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The Mezzalama: sky and glaciers adventure

Monte Rosa Booking > Products > The Mezzalama: sky and glaciers adventure
Level: 3
Season: Spring
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

1 participant: €2,050
2 participants: €1,310 per person
3 participants: €1,100 per person

The price includes

  • Three days with a UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide
  • Initial transfer from Gressoney to Cervinia
  • Half-board accommodation at the Theodul Hut
  • Half-board accommodation at the Quintino Sella Hut
  • Cervinia–Plateau Rosa lift pass
  • Harness and crampons

The price does not include

Personal accident insurance, meals not specified, anything not explicitly listed under “The price includes”.

Day 1 — From Gressoney to the Theodul Hut

We will meet in Gressoney, where you can leave your car and any belongings you will not need during the traverse.

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

We will take the ski lifts to reach the high-altitude terrain and begin our route towards the Theodul Pass. The guide will assess the group’s pace and check that everyone’s equipment and preparation are suitable for the following two stages.

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

Elevation gain/loss: variable depending on the lifts and route used
Travel time: approximately 3–4 hours, excluding the transfer

Day 2 — From the Theodul Hut to the Quintino Sella Hut via Castor

We will set off early in the morning and head towards the Breithorn Pass. We will then cross the glacier towards the Verra Pass and the base of Castor.

The ascent of Castor may require crampons, with skis attached to our backpacks. 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 the Quintino Sella Hut, at 3,585 metres.

This will be a long and technical day, spent entirely in the high mountains. Altitude, ridge conditions and snow conditions will affect our pace and travel time.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Quintino Sella Hut.

Elevation gain: approximately 1,000–1,200 metres
Travel time: approximately 7–9 hours

Day 3 — Naso del Lyskamm and descent to Gressoney

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

The ascent will involve steep slopes and sections that may require crampons, an ice axe and skis carried on our backpacks. 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 the Mantova Hut. From here, we will begin the long descent towards Gabiet and Gressoney-La-Trinité.

The final section will be adapted to snow conditions. Where possible, we will continue on skis; otherwise, we will use the available ski lifts to complete the return journey.

The traverse will end in Gressoney, at the same location where we left our cars and belongings.

Elevation gain: approximately 700–900 metres
Elevation loss: over 2,500 metres, depending on how far we can descend on skis
Travel time: 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.

? Learn more here

FAQ #1 – What experience do I need to participate?
You need experience in ski touring, performing kick turns on steep slopes, and skiing in variable snow conditions. You should also be familiar with using crampons and travelling roped up on glaciers.
FAQ #2 – How fit do I need to be?
You must be able to complete three consecutive days at high altitude, with stages lasting up to 7–9 hours and elevation gains of approximately 1,000–1,200 metres. You will need enough stamina and concentration for the mountaineering sections and descents.
FAQ #3 – Will we follow the exact race route?
We will follow the Mezzalama route from Cervinia to Gressoney, crossing Castor and the Naso del Lyskamm, over three days. The guide may adjust the itinerary according to snow and ice conditions, visibility, and the abilities of the participants.
FAQ #4 – Why do we meet in Gressoney?
This allows you to leave your car and luggage where the traverse finishes. The organised transfer to Cervinia on the first day is included in the price.
FAQ #5 – What equipment is included?
We provide an avalanche safety kit with transceiver, shovel and probe, as well as a harness and crampons. Skis, ski boots, climbing skins, ski crampons, helmet and ice axe are part of the required personal equipment. You will receive the complete equipment list after booking.
FAQ #6 – Will we ski all the way down to Gressoney?
This will depend on snow coverage and route conditions. We will continue on skis wherever possible and, if necessary, complete the descent using the available ski lifts.
FAQ #7 – What happens if Castor or the Naso del Lyskamm are not accessible?
The guide will assess the available alternatives. They may modify a stage, bypass a section or end the traverse if conditions do not allow the group to continue safely.

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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.

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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.