A classic high-altitude traverse of the Monte Rosa massif, linking a string of 4,000m peaks across the Swiss–Italian border.
The Spaghetti Tour is a classic high-altitude mountaineering traverse in the Monte Rosa massif, crossing the border between Switzerland and Italy while linking multiple 4,000-metre peaks. It takes you across vast glaciers, exposed ridges and stunning alpine landscapes — an incredible mix of endurance and spectacular summit views.
With overnight stays in historic mountain huts (and great Italian food), it is a perfect blend of adventure and high-altitude experience. No prior mountaineering experience is required — the basic crampon and ice-axe skills are learned on the first day and mastered as the tour goes on. Five days, in summer; get in touch to arrange dates.
Itinerary
- Day 0Arrival
Arrive in Zermatt or Täsch.
- Day 1Breithorn
Take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise lift from Zermatt to Klein Matterhorn (3,883m) and climb our first peak — an excellent warm-up on the Breithorn (4,164m) — then descend to the hut. Ascent ~600m, descent ~650m.
Overnight Rifugio Guide della Val d'Ayas (3,420m)
- Day 2Castor
After an early breakfast we climb Castor (4,228m) by its classic, scenic snow ridge, then descend the glacier to a well-positioned hut with spectacular views. Ascent ~800m, descent ~700m.
Overnight Rifugio Quintino Sella (3,585m)
- Day 3Naso del Lyskamm
Traverse the Naso del Lyskamm (4,272m), a rewarding snow ridge, and descend to one of the key Monte Rosa base huts. With energy to spare we can add the Vincent Pyramid (4,215m). Ascent ~700m, descent ~650m.
Overnight Rifugio Gnifetti (3,647m)
- Day 4Four-thousanders day
A high day linking several 4,000m peaks: Balmenhorn (4,167m, with its famous Christ statue), Corno Nero (4,322m), Ludwigshöhe (4,341m) and Parrotspitze (4,432m), finishing at the highest hut in Europe on the summit of Signalkuppe. Ascent ~1,200m, descent ~100m.
Overnight Rifugio Margherita (4,554m)
- Day 5Zumsteinspitze & descent
Summit Zumsteinspitze (4,563m), the second-highest peak of Monte Rosa and the last of the tour, then descend the Grenzgletscher past the Monte Rosa Hut (2,883m) and on back to Zermatt — an unforgettable high-altitude traverse.
Requirements & gear
Be ready for 5+ hours of (not too fast) movement per day carrying a light mountaineering pack. No prior climbing or mountaineering experience is required — the basic crampon and ice-axe skills are learned on the first day and mastered through the tour.
- Mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Helmet
Included
- Professional guiding and personalised instruction from an IFMGA-certified guide
- Technical group equipment (ropes, protection)
- Safety, knowledge-sharing and technical support throughout
- Accommodation in huts — 4 nights with breakfast and dinner
Not included
- Lift to Klein Matterhorn (~110 CHF) and back from Gornergrat (~48 CHF)
- Accommodation in Zermatt or Täsch before and after the trip
- Drinks, lunch and snacks
- Insurance (accident, mountain rescue, travel, illness) is the participant’s responsibility — we recommend membership of the Swiss "Rega" rescue service.
