Climbing the Pointe Gnifetti (4554 m)
Located deep in the Zermatt valley, the Monte Rosa is named after the Italian Valdotain dialect “roese” meaning “ice”. From its summit at 4634m, run gigantic glaciers, creating an incredible landscape. High altitude valleys lead to the foot of this giant which still bear the marks of the Walser, the nomadic ancestors of the Valaisan population. After several days trek, punctuated by high mountain passes, we head into the ice world with the ascent of the Pointe Gnifetti at 4554m, a beautiful and relatively easy summit, the defining highlight of this tour.
Located deep in the Zermatt valley, the Monte Rosa is named after the Italian Valdotain dialect “roese” meaning “ice”. From its summit at 4634m, run gigantic glaciers, creating an incredible landscape...
Located deep in the Zermatt valley, the Monte Rosa is named after the Italian Valdotain dialect “roese” meaning “ice”. From its summit at 4634m, run gigantic glaciers, creating an incredible landscape. High altitude valleys lead to the foot of this giant which still bear the marks of the Walser, the nomadic ancestors of the Valaisan population. After several days trek, punctuated by high mountain passes, we head into the ice world with the ascent of the Pointe Gnifetti at 4554m, a beautiful and relatively easy summit, the defining highlight of this tour.
You will love
- The great panoramic view of the Valaisian Alps with its crown of summits over 4000m
- The proximity to major glaciers
- Walking in the footprints of the ancient nomadic Walser shepherds
- The easy climb of a high glacial summit, the fourth highest in the Swiss Alps, at 4554m!
- Luggage transport twice to ensure your comfort
THE MONTE ROSA BALCONIES & POINTE GNIFETTI
Level 4 / 4
Next departure on 27/06/2027
Secure payment
Day-by-day itinerary
Meeting at 10.00 am at the car park in Chatillon Saint Vincent station in the Aosta Valley for your transfer to Macugnaga (2.30-hour journey)
MACUGNAGA - REFUGE SCARTEBODEN
Following your transfer, an acclimatisation walk at the head of the Val d’Anza at an altitude of 1,350 metres. A gentle first ascent to take in the views of the impressive black Belvedere Glacier at the foot of the highest peaks of Monte Rosa.
Descent to Macugnaga, followed by a short climb to reach the charming Scarteboden mountain hut. Overnight stay in the hut. Without luggage
4.5 hours walk / Elevation: +800m -650m / 10 km
TURLO PASS - ALAGNA
The route heads towards the lush green valley of Alagna along the Walser Trail. An early start, passing through the sleepy village of Macugnaga and then the charming hamlet of Isella.Cross the Col de Turlo (2783m) and descend to the Pastore refuge with its small botanical garden. Night in the refuge under the imposing ice giant. With luggage
9.30 hour walk / Elevation: +1500m -1400m / 23 km
ALAGNA - REFUGE GNIFETTI
From the Pastore refuge, climb up the Vallon de Sesia and the Vallon delle Pisse to reach the Corno lake and the Bocch delle Pisse, first on foot and then by cable car. Meeting with the high mountain guides. Transfer by gondola to the bottom of the Indren glacier. Easy crossing of the glacier to reach the Gnifetti refuge at 3610m.
Night in the refuge. Without luggage
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1250m -400m / 11 km
POINTE GNIFETTI (4554m) – VAL DE GRESSONNEY
Early wake-up call. After getting equipped, departure with the high mountain guides for a long glacier walk, first at the foot of the Vincent Pyramid and then facing the Pointe Dufour (highest point in Switzerland at 4634m). A final, slightly steep slope leads to the summit of the Pointe Gnifetti (4554m), on which stands the Cabane Margherita, the highest refuge in Europe. Back to the Gnifetti refuge and descent into the Indren valley and then by ski lift to Staffal. Return by cable car to the Sitten promontory. Night in comfortable gite in a shared room. With luggage
7.30 hour walk / Elevation: +1250m - 1400 m / 14km
COL RHOTORN – VAL D’AYAS
Ascent to the Col Rhotorn (2689 m), under the eye of the Castor and the Pollux! Descent into the Val d'Ayas, one of the jewels of the Val d'Aosta. The day ends on the Trail of the Walsers, crossing over to Saint-Jacques. Night in a refuge. Without luggage
4.5 hours walk / Elevation: +550m -1000m / 10 km
SAINT JACQUES DES ALLEMANDS - NANNAZ PASS – CHENEIL VALTOURNENCHE
Descent and a walk through the charming village of St Jacques. Via the Tournalin mountain pasture, the Col de Nannaz (2,773 m) comes before the Col des Fontaines (2,696 m). Following a final descent, arrival at the hamlet of Cheneil, where the hiking adventure on the Monte Rosa balconies comes to an end. Transfer to Chatillon Saint Vincent station (45 mins).
5.5 hours walk / Elevation: +1200m -1250m / 13 km
The walk ends on Saturday at around 5.30 pm in Chatillon Saint Vincent.
The programme has been drawn up based on the latest information available at the time of writing; unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may affect the course of the event.
This walk is also available as a bespoke tour – please contact us for further details...
Dates and prices
From Sun 27/06/2027
To Fri 02/07/2027
From Sun 04/07/2027
To Fri 09/07/2027
From Sun 11/07/2027
To Fri 16/07/2027
From Sun 18/07/2027
To Fri 23/07/2027
From Sun 25/07/2027
To Fri 30/07/2027
From Sun 01/08/2027
To Fri 06/08/2027
From Sun 08/08/2027
To Fri 13/08/2027
From Sun 15/08/2027 To Fri 20/08/2027
Open departureFrom Sun 22/08/2027 To Fri 27/08/2027
Open departureFrom Sun 05/09/2027 To Fri 10/09/2027
Open departure
Secure payment
Ascent of Pointe Gnifetti included in the price.
THE PRICE
The price includes:
- Guiding by a qualified mountain leader;
- High mountain guide for the ascent of Pointe Gnifetti (1 guide for 5 people max);
- Mountaineering equipment ;
- All meals including picnic lunch and snacks during the day;
- Accommodation in gites, or refuges, shower tokens in accommodation if needed ;
- Paid water at the Gnifetti Refuge (4 litres per person)
- Bus transfers and lift passes;
- Access to your main luggage on days 2 and 4 ;
- Organisation and booking fees.
The price does not include:
- Personal expenses (drinks, etc.), touristic visits;
- Shower at the Gnifetti Refuge
- Cancellation insurance;
- The return journey from your home to the point of departure/arrival.
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Also available a la carte
Contact us!Technical sheet
LEVEL ****
Elevation: +/-500 to 1700m on average per day.
Walking time: 6 to 9 hours on average per day.
Type of trek : mountain route on steep, stony paths. Snow and névés will be present on the paths until end of june at least. You may walk on long snowy sections that can make the tour a bit more challenging. High mountain boots, gaiters and walking poles are mandatory. Be prepared !
The proposed mountaineering route is one of the glacier summits at an altitude of over 4000m, which presents no technical difficulty apart from the altitude. The first few days, crossing cols at around 3,000m, will allow you to acclimatise well and ensure that you are in good shape for this ascent.
Pointe Gnifetti is an ideal summit for reaching and surpassing the mythical 4000m mark. It lies at the heart of the Mont Rose massif and its ascent, which takes place in a grandiose setting, takes you up to 4554m, the fourth highest summit in Switzerland. This ascent is included in the package.
You'll need to be well-prepared physically if you want to enjoy these beautiful "high mountain" stages.
Practise an endurance sport regularly, such as walking, running or cycling, for 6 to 8 hours a week.
Your physical preparation will make your trip easier and help you enjoy it even more !
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: Level of difficulty
GUIDING
Group from 6 to 12 people supervised by a qualified mountain leader.
High Mountain guide for the ascent of Pointe Gnifetti: 1 guide for 5 people maximum.
The mountain guide leader may have to modify the programme to adapt it to the level of the participants and/or the natural conditions. As a last resort, he is the sole decision-maker.
It is usual to tip your guide at the end of the trek, according to your satisfaction. It is not mandatory but it is very appreciated.
ACCOMMODATION
4 nights in mountain refuges or gite, in dormitory.
1 night in gite, in multiple bedrooms.
Hot showers are available in all accommodations. However, due to increasingly frequent periods of drought, shower facilities are not guaranteed.
Shower facilities at the Gnifetti refuge are not guaranteed and are not included in the package.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Picnics will also be ordered in each accomodation.
Please specify any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
MAPS
Swiss maps: 1/5000: VISP 274, MISCHABEL 284, GRESSONEY 294
Italian maps: 1/25000 108 et109
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet on Sunday at 10.00 am at Chatillon - Saint Vincent station
BY TRAIN
Inbound: Lyon Part Dieu (Lyon) – Turin Porta Susa, then Turin Porta Nuova – Châtillon Saint Vincent
Please check timetables with the SNCF et TRENITALIA.
BY BUS
From Aosta, bus route 110: AOSTA / PONT-SAINT-MARTIN serves Châtillon-Saint Vincent.
BY CAR
Via the Mont Blanc Tunnel / Car-sharing may be possible (please contact us)
From Mâcon or Lyon, take the A40 motorway towards Geneva. As you approach Chamonix, follow signs for the Mont Blanc Tunnel and Aosta (€70 return / approximate fare). In Italy, follow signs for Aosta then Châtillon-Saint Vincent (between 1½ and 2½ hours from Chamonix, depending on queues at the tunnel).
Free parking at Châtillon-Saint Vincent station.
The hike ends on Saturday at around 5.30 pm in Châtillon-Saint Vincent.
RETURN TO DEPARTURE POINT
Private transfer from the Cheneil Valtournenche car park to Châtillon Saint Vincent station (45 mins).
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER
Accomodation in Châtillon Saint Vincent :
Hôtel La Rocca*** : +39 0166563214
Hôtel Rendez-vous***: +39 0166563150
CONTACT US
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
EQUIPMENT LIST
Clothing
- Walking trousers
- Shorts
- Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
- Breathable or merino wool leggings
- Fleece or jumper
- Lightweight down jacket
- Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
- Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
- Pair of gloves and a warm hat
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Walking socks (1 pair per day)
- Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
- 1 change of clothes for the evening
- A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
- Toilet bag
- Quick drying towel
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
- Thermos
- Knife, fork and spoon
- Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches (0.40L to 0.50L)
- Plastic cup for coffee
- Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
- Survival blanket
- Head torch or hand torch
- Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
- Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
- Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 40 to 50 litres for your personal belongings for the week and think to keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
Leave on your own for 2 or 3 days or more
In the "weight is the enemy" feature, we give you some tips on how to save a few hundred grams. For example, for your toiletries: a simple plastic zip bag or a small plastic box to avoid accidental compression.
- Hotel-size soap is generally enough for a week
- A tube of toothpaste 3/4 full will do the trick
- Shaving foam: a small sample can
- A small microfibre towel
- A small bottle of shampoo
- A travel toothbrush
Pharmacy: in addition to your personal medicines, bring :
- Elastoplast or hook-and-loop tape
- Plasters to protect against blisters, such as Compeed
- A small pair of scissors, thread and needle
- A small tube of sun cream and lip balm
Now all you have to do is to apply this recipe to your entire bag!
EQUIPMENT FOR THE SUMMIT
Equipment for the ascent of the Pointe Gnifetti is included in your package (crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe).
An ascent to an altitude of 4000m requires warm equipment in case of inclemet weather (thermal leggings, hat, waterproof gloves, down jacket + goretex waterproof, hiking trousers or at best mountaineering trousers). Don't forget a headlamp. High rising walking boots with a good rigid sole are mandatory. Poles are essential.
Access to your main luggage (equipment for the ascent):
You will only have access to your main luggage on days 2 and 4.
Customer Reviews
-
03/09/2025
Estelle
Ce tour du Mont Rose était incroyablement beau. Chaque jour, des paysages à couper le souffle, des hébergements de qualités et des repas en refuge au top. L'asc...
-
02/09/2025
david
Un grand merci à Marion pour sa gentillesse, son humour et son professionnalisme. J'ai passé une excellente semaine à la découverte de paysages magnifiques et p...
-
06/10/2024
edith
rando très agréable ,paysages grandioses…
-
05/10/2024
sophie
une belle semaine pour ce tour du Mont Rose, un super groupe et surtout une magnifique ascension de la pointe Gniffeti !
-
05/10/2024
Anne
Toujours aussi satisfaite de faire ces treks avec notre guide préféré Philippe Deville
-
04/10/2024
Marie
Merci beaucoup, c’était fantastique comme d’habitude. Je partirai de nouveau avec Altitude. Merci à Philippe qui est un guide hors pair !
-
29/08/2023
Philippe
Après plusieurs expériences avec Altitude Mont Blanc, je n’ai jamais été déçu. C’est une référence pour moi. Je ne cherche pas ailleurs.
-
29/08/2023
Gérald
Pleinement satisfait de ce trek partagé entre rando et 1 journée d'alpinisme.
-
07/09/2022
Philippe
Super randonnée avec un super groupe bienveillant de tous et de la rigolade comme ingredient principal. Super guide qui nous a préparé des repas de midi et q...
-
07/09/2022
Roland
Excellente rando. Un guide toujours d'exception et un itinéraire exigeant mais magnifique. Il faudrait alléger la veille de l'ascension de Gnifetti. Sans doute...
