Carcoforo walks

First summit (Pizzo di Quarazzola) Approach via the Barba Ferrero hut (2 hours), followed by a steep climb over scree. A fine alpine finish on the East Ridge with good rock (II+ sections). A 4½ to 5-hour climb. Second summit (Pizzo Montevecchio) Wild approach to the pass, followed by a superb ridge climb on good rock (climbing grades II to IV). Panoramic summit. Descent via abseil. Mountaineering equipment and a 30m rope required.

During this stage, at Passo di Monte Moro, you cross from Italy (Piedmont) to Switzerland (German-speaking Valais). Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

This stage takes you through Switzerland via the Grand Col du Monte Moro, followed by a beautiful descent to Lake Mattmark. Once you reach the lake, take the bus to Saas Fée.

This stage takes us along an ancient paved Roman road. Macugnaga is the last village stop in Italy. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

Another change of valley to reach the large village of Macugnaga at the foot of Monte Rosa via the Col Turlo. The wide path used is absolutely remarkable as it was built by the Italian army to hoist cannons for the defence of the area and for firing exercises.

Head towards the Alagna Valley, passing the Col d'Alen and the Lac del Corno. The final descent via Alpe Balma through wild countryside takes you directly to the Refuge Pastore, nestled in a magnificent mountain pasture at the foot of the north face of Monte Rosa.

You will walk along the two magnificent lakes of Antrona and Campliccioli. You will follow the Troncone torrent, and the climb to Alpe Saler, Alpe Cingino and Lago di Cingino will require some effort, but it will be well worth it. The setting is stunning, as the lake is located in the centre of a huge cirque. The climb to the Antronapass is pleasant and easy. The pass marks the border between Italy and Switzerland. The long descent to Furggu will take you to Saas Almagell for a well-deserved rest.

This stage passes through the Col d'Olen, on the border between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

A circular loop that takes you to the Alta Luce summit with a view of the glacier and back down via the A Staffal/Greyssonney la Trinité cable car. The route is very well marked: follow several trails: 7a to the summit, then descend to the pass and take the 6b to the cable car that takes you back to the starting point.

Passing through the mountain pastures of Piana Ronchelli and del Gabbio, a pleasant trail will take you to the shores of Lago dei Cavalli. After skirting the lake, you will cross the small hamlet of Cheggio. You will discover a few more mountain pastures before returning to civilisation at Antronapiana. This charming village is the lowest point of this tour. You will reach Lago di Antrona and the Albergo Lagopineta. Lago di Antrona is very busy during the day but in the evening, everything returns to calm.

Balcony stage above the Saastal. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

You will return to Almageller Alp via the Almagellerhorn adventure trail, which is marked with ladders, steps and a suspension bridge. The trail returns to the Saas Valley and remains at almost the same altitude until Kreuzboden. From this balcony, you can admire the Mischabel massif and the resort of Saas Fee. Overlooking the Saastal and at the foot of the Fletschorn, you will walk through old pastures. You will pass through several Walser hamlets before arriving in Gspon.

That’s the end of the southern section. This hike takes in a different landscape, with the Swiss Alps in view. It feels like we’re in Germany. It’s a lovely day. After the climb, the hike descends back into the valley. As with Eaux Rousses, it’s best to book in advance as the refuge is very popular. In fact, there are two of them and they’re full by early July.

A long balcony stage allowing you to climb up the Saas Fée valley, dominating it by about 500m and sometimes more. A spectacular route passing from one valley floor to another, with the special feature of being able to see the next change in valley floor in the distance.

After a winding toll road, park at Täschalp. Then, continue climbing to the Täschhütte refuge located at the top of a rocky outcrop. Return via a slightly different route, after enjoying a delicious homemade soup at the refuge.

Due to the closure of the Europaweg trail between Täschalp and Zermatt, we had to modify the original route. Return to Täsch via another trail and, given the long distance to cover, take the shuttle to Zermatt. Short break in this unique town at the foot of the Matterhorn, cable car to Trockener Steg and then walk to the Théodule refuge.

Due to the closure of the large Himalayan footbridge over the Grabengufer scree, it is necessary to take the emergency path down to Tasch and then undertake a remarkable climb to the alpine hamlet of Täschalp, where the Europaweghütte lodge is located.

A new stage on the balcony at the foot of the great peaks separating the valleys of Zermatt and Saas Fee.