ALONG THE SANTA CATERINA RIDGE
From mid July to mid September
Santa Caterina’s ridge is the most challenging itinerary among all the ones on the east wall of Monte Rosa. A great classic on the highest wall of the Alps. Panoramic, beautiful and quite difficult gives you the feeling of being on any great Himalayan wall.
Compared to all the other eastern itineraries, the Santa Caterina ridgeis almost devoid of dangers. The climb is 400 meters long on a high quality rock and some short snowy and mixed step.
Travel Program
Climb to Gallarate bivouac
Meeting with the Mountain Guide early in the morning and transfer to Zermatt. From here we’ ll go up by train until Gornegrat mt 3090. From the upper station, walking through Stockhorn and Gornergletscher we’ ll reach the Gallarate bivouac at Jagherhorn mt 3970. Surely one of the most spectacular places on the East wall of Monte Rosa. Dinner and overnight
Walk up 870 m - 6 hours
Climb to the top
Departing at dawn and after a short approach (30 min) we’ ll arrive at the beginning of the rocky wall. Here the climb starts, almost vertical, alternating funny steps with others more exposed and demanding ones. About 400 mt of climbing to the Upper Shoulder of the Nordend Glacier. From here along an easy snowy ridge we’ ll reach the top mt 4611. Here begins the very long descent along the regular route through Monterosahutte and Rotenboden mid station mt 2815. Coming back to Zermatt by Gornegrat train.
Climb up 600 + 250 m - down 2000 m - 12/13 hours
More details
TECHNICAL INFO: On the approaching day the itinerary goes entirely along the Gornergletscher, sometimes between large crevasses. The climb to the summit is a rocky climb route up to V +. Also the way back is very long following the Nordend regular route.
Is necessary CAI subscriptionGallery
Difficulties
| D+ / Difficult + |
Skills required
| Excellent physical shape, Basic rock climbing technique is required, Good crampons and ice axe skills |
Duration, Participants and Deadline
| Duration | Min | Max | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | 1 | 1 |
Equipements
| High mountain clothing, harness, crampons, ice axe, helmet, head light |
Documents
|
Alpine Club Card is recommended |
Prices
Rate details
THE PRICE INCLUDES: Support and assistance of a U.I.A.G.M. Mountain Guide, all the technical equipment in common use, rental of technical equipment if you need (harness, crampons, ice axe, helmet), logistics and reservation to the Hut.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Transfer to Zermatt, roud trip Gornagrat train, meals to the Hut. Guide’s train ticket will be shared by participants, injury insurance.