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Activities

Spring Ski touring in Monte Rosa

Level: 1
Season: Winter
Duration: 4 days
Participants: Max 5

My goal

From Monte Rosa to the Matterhorn: four valleys on skis

Four days to cross Valsesia, the Gressoney Valley, the Ayas Valley and Valtournenche on skis, linking Monte Rosa with the Matterhorn before returning towards Saint-Jacques.

The strength of this programme lies in its continuity. Each day leads naturally into the next, and every decision is made with the aim of keeping the journey moving across the four valleys.

During the traverse we will combine ski lifts, off-piste skiing and climbing skins. The lifts will allow us to gain altitude and move quickly from one side of the mountain to another. Whenever the route takes us beyond lift-served terrain, we will continue on ski touring equipment.

The exact line will not be fixed in every detail before departure. In spring, snow conditions can change quickly depending on altitude, aspect and time of day. The IFMGA Mountain Guide will therefore shape each stage according to snow cover, wind, temperature, visibility, terrain conditions and the ability of the group.

The objective will remain clear throughout: to cross the four valleys as one continuous ski journey, choosing each day the most appropriate way to move forward.

Where you will go

The traverse starts in Alagna, on the Piedmont side of Monte Rosa. We will cross the ski area towards Gressoney and the Ayas Valley, where we will spend the first night at Rifugio Ferraro in the village of Résy.

The following day we will gradually leave the lift-served terrain behind. From the Antagnod area, we will skin towards Col Pillonet, cross into the Chamois area and continue towards Valtournenche.

The third day will be dedicated to the Matterhorn ski area. We will gain altitude towards Rifugio Teodulo, located above 3,300 metres, where we will spend the night before the final traverse.

The last stage takes place in a high-mountain environment. From Rifugio Teodulo we will head towards the Piani di Verra before making the final descent to Saint-Jacques, completing the journey that began four days earlier in Alagna.

What it requires

To take part, you need solid skiing technique and previous experience on ungroomed snow. During the tour you may encounter hard, spring, crusty or uneven snow, and you must be able to maintain control and precision throughout long descents.

Previous ski touring experience is required. You should know how to use climbing skins, perform kick turns and manage your equipment during transitions between ascent and descent.

These will be full mountain days, requiring stamina, consistency and the ability to complete four consecutive stages. You will also need to carry the personal equipment required for the overnight stays in your backpack.

The route may include traverses, climbs, off-piste descents and travel in glaciated terrain. The programme is intended for skiers who are already confident handling skis and skins, while route choice and overall management of the itinerary remain the responsibility of the guide.

How you will be guided

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

Before departure, the guide will check your equipment and assess the technical level and physical preparation of the group. During the tour, the guide will set the pace, choose ascent and descent lines, and organise each stage according to actual mountain conditions.

In spring, it is particularly important to observe how the snow evolves throughout the day. The guide will assess aspect, temperature, wind, visibility and glacier conditions, changing the route whenever necessary.

Having the same guide throughout all four days provides continuity in decision-making and makes it possible to adapt the programme progressively to the group.

2 skiers € work in progress
3 skiers € work in progress
4 skiers € work in progress
5 skiers € work in progress

 

The price includes: ski guide of Alagna or Gressoney the 4 days of the tour, HB 3 days, , 4 days ski pass, technical equipment (harness, crampons), safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe).

Day 1 – Alagna, Gressoney and the Ayas Valley

We will start from Alagna and enter the Monterosa Ski area.

During the day, we will progressively cross Valsesia, the Gressoney Valley and the Ayas Valley. We will use the lifts to move between the different sides of the mountain, adding the best off-piste descents available according to the conditions.

The day will not follow a fixed sequence of pistes and routes. The guide will decide where the skiing is most worthwhile and how best to build the connection towards the next valley, while maintaining the continuity of the traverse.

In the afternoon, we will reach the Saint-Jacques and Résy area.

Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Ferraro.

Elevation gain: variable depending on the routes chosen
Duration: full day

Day 2 – Ayas Valley, Col Pillonet, Chamois and Valtournenche

From Rifugio Ferraro, we will descend towards the valley floor and reach the Antagnod area.

After using the lifts, we will gradually leave the ski area and switch to ski touring. With climbing skins, we will ascend towards Col Pillonet, the pass that allows us to leave the Ayas Valley and cross towards Chamois and Valtournenche.

From the col, we will begin the descent on the opposite side. The guide will choose the line according to snow cover, stability and snow quality.

We will then reach Chamois and continue towards Valtournenche, where the second stage will end.

This day captures the logic of the tour particularly well: using lifts, skins and descents in the way that best suits the terrain in order to make a true mountain crossing.

Dinner and overnight stay in Valtournenche.

Elevation gain: variable; an ascent on skins is planned to reach Col Pillonet
Duration: full day

Day 3 – Valtournenche, Cervino Ski Paradise and Rifugio Teodulo

From Valtournenche, we will enter the Cervino ski area and begin gaining altitude.

We will use the lifts to move through the area, alternating pistes with possible off-piste descents. The choice of sectors will depend on the conditions: in spring, aspect, temperature and wind can change snow quality within just a few hours.

We will gradually move into higher mountain terrain until we reach Rifugio Teodulo, located above 3,300 metres.

The night at Teodulo marks the transition from the part of the tour more closely linked to the ski areas to the final traverse through glaciated terrain.

Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Teodulo.

Elevation gain: variable depending on the routes chosen
Duration: full day

Day 4 – Rifugio Teodulo, Piani di Verra and Saint-Jacques

From Rifugio Teodulo, we will begin the return traverse towards the Ayas Valley.

Before setting off, the guide will assess glacier conditions, snow cover, wind, temperature and visibility. This will be the stage most influenced by high-mountain conditions, and the route may need to be changed even on the morning of departure.

We will cross the glaciated terrain following the line best suited to the conditions and make our way towards the Piani di Verra. From there, we will continue the descent to Saint-Jacques.

Arriving in the Ayas Valley will complete the journey that began four days earlier in Alagna: a continuous traverse across four Alpine valleys, combining lifts, ascents and descents.

Elevation gain: variable depending on the line chosen
Duration: full day

  • 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 skiing level is required?

You need solid on-piste skiing skills and previous experience skiing off-piste on ungroomed snow. This programme is not intended as an introduction to freeriding: you must be able to control your speed and line on variable snow and maintain effective skiing technique throughout long descents.

FAQ #2 – Do I need previous ski touring experience?

Yes. Part of the programme involves using climbing skins and travelling beyond the lift-served ski areas. You do not need to be an expert ski tourer, but you should know how to use climbing skins, perform kick turns and have previous experience ascending on ski touring equipment.
FAQ #3 – Will we follow the itinerary exactly as described?

The programme defines the structure and objective of the traverse rather than a fixed route. Snow, wind, visibility, glacier conditions and the level of the group may require changes. If a stage cannot be completed as planned, the IFMGA Mountain Guide may choose an alternative route, shorten the itinerary or modify the planned sequence.
FAQ #4 – How much of the tour will be off-piste?

This will depend on the conditions. During the first three days, we will also use the ski lifts and include off-piste descents whenever snow and visibility make them appropriate. The fourth day will be more focused on the high-mountain traverse.
FAQ #5 – Will we use climbing skins every day?

Not necessarily. We will use climbing skins whenever they are needed to connect areas that cannot be reached directly by lift or by descending on skis. The <strong>Col Pillonet</strong> stage will include an ascent on skins.

FAQ #6 – Where will we stay overnight?

The programme includes the first night at <strong>Rifugio Ferraro</strong> in Résy, the second night in accommodation in <strong>Valtournenche</strong>, and the third night at <strong>Rifugio Teodulo</strong>. The accommodation in Valtournenche will be confirmed according to availability and the logistical requirements of the traverse.

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Spring Ski touring in Monte Rosa

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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.