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Activities

The Mezzalama: sky and glaciers adventure

Level: 3
Season: Winter
Duration: 3 days
Participants: Max 3

My goal

From Cervinia to Gressoney via Castore and the Naso del Lyskamm

The Mezzalama crosses Monte Rosa from Cervinia to Gressoney, linking some of its most important passages: the Theodul Pass, Breithorn Pass, Verra Pass, Castore, Felik Pass and the Naso del Lyskamm.

Ascents on skins, glacier crossings, ridges and long descents form one continuous route. On the steeper or more technical sections, we will use crampons and an ice axe, carrying the skis on our backpacks when necessary.

The programme is intended for experienced ski tourers who are prepared for three consecutive high-altitude days. Dividing the route into three stages allows us to follow the line at a different pace from the race itself, with overnight stays at Rifugio Teodulo and Rifugio Quintino Sella.

The entire service will start and finish in Gressoney: we will leave cars and luggage here, reach Cervinia with an organised transfer and return on skis across the eastern side of Monte Rosa.

Where you will go

The traverse begins in Cervinia and reaches Rifugio Teodulo at 3,317 metres, on the border between Italy and Switzerland.

The second stage crosses the Breithorn area and the Verra Glacier. We will climb Castore, at 4,226 metres, and descend via the Felik Pass to Rifugio Quintino Sella.

The final day takes us across the Naso del Lyskamm and onto the Lys Glacier. From there, we will follow the line towards Roccia della Scoperta, Rifugio Mantova and Gabiet, completing the descent to Gressoney-La-Trinité.

We will not pass through Capanna Gnifetti or Capanna Margherita: the programme follows the direction of the Mezzalama route.

What it requires

You need solid ski touring experience and the ability to manage ascents of approximately 700 to 1,200 metres of vertical gain with consistency.

You must know how to use climbing skins, perform kick turns and ski confidently on ungroomed and variable snow. You should be used to 7–9 hour mountain days and able to maintain a steady pace over several consecutive days.

Most of the route takes place above 3,000 metres and includes crevassed glaciers, steep slopes and exposed ridges. Some sections will require removing your skis, attaching them to your backpack and continuing with crampons and an ice axe.

Experience using crampons and travelling roped together on glaciated terrain is required.

This programme is not suitable as a first ski touring or high-mountain experience.

How you will be guided

You will be accompanied throughout the traverse by an IFMGA Mountain Guide.

The guide will check your equipment, set the pace and manage progression on glaciers, ridges and sections requiring crampons and skis carried on the backpack.

During the descents, the guide will choose the lines best suited to the snow conditions and the ability of the group. Weather, visibility, snow cover, glacier conditions and the condition of the participants will be assessed continuously.

The Mezzalama requires continuity, but each section will only be attempted when conditions allow safe progress.

Level: 3
Duration: 3 days
Maximum altitude: Castore, 4,226 metres
Group size: maximum 4 participants per IFMGA Mountain Guide

with 1 skiers work in progress
with 2 skiers
work in progress
with 3 skiers work in progress

The price includes

  • Three days with an IFMGA Mountain Guide
  • Initial transfer from Gressoney to Cervinia
  • Half board at Rifugio Teodulo
  • Half board at Rifugio Quintino Sella
  • Lift passes required for the programme
  • Avalanche safety kit: transceiver, shovel and probe
  • Harness and crampons

The price does not include: accident insurance, meals not specifically listed for either the participant or the guide, or anything not expressly mentioned under “The price includes”.

Day 1 — From Gressoney to Rifugio Teodulo

The meeting point will be in Gressoney, where you can leave your car and any equipment you will not need during the traverse.

After meeting the IFMGA Mountain Guide, we will check your personal equipment and technical gear. An organised transfer will then take us to Cervinia.

We will use the lifts to gain altitude and begin the route towards the Theodul Pass. The guide will assess the group’s pace and make sure that both equipment and preparation are suitable for the following two stages.

We will reach Rifugio Teodulo at 3,317 metres, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Elevation gain: variable depending on the lifts and route used
Duration: approximately 3–4 hours, excluding the transfer

Day 2 — From Teodulo to Quintino Sella via Castore

We will set off early in the morning and head towards the Breithorn Pass. From there, we will cross the glacier towards the Verra Pass and the base of Castore.

The ascent of Castore may require the use of crampons, with the skis attached to the backpack. We will reach the summit at 4,226 metres and continue along the ridge towards the Felik Pass.

From the pass, we will descend on the Gressoney side to Rifugio Quintino Sella at 3,585 metres.

This will be a long and technical high-mountain day. Altitude, ridge conditions and snow quality will all influence the pace and overall duration.

Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Quintino Sella.

Ascent: approximately 1,000–1,200 metres
Duration: approximately 7–9 hours

Day 3 — Naso del Lyskamm and descent to Gressoney

We will leave Rifugio Quintino Sella at dawn and cross the Felik Glacier towards the Naso del Lyskamm.

The ascent includes steep slopes and sections that may require crampons, an ice axe and carrying the skis on the backpack. After crossing the Naso, we will descend on the eastern side and reach the Lys Glacier.

Following the Mezzalama route, we will pass Roccia della Scoperta and continue towards Rifugio Mantova. From here, the long descent towards Gabiet and Gressoney-La-Trinité will begin.

The final section will be adapted to the snow cover. When conditions allow, we will continue on skis; otherwise, we will use the available lifts to complete the return.

The traverse will finish in Gressoney, at the same place where we left the cars and luggage.

Ascent: approximately 700–900 metres
Descent: over 2,500 metres, depending on how far it is possible to continue on skis
Duration: approximately 6–8 hours

  • Safety kit: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
  • Telescopic poles
  • Climbing skins
  • Ski touring skis and boots
  • Approved ski helmet
  • Ski crampons
  • Harness
  • Crampons
  • Ice axe
  • High-protection sunscreen
  • Ski gloves
  • Thermos flask
  • Sunglasses + ski goggles
  • 30 L backpack
  • Sun hat + windproof hat
  • Wool socks
  • Layered ski clothing:
    • breathable base layer
    • 2 fleece layers
    • windproof shell
    • lightweight down jacket
    • ski / ski touring trousers

Mountaineering, ski touring, off-piste skiing and trekking take place in a natural, uncontrolled environment.
Weather conditions, snow, ice, terrain, visibility, altitude and physical fatigue can change rapidly and directly affect the course of the activity. For this reason, there is always an inherent level of objective risk, which cannot be eliminated but only managed.

All our activities are led by IFMGA Mountain Guides and Certified Hiking Guides (AMM).
The guide continuously assesses environmental conditions and the physical and mental state of participants, sets an appropriate pace, manages progression and ensures the correct use of equipment. If conditions require it, the guide may modify the itinerary or interrupt the activity, always in the interest of individual and group safety.

Participants are required to be in good physical and mental condition, adequately prepared for the level of the activity, and to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

Group activities

During group outings, the pace is set according to the slowest participant. In case of fatigue or discomfort, the guide may decide to adjust the programme or return early. In the mountains, the group ascends and returns together.

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FAQ #1 – What experience is required?

You must already have ski touring experience, know how to use climbing skins and be able to perform kick turns on steep slopes. You must also ski confidently on ungroomed snow and have experience using crampons and travelling roped together on glaciers. This programme is not suitable as a first high-mountain traverse.

FAQ #2 – What level of fitness is required?

You should be prepared for 7–9 hour mountain days, with ascents that may exceed 1,000 metres of vertical gain. It is important to maintain a steady pace uphill and still have enough energy for ridges, transitions and long descents on variable snow.

FAQ #3 – Will we follow the exact race route?

The programme follows the Mezzalama line from Cervinia to Gressoney, via Castore and the Naso del Lyskamm. However, this is not a race and the route may be adapted to the actual conditions. Snow, ice, crevasses, visibility and the condition of the group may make it necessary to modify or avoid one of the planned sections.

FAQ #4 – Why do we meet in Gressoney if the traverse starts in Cervinia?

Meeting in Gressoney allows you to leave your car and luggage where the traverse will finish. An organised transfer will take us to Cervinia on the first day. At the end of the final stage, we will return to Gressoney, so there is no need to recover your vehicle from another valley.

FAQ #5 – Can I rent the equipment?

Part of the required equipment can be rented in Alagna, Gressoney and Champoluc. Before arranging a rental, check which items are already included in the price. Personal clothing is not available for rent.

For skis, boots, bindings and climbing skins, contact us before departure. We will check what equipment you already have and help you arrange the rental of anything missing.

FAQ #6 – What happens if Castore or the Naso del Lyskamm cannot be crossed?

The IFMGA Mountain Guide will assess an alternative route suited to the conditions. They may modify a stage, avoid a technical section, choose a different descent route or stop the traverse. The continuity of the journey will only be maintained when conditions allow safe progress.

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The Mezzalama: sky and glaciers adventure

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Insurance

Before departure, check that your insurance policy specifically covers mountaineering, glacier travel, altitude, trip cancellation, repatriation, and personal liability. For more information, read our complete guide to mountain insurance.

WINTER

Level 1 – Explore
First freeride experiences. Controlled turns and a relaxed pace on accessible terrain.

Level 2 – Advanced
Confident skiing on ungroomed snow and able to maintain a good pace throughout the day.

Level 3 – Technical
Regular freeride experience, including on steeper terrain and in more exposed situations.


SUMMER

Level 1 – First experience
You should be comfortable with normal mountain hiking. No previous mountaineering or glacier experience is required.

Level 2 – Basic experience
You should already have completed hikes of several hours on mountain trails. Previous glacier experience or use of crampons is not required, but you should be ready to use them for the first time.

Level 3 – Mountaineering experience
Previous experience using crampons and travelling roped together on a glacier is required. The route may include short exposed sections.

Level 4 – Advanced experience
Solid experience using crampons and travelling roped together is required. The route may include exposed ridges, steep slopes and mixed terrain.

Level 5 – Experienced mountaineer
Strong experience on technical high-mountain routes is required. The route may include very exposed sections, climbing on rock, ice or mixed terrain, and may require knowledge of the main rope techniques.

The level indicates the technical experience required, not the physical effort.
The actual difficulty may vary depending on mountain conditions and the route.