Long Way Round

The vast Monte Rosa massif dominates the eastern part of the Pennine Alps, and rises to the highest point in Switzerland at 4,634 metres. Since the first ascent back in 1855 by a team of Zermatt guides, it has been a magnet for alpinists. Whilst the most popular climbing season is high summer, during the spring the massif offers some of the most challenging and spectacular ski mountaineering in western Europe, as revealed here by adventure photographer and skier Hamish Frost.

Skinning below the north face of Liskamm, one of the numerous summits of the Monte Rosa massif

Low cloud blowing over the Grenzgletscher

The north side of Liskamm and the Dufourspitze at sunset

Crossing a snow bridge high on the Grenzgletscher

The view back to Zermatt and the Matterhorn from the Monte Rosa at sunrise

Ascending the final summit ridge of the Zumsteinspitze

Navigating a route through the crevasses and seracs of the Grenzgletscher 

Battling high winds near the summit of the Parrotspitze

Preparing to descend from the summit of the Parrotspitze

Skiing amongst the seracs of the Grenzgletscher

Skinning in early morning light across the Gornergletscher

On the summit of the Strahlhorn, another satellite summit of the Monte Rosa

Skiing towards the Strahlhorn

Taking a steep line on the ski descent of the Strahlhorn

Skiing perfect spring powder below the north face of Liskamm

You can find out more about Hamish Frost's work on his photography website