PROGRAM
The “Mezzalama Trail”, also called the “Marathon of the glaciers”, is the highest ski mountaineering race event. Faithful to the authentic spirit of the pioneers of this speciality, this competition sees participants tackle high mountains without mechanical aids, for a real off-piste experience both uphill and downhill.
The proposed route is modelled on the legendary competition via the razor-sharp peak of Castor at 4,421 m but you can make many variations to make the route easier or climb more peaks by planning the days in a different way.
GROUP DEPARTURES
Difference in altitude: 1,430 m
Ascent time: 3-4 h
Meeting point: Cervinia parking area, equipment check and short briefing with the Guide
From Cervinia (2,037 m) we will climb along the slopes, as in the race, to get up to the Guide del Cervino hut, at an altitude of 3,467 m where we will have dinner and spend the night.
The height difference is broad but the route is easy will allow us to arrive at our destination effortlessly.
Difference in altitude: 1,430 m
Ascent time: 3-4 h
Meeting point: Cervinia parking area, equipment check and short briefing with the Guide
From Cervinia (2,037 m) we will climb along the slopes, as in the race, to get up to the Guide del Cervino hut, at an altitude of 3,467 m where we will have dinner and spend the night.
The height difference is broad but the route is easy will allow us to arrive at our destination effortlessly.
Difference in altitude: 754 m
Descent gain: 754 m
Ascent/descent time: 5-6 h
From the Guide del Cervino hut (3,467 m) we will climb the slopes of the glacier of Plateau Rosà until we get to the Breithorn (3,818 m) near the arrival of the Klein Matterhorn cable car. From here we will move almost on a flat terrain along the impressive Verra glacier, up to the base of the steep West face of Castor. Taken off the skis, we climb up to the famous aerial ridge leading to the summit (4,221 m). Then, we continue along the ridge heading Southeast until we reach the Colle del Felik (4,065 m). After putting on the skis, we will go down to the Quintino Sella hut (3,600 m), where we’ll make camp in the winter shelter as we make a good soup.
Difference in altitude: 754 m
Descent gain: 754 m
Ascent/descent time: 5-6 h
From the Guide del Cervino hut (3,467 m) we will climb the slopes of the glacier of Plateau Rosà until we get to the Breithorn (3,818 m) near the arrival of the Klein Matterhorn cable car. From here we will move almost on a flat terrain along the impressive Verra glacier, up to the base of the steep West face of Castor. Taken off the skis, we climb up to the famous aerial ridge leading to the summit (4,221 m). Then, we continue along the ridge heading Southeast until we reach the Colle del Felik (4,065 m). After putting on the skis, we will go down to the Quintino Sella hut (3,600 m), where we’ll make camp in the winter shelter as we make a good soup.
Difference in altitude: 700 m
Descent gain: 2,635 m
Ascent/descent time: 4-5 h
From the Quintino Sella hut (3,600 m) we turn towards the Lyskamm Nose. To tackle the steepest stretch and get to the peak of the Lyskamm Nose (4,271 m), we need to take the skis off. We put the skis back on and ski down along the Lys glacier up to Capanna Gnifetti (3,600 m) where we will have an excellent lunch while enjoying a great view.
Having recovered our strength, we will continue the long descent to Gressoney la Trinité (1,637 m) where a van will be waiting to take us back to Cervinia.
Difference in altitude: 700 m
Descent gain: 2,635 m
Ascent/descent time: 4-5 h
From the Quintino Sella hut (3,600 m) we turn towards the Lyskamm Nose. To tackle the steepest stretch and get to the peak of the Lyskamm Nose (4,271 m), we need to take the skis off. We put the skis back on and ski down along the Lys glacier up to Capanna Gnifetti (3,600 m) where we will have an excellent lunch while enjoying a great view.
Having recovered our strength, we will continue the long descent to Gressoney la Trinité (1,637 m) where a van will be waiting to take us back to Cervinia.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM certified Mountain Guide
- liability insurance
- loan of shared safety material
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- the hiring of any personal equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel and probe): €15/day per person while supplies last
- the hiring of any personal equipment (harness, ice axe, and crampons): €15/day per person while supplies last
- tickets for lift facilities
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation) to be covered by participants
- transfers, meals and accommodation
- transfer by van (from Gressoney to Cervinia): €200 to be shared among all participants
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
