Monte Rosa (Dufourspitze)

Monte Rosa is the highest mountain in Switzerland. Its highest peak is Dufourspitze, the culminating point of the Pennine Alps as well as the second highest mountain of the Alps and western Europe. Monte Rosa is also the second highest massif in Italy, although its main peak is located within Switzerland. The Monte Rosa Massif consists of several peaks with an altitude above 4,500 metres. On the western side, the Gorner Glacier descends from Monte Rosa in gentle slopes and flows towards Zermatt. In contrast, the eastern side of the mountain forms a 2,400 metre high massive wall towering above the village of Macugnaga. Each summer a large number of climbers try to ascend the mountain from the west side, where the Monte Rosa Hut is the start of the normal route.