Trekking Monte Rosa - Sentieri del Lys

From the train station in Pont-Saint-Martin, we arrange a short transfer to your first accommodation, Agriturismo Le Soleil. The Gros family welcomes you to this typically Alpine agriturismo, built in stone and larch wood. Here the journey begins promisingly with fresh mountain air and soothing nature. Take a walk in the surroundings or relax on the farm and taste the locally produced goat cheese and a glass of Valdostan wine.

After a hearty breakfast, you lace up your boots and begin the journey's first real hike up towards Mont Mars, which separates Piemonte from Valle d'Aosta. You hike through forest and open fields before the landscape opens up with mountain lakes and peaks in sight. The final section goes through wilder terrain towards the mountain hut where dinner and overnight stay await. Outside lies an alpine lake that invites contemplation or heroic swims.

No roads lead to La Barma, so your luggage is transported from Fontainemore to La Gruba, where you stay tomorrow. Therefore, take what you need for the overnight stay in your backpack today.

The day offers a longer and more demanding hike through high alpine environment towards Colle della Vecchia. You move up and down through valleys with magnificent views. Alternatively, there is an easier route via Issime with descent through small mountain villages. Tonight's accommodation is lovingly carved in wood.

You hike through Vallone del Loo, a long and peaceful valley with traditional stone houses. Here you encounter both history and nature in harmonious union. Today's lunch is served at an agriturismo you pass along the way. The day ends with arrival in charming ski resort Gressoney, and when the sun sets, perhaps Monte Rosa greets you with the pink shimmer that gave it its name.

Now the trail has become truly alpine and Monte Rosa's mighty backdrop follows you constantly during today's hike. You pass alpine meadows where animals graze and encounter the Walser culture that characterizes the area. This Germanic people colonized Monte Rosa's higher zones during the Middle Ages and have amazingly preserved their culture, dialect and building style into our days. In Alpenzu there is well-preserved architecture to admire and the opportunity to visit a traditional wood-fired oven.

In the morning you need to pack what you need for three hiking days in your backpack, as your luggage is transported from Gressoney to Anderbatt.

Today you reach the impressive height of 2600 meters above sea level. Either you take the cable car part of the way or hike the entire distance yourself. The final section goes through barren and spectacular environment towards the Orestes hut. Magnificently located on the mountain, it offers a small surprise: a fresh vegan kitchen where the dishes are a bit more curated than usual at a mountain hut. Light and satisfied, you settle in while the stars light up above.

The journey's final hike goes to the foot of Monte Rosa, where alpinists start their ascents. No further than this does the hiker go. You reach Colle Salza and continue down towards the valley with views over mighty glaciers. The last evening and night you spend at a beautiful alpine accommodation with fine rooms and skilled chef. For those who want, there is the possibility of an extra summit tour up towards Alta Luce (3200 masl), or you can just rest after a week of hiking in magnificent surroundings. Up here one can breathe.

After breakfast the journey ends. You return to Pont-Saint-Martin by bus or transfer for the journey home or further adventures in Italy.