Monte Rosa for the ambitious
Spaghetti tour for the ambitious
-
Endurance
5Hiking Time: more than 10 hours. Over 1800 vertical meters. Long, demanding tours for top-trained and high alpine guests. -
Technique
5You're highly acclimatized and have summited many 4000ers. You’re very experienced with ice axe, crampons, and rope techniques. You climb confidently at UIAA grade III–IV, feel secure on exposed ridges, and master difficult mixed terrain with ease. -
Duration
4 days -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
1 person
Gallery (9)
This tour is for those who want more: more summits, more vertical meters, more panoramic views. In just four days, you and your mountain guide will climb up to 13 four-thousand-metre peaks - from Castor and Liskamm via Balmenhorn and Signalkuppe to the Dufourspitze, the highest point in Switzerland. This variant of the Monte Rosa tour takes you right to the top - into the world of ambitious alpinists.
Highlights
Description
This spaghetti tour is intense: over four days, you will move through the impressive glacier and ridge topography of the Monte Rosa massif. The tour starts from Klein Matterhorn, where you set off with your mountain guide - perhaps even starting with an ascent of Pollux.
From there, you climb over the Castor into the heart of the Monte Rosa group, cross the Liskamm, climb numerous four-thousand-metre peaks, spend the night in high-altitude huts - and finish the tour with the ascent of the Dufourspitze and the descent via the Monte Rosa hut. The demands are high, the rewards even greater: a sense of team spirit, culinary refreshment and a view that stretches as far as Mont Blanc.
Program
Day 1: Crossing Castor
- Meeting point at 06:30 with your IFMGA-certified mountain guide at the Matterhorn Express valley station
- Ride to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
- Optional: Ascent of Pollux (4,089 m) via the south-west ridge
- Ascent of Castor (4,225 m) via the west flank (normal route)
- Descent to the east side and overnight stay in the Rifugio Quintino Sella (3,585 m)
Day 2: Crossing of Liskamm, Balmenhorn, Vincent Pyramid
- Early start with breakfast
- Crossing of Liskamm west summit (4,479 m) to east summit (4,532 m)
- Descent to the Lis Glacier
- Ascent of Balmenhorn (4,167 m) and Vincent Pyramid (4,087 m)
Day 3: Ascent of Schwarzhorn, Ludwigshöhe, Parrotspitze and Signalkuppe
- Ascent of Schwarzhorn (4,321 m)
- Crossing of Ludwigshöhe (4,343 m) and Parrotspitze (4,434 m)
- Finale on the Signalkuppe (4,554 m)
- Overnight stay in the Capanna Regina Margherita - the highest hut in Europe
Day 4: Ascent of the Zumsteinspitze, crossing of the Dufourspitze and descent to Zermatt
- Ascent Zumsteinspitze (4,563 m)
- Crossing to Dufourspitze (4,634 m) - highest point in Switzerland
- Descent to Monte Rosa hut (2,882 m), where we say goodbye
- Individual return to Zermatt via Rotenboden
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the various huts for you and your mountain guide: from approx. € 280.00 per person
- Train journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn one-way: from approx. CHF 62.50
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (for more information, please contact Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - One-way train journey Rotenboden-Zermatt: from approx. CHF 20.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information from the Gornergratbahn) - Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
- Crampon compatible mountain shoes with a rigid Vibram sole
- Harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- Ice axe (for the Matterhorn: depending on the conditions)
- Hiking pole
- Helmet
- Backpack, approx. 30 l
- Warm and weatherproof clothes
- Finger gloves (evtl.changing gloves)
- Beanie / headband
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Headlamp
- Drinks
- Energetic snacks (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
- Washing kit
- Few changing clothes
- Bandades
- Small personal pharmacy
- Innenliner (mandatory)
- Money, passport
Notes
The Spaghetti Tour for the ambitious is a challenging high-altitude tour lasting several days. When making your booking inquiry, please let us know which four-thousand-metre peaks you have already climbed and what other mountaineering experience you have.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Dom. This is the ideal way to acclimatize yourself at the same time. This can also be done in a group, provided another person has registered for it.
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
Spaghetti Tour Tour for the ambitious
General information on the multi-day spaghetti tour for ambitious climbers
- The Dufourspitze (4,634 m) is the highest peak in Switzerland - and the crowning glory of the tour.
- Depending on the conditions, you will climb up to 13 four-thousand-metre peaks in four days. Experience in combined terrain is a prerequisite.
- You will spend the night in four different high-altitude huts - all on the Italian side of the Monte Rosa massif.
Special features of the Spaghetti Tour for the ambitious
- The summit cross of the Dufourspitze was replaced in 2020 - by mountain guides from all over the region, some in traditional costume.
- The tour is called the "Spaghetti Tour" or "Spaghetti Round" because you spend the night exclusively in Italian huts - where pasta is traditionally served.
- The Capanna Regina Margherita sits enthroned at 4,554 m - the highest sleeping place in Europe and a real alpine highlight.
Do I need a mountain guide for a high-altitude tour?
Yes, especially for beginners, the company of a certified mountain guide is highly recommended. Alpine tours often lead over glaciers with crevasses, steep firn flanks and exposed ridges. An experienced guide not only ensures safety, but also imparts valuable knowledge about technique, route selection and alpine dangers.
What advantages does a local mountain guide offer?
A local mountain guide knows the specific conditions of the region, such as weather conditions, glacier conditions and current route conditions. This expertise enables flexible tour planning and increases safety. In addition, a local guide enriches the experience with background information on the local mountains and culture.
What should I look out for when booking a mountain guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What levels of difficulty are alpine tours divided into?
Alpine tours are rated according to the SAC mountain and alpine tour scale, which ranges from L (easy) to EX (extremely difficult). The French designations range from F (facile) to ED (extrêmement difficile). These classifications take into account the technical requirements, length of the tour and objective dangers.
What equipment do I need for an alpine tour?
The equipment required varies depending on the alpine tour and can be viewed directly on the equipment list for the respective ski tour.
In general, the standard equipment for an alpine tour includes
- Crampon-proof mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Rope (depending on tour type and group size)
- Carabiners and slings
- helmet
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS device
When will a decision be made on the implementation of the high tour?
The final decision on whether to go ahead with an alpine tour is usually made 48 hours (sometimes only 24 hours) before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. You will be informed by us as early as possible about possible changes or cancellations.
How do I choose the right high-altitude tour for my ability?
The choice of an alpine tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. A gradual progression - from shorter to longer tours, from easy to technically more demanding - is advisable. Our mountain guides are happy to accompany you on this path and support you in your alpine development
Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We are happy to provide you with personal advice directly. Come and visit us at the home base!
How can I best prepare myself for a high-altitude tour?
Good preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Regular endurance training - such as hiking, running or cycling - not only improves your fitness, but also your resilience at high altitudes. Technique training is just as important: you need to practise using crampons and ice axes to be able to move safely in the terrain. If you also attend alpine courses, study maps and familiarize yourself with meteorology and alpine dangers, you will have a solid foundation for making independent decisions in the mountains. Our mountain guides will not only support you along the way, but will also be happy to give you tips on how best to prepare - so that your alpine tour with ZERMATTERS is an unforgettable experience.
How difficult are alpine tours and how are they classified?
Alpine tours can be divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC Alpine Touring Scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Not very difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Some of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow even more precise grading.
The rating is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, technical requirements and type of terrain (e.g. firn, ice, rock or glacier). Auxiliary criteria such as objective hazards, retreat options and seriousness of the route are also taken into account.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements for a tour?
Our mountain guides not only have a lot of experience, but also pay attention to the difficulty level of the tour when assessing it. At the same time, they decide on site whether the tour can be carried out as planned. If you do not meet the requirements and this compromises safety or the course of the tour, the tour may have to be adjusted or terminated prematurely. This decision is always made in the interests of the safety of everyone involved.
By the way, with a private mountain guide you are more flexible and can adjust the pace and route individually.
-
Endurance
5Hiking Time: more than 10 hours. Over 1800 vertical meters. Long, demanding tours for top-trained and high alpine guests. -
Technique
5You're highly acclimatized and have summited many 4000ers. You’re very experienced with ice axe, crampons, and rope techniques. You climb confidently at UIAA grade III–IV, feel secure on exposed ridges, and master difficult mixed terrain with ease. -
Duration
4 days -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
1 person
This tour is for those who want more: more summits, more vertical meters, more panoramic views. In just four days, you and your mountain guide will climb up to 13 four-thousand-metre peaks - from Castor and Liskamm via Balmenhorn and Signalkuppe to the Dufourspitze, the highest point in Switzerland. This variant of the Monte Rosa tour takes you right to the top - into the world of ambitious alpinists.
Highlights
Description
This spaghetti tour is intense: over four days, you will move through the impressive glacier and ridge topography of the Monte Rosa massif. The tour starts from Klein Matterhorn, where you set off with your mountain guide - perhaps even starting with an ascent of Pollux.
From there, you climb over the Castor into the heart of the Monte Rosa group, cross the Liskamm, climb numerous four-thousand-metre peaks, spend the night in high-altitude huts - and finish the tour with the ascent of the Dufourspitze and the descent via the Monte Rosa hut. The demands are high, the rewards even greater: a sense of team spirit, culinary refreshment and a view that stretches as far as Mont Blanc.
Program
Day 1: Crossing Castor
- Meeting point at 06:30 with your IFMGA-certified mountain guide at the Matterhorn Express valley station
- Ride to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
- Optional: Ascent of Pollux (4,089 m) via the south-west ridge
- Ascent of Castor (4,225 m) via the west flank (normal route)
- Descent to the east side and overnight stay in the Rifugio Quintino Sella (3,585 m)
Day 2: Crossing of Liskamm, Balmenhorn, Vincent Pyramid
- Early start with breakfast
- Crossing of Liskamm west summit (4,479 m) to east summit (4,532 m)
- Descent to the Lis Glacier
- Ascent of Balmenhorn (4,167 m) and Vincent Pyramid (4,087 m)
Day 3: Ascent of Schwarzhorn, Ludwigshöhe, Parrotspitze and Signalkuppe
- Ascent of Schwarzhorn (4,321 m)
- Crossing of Ludwigshöhe (4,343 m) and Parrotspitze (4,434 m)
- Finale on the Signalkuppe (4,554 m)
- Overnight stay in the Capanna Regina Margherita - the highest hut in Europe
Day 4: Ascent of the Zumsteinspitze, crossing of the Dufourspitze and descent to Zermatt
- Ascent Zumsteinspitze (4,563 m)
- Crossing to Dufourspitze (4,634 m) - highest point in Switzerland
- Descent to Monte Rosa hut (2,882 m), where we say goodbye
- Individual return to Zermatt via Rotenboden
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the various huts for you and your mountain guide: from approx. € 280.00 per person
- Train journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn one-way: from approx. CHF 62.50
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (for more information, please contact Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - One-way train journey Rotenboden-Zermatt: from approx. CHF 20.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information from the Gornergratbahn) - Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Material
So that you are well equipped for the spaghetti tour, you should definitely have this equipment with you:
- Crampon compatible mountain shoes with a rigid Vibram sole
- Harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- Ice axe (for the Matterhorn: depending on the conditions)
- Hiking pole
- Helmet
- Backpack, approx. 30 l
- Warm and weatherproof clothes
- Finger gloves (evtl.changing gloves)
- Beanie / headband
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Headlamp
- Drinks
- Energetic snacks (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
- Washing kit
- Few changing clothes
- Bandades
- Small personal pharmacy
- Innenliner (mandatory)
- Money, passport
Notes
The Spaghetti Tour for the ambitious is a challenging high-altitude tour lasting several days. When making your booking inquiry, please let us know which four-thousand-metre peaks you have already climbed and what other mountaineering experience you have.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Dom. This is the ideal way to acclimatize yourself at the same time. This can also be done in a group, provided another person has registered for it.
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
Spaghetti Tour Tour for the ambitious
General information on the multi-day spaghetti tour for ambitious climbers
- The Dufourspitze (4,634 m) is the highest peak in Switzerland - and the crowning glory of the tour.
- Depending on the conditions, you will climb up to 13 four-thousand-metre peaks in four days. Experience in combined terrain is a prerequisite.
- You will spend the night in four different high-altitude huts - all on the Italian side of the Monte Rosa massif.
Special features of the Spaghetti Tour for the ambitious
- The summit cross of the Dufourspitze was replaced in 2020 - by mountain guides from all over the region, some in traditional costume.
- The tour is called the "Spaghetti Tour" or "Spaghetti Round" because you spend the night exclusively in Italian huts - where pasta is traditionally served.
- The Capanna Regina Margherita sits enthroned at 4,554 m - the highest sleeping place in Europe and a real alpine highlight.
Meeting point and program
- At 06:30 at the Matterhorn Express valley station
- Then ride to the Klein Matterhorn station, the starting point for the Spaghetti Tour for the ambitious
Do I need a mountain guide for a high-altitude tour?
Yes, especially for beginners, the company of a certified mountain guide is highly recommended. Alpine tours often lead over glaciers with crevasses, steep firn flanks and exposed ridges. An experienced guide not only ensures safety, but also imparts valuable knowledge about technique, route selection and alpine dangers.
What advantages does a local mountain guide offer?
A local mountain guide knows the specific conditions of the region, such as weather conditions, glacier conditions and current route conditions. This expertise enables flexible tour planning and increases safety. In addition, a local guide enriches the experience with background information on the local mountains and culture.
What should I look out for when booking a mountain guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What levels of difficulty are alpine tours divided into?
Alpine tours are rated according to the SAC mountain and alpine tour scale, which ranges from L (easy) to EX (extremely difficult). The French designations range from F (facile) to ED (extrêmement difficile). These classifications take into account the technical requirements, length of the tour and objective dangers.
What equipment do I need for an alpine tour?
The equipment required varies depending on the alpine tour and can be viewed directly on the equipment list for the respective ski tour.
In general, the standard equipment for an alpine tour includes
- Crampon-proof mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Rope (depending on tour type and group size)
- Carabiners and slings
- helmet
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS device
When will a decision be made on the implementation of the high tour?
The final decision on whether to go ahead with an alpine tour is usually made 48 hours (sometimes only 24 hours) before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. You will be informed by us as early as possible about possible changes or cancellations.
How do I choose the right high-altitude tour for my ability?
The choice of an alpine tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. A gradual progression - from shorter to longer tours, from easy to technically more demanding - is advisable. Our mountain guides are happy to accompany you on this path and support you in your alpine development
Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We are happy to provide you with personal advice directly. Come and visit us at the home base!
How can I best prepare myself for a high-altitude tour?
Good preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Regular endurance training - such as hiking, running or cycling - not only improves your fitness, but also your resilience at high altitudes. Technique training is just as important: you need to practise using crampons and ice axes to be able to move safely in the terrain. If you also attend alpine courses, study maps and familiarize yourself with meteorology and alpine dangers, you will have a solid foundation for making independent decisions in the mountains. Our mountain guides will not only support you along the way, but will also be happy to give you tips on how best to prepare - so that your alpine tour with ZERMATTERS is an unforgettable experience.
How difficult are alpine tours and how are they classified?
Alpine tours can be divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC Alpine Touring Scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Not very difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Some of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow even more precise grading.
The rating is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, technical requirements and type of terrain (e.g. firn, ice, rock or glacier). Auxiliary criteria such as objective hazards, retreat options and seriousness of the route are also taken into account.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements for a tour?
Our mountain guides not only have a lot of experience, but also pay attention to the difficulty level of the tour when assessing it. At the same time, they decide on site whether the tour can be carried out as planned. If you do not meet the requirements and this compromises safety or the course of the tour, the tour may have to be adjusted or terminated prematurely. This decision is always made in the interests of the safety of everyone involved.
By the way, with a private mountain guide you are more flexible and can adjust the pace and route individually.
