For backcountry skiers headed to the Monte Rosa massif, there are three main backcountry destinations: Alagna, Champoc and Gressoney.
Alagna sits on the southeastern foot of the massif and offers steep and highly technical freeride skiing options. The most popular of these is heading up the chairlift way above the resort and making the 10-kilometer, 1,500 vertical meter descent along the Balma route.
Sitting on the southwestern slopes of Monte Rosa, Champoc is the largest resort area on the mountain. It offers many simple runs for novice backcountry skiers. Fro more advanced participants, the most popular route is to take the lift up to Col du Bätt at 2.676 meters and make the long and scenic run through the Lys Valley to nearby Gressoney.
Gressoney sits in between Alagna and Champoc. It is mostly known as a popular starting point for ski mountaineering expeditions to the summit of the massif, but also offers plenty of exciting freeride options.
During the winter, average daily temperatures range from -7 °C to -10 °C on the slopes of the mountain. Factoring in the windchill and temperatures can feel as cold as -15 °C to -20 °C. Snow generally begins to fall in January and piles up quickly, sticking well until about April.
Any trip to Monte Rosa best begins with a flight into the Milan Malpensa (MXP) airport. From here, the mountain is just a two hour drive away. Buses are also available, but take a bit longer than driving.
Italian
+39
Euro
January to April
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