Monte Rosa's Punta Gnifetti (4554m)
Hiking
Today's the big one – summiting one of Monte Rosa's main peaks, Punta Gnifetti (4554m; also known as Signalkuppe). From the Mantova Hut, head up the Garstelet Glacier towards the Lys Glacier along the base of the Vincent Pyramid. After the rocky islet of Balmerhorn, you'll reach the Col du Lys at 4248m. Continue along the seracs of the north-facing base of the Parrotspitze. Climb north, crossing the top of the Grenz Glacier before reaching Col Gnifetti at 4454m. One last push will see you climb the final steep section to arrive at Pointe Gnifetti (4554m), your efforts rewarded with that feeling of standing on one of the highest points in Western Europe. Pop into Margherita Hut – the highest mountain hut in Europe – for a well-deserved celebratory drink, then back down to Mantova Hut for dinner.
Day 4
Climb the Vincent Pyramid (4215m)
Hiking
You're not quite finished with your summiting exploits – there's still time to bag one more, as you climb the Vincent Pyramid at 4215m. Leave the hut at dawn and walk up the Lys Glacier directly to the summit. Depending on the group’s abilities, your guide might suggest continuing the climb to the Col du Lys (4250m), where there are stunning panoramic views over the Monte Rosa massif. Descend via the same route and return to Chamonix mid-afternoon for warm showers back at your hotel. Head out for dinner to toast an epic achievement.
Day 5
The adventure ends
Chow down on one last breakfast before checking out and bidding your host and fellow adventurers farewell.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
The food in the mountain huts is basic but tasty. Breakfasts have all the usual suspects – bread and jams, pastries, coffee and juices. Lunches will be packed lunch for days out on the mountain with a selection of sandwiches, snacks and fruit. You'll have a 3-course meal there in the evenings with soup, bread, meat and veggie options and a variety of desserts. You can also buy water, tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, chocolate bars and snacks in the hut*. Breakfasts at the hotels in Chamonix are buffet style with plenty of freshly made hot and cold options.
*Note that due to their remote locations food items sold in mountain huts are done so at a necessary premium and if you can bring things with you up from the valley that can save you money.
Vegetarians can be catered for, but please let your host know in advance. Vegan and other dietary requirements can also be catered for, but the food provided will be basic and we recommend that you bring snacks to bulk out the meals. Whilst in Chamonix, breakfasts can cater for vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
What is the accommodation like?
Chamonix
You'll stay in 4-star hotel in central Chamonix, in a twin-share, en suite room. This will either be at the Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa or the Chalet Hotel Le Prieuré, depending on availability. These are both great hotels in Chamonix with super comfortable rooms, lively restaurants and spas - ideal for soaking in after your summit exploits.
Mantova Hut
Mantova Hut is your base for two nights in the Monte Rosa massif. You'll stay in a mixed dorm with bunk beds, where you can expect a good atmosphere and a stunning view. Blankets or duvets are provided, so sleeping bags are not needed, but we do recommend that you bring a thin sleeping bag liner. There is a large dining room with amazing views of Monte Rosa, plus a changing and equipment room. The hut has running water and three hot showers for guest use.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for the two nights in the hotel in Chamonix for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability). It is not possible to have private accommodation in the mountain hut.
This trip has been rated as Tough
Previous technical mountaineering experience isn't essential, as training on winter mountaineering skills (such as walking with crampons whilst attached to your guide with a rope and how to use an ice axe) will be provided by your guides during the preparation phase on day 2, but realistically the more mountain experience you have the better your chance of making the summit.
Regardless of experience, you do need a high level of cardiovascular endurance, all-round fitness, a can-do attitude and plenty of determination. The height of Monte Rosa is 4,554m; the altitude and the amount of vertical ascent and descent demands the respect and preparation of every mountaineer. At a minimum, you need to be able to hike comfortably with a heavy pack - carrying your technical gear plus food, water, and extra clothing - for up to 10 hours at a moderate pace, a good head for heights and good overall balance and awareness. This trip has been rated at the top end of our difficulty scale for good reason.
You can read more in our Guide to Climbing Monte Rosa.
In short, alpine and prone to change, so you'll need to prepare for all weathers and dress in layers. The climbing season runs from mid-June to late September and between those dates there is no better or worse time to attempt the climb. The beginning and end of the season can be snowy/ cold, and the middle months can be busier and the hotter temperatures can cause afternoon storms. Summit success varies from season to season, but remains consistent throughout the months. If the weather shuts you down, your host will endeavour to find the closest mountain in the area with better weather and thanks to their base location they are generally able to find an equally beautiful alternative within driving distance in France, Italy or Switzerland.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Hotel in Chamonix
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Chamonix
Any time on Day 5
Transfers
You'll make your own way to the hotel in Chamonix at any time on Day 1 to meet up with your host and fellow climbers. There will be a group meeting in the early evening for a chat about the adventure to come, before you head out for dinner. You are free to head off at any time on Day 5 after waking up in Chamonix. Your host is able to arrange extra nights of accommodation in Chamonix before and after the trip, as well as private airport transfers between Chamonix and Geneva: see Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
You can fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) which is approximately one hour from Chamonix. Alternatively, you can fly into Milan Airport (LIN) or Zurich Airport (ZRH) and travel on to Chamonix from there.
For those who wish to avoid flying, Chamonix is also accessible by train via the St. Gervais-les-Bains (Le Fayet) station at the base of the valley which connects to Chamonix-Mont Blanc train station. For example, you could take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then connect to a number of direct lines or an overnight sleeper train from Paris to St. Gervais-les-Bains, then on to Chamonix-Mont Blanc station.
You can also travel to Geneva by various train routes from other parts of Europe and travel on to Chamonix from there by bus. Geneva bus station is a 5 minute walk or short taxi ride from the central train station. There are various bus services from Geneva bus station to Chamonix, the quickest option taking 1 hour and 8 minutes.
Your return leg at the end of the trip can begin at Chamonix Mont Blanc train station for various onward train travel routes throughout Europe, or you can take the bus from Chamonix to Geneva and travel on by train from Geneva train station.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's available to hire?
- Ice axes, hard hats, harnesses and crampons are available to hire locally. See Optional Extras for prices.
What do I need to bring?
EQUIPMENT
- Ice axe for general mountaineering (between 50 and 70cm, depending on your height)
- Standard, steel mountaineering crampons
- Helmet – standard, hard plastic climbing helmet
- Climbing harness (adjustable so that it is comfortable over all your layers) with 2 screw gate carabiners
- Trekking poles – foldable
- Rucksack – mountaineering specific, 30-50L. It must have an ice axe strap to stash your ice axe when you are not using it, and a rain-proof cover.
CLOTHING
- Mountaineering B2 or B3 Boots and gaiters (if you're not sure whether your boots are crampon compatible, check out this handy guide)
- 3 sets of socks and thermal tops
- Lightweight hardshell hooded top and bottoms
- Warm hat and 2 pairs of gloves. One pair should be thick mountaineering gloves and the second a thinner pair suitable for mid-mountain conditions.
- Insulating layers. We suggest a thin lightweight fleece and a synthetic or down jacket.
- Mountaineering trousers
- Shorts, hiking shoes and trainers - nice to wear around town and on the approach to climbing days
OTHER
- Earplugs
- Water bottles up to 2L
- Sun protection including: sunglasses (category 4), goggles, sun hat, Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen, lip salve/block.
- Head torch and spare batteries
- Sleeping bag silk liner (you don’t need the sleeping bag itself as blankets/duvets are provided in the huts)
- Personal first aid – blister kit, aspirin, or paracetamol
- Cash for extra drinks/snacks in huts
- ID
All items
Payable Before Departure
All items
… Per Person
Climbing Harness
Payable Before Departure
Climbing Harness
… Per Person
Crampons
Payable Before Departure
Crampons
… Per Person
Hard Hat
Payable Before Departure
Hard Hat
… Per Person
Ice Axe
Payable Before Departure
Ice Axe
… Per Person
Single room - From:
Payable Before Departure
Single room - From:
… Per Night
Twin/double room - From:
Payable Before Departure
Twin/double room - From:
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade in Chamonix (2 nights)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade in Chamonix (2 nights)
…
Private transfer to/from Geneva Airport to Chamonix (each way up to 8 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private transfer to/from Geneva Airport to Chamonix (each way up to 8 people)
…
Private transfer to/from Geneva Airport to Chamonix (round trip to 8 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private transfer to/from Geneva Airport to Chamonix (round trip to 8 people)
…
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