The highest flame, between Capanna Margherita and the Lys glaciers
On January 13, 2026, Gressoney and Monte Rosa experienced a day that will remain etched in their memories: the passage of the 2026 Winter Olympics Torch reached the highest point of its entire journey, passing through some of the most iconic and spectacular places in our mountains.
An extraordinary journey, born from a combination of expertise, passion, and collaboration: an undertaking made possible thanks to the Gressoney Guide Society, mountain guides from several valleys, and the warm participation of the entire community, culminating in a final embrace in the heart of the village.
An epic journey through sky, ice, and wind
The torch traveled along a line of mountains and horizons that seemed to come out of a dream, following a high-altitude itinerary of rare intensity:
Capanna Margherita, Punta Parrot, then descending towards Colle del Lys, Punta Indren (cable car station), and Passo dei Salati.
Amidst skies streaked with red, ice, wind, and high-altitude silence, the flame took on a meaning that went beyond a sporting symbol: profound, epic, almost mystical, as often happens at those altitudes where the mountains amplify every emotion.
The lighting at the hut: the lantern, the fire, the myth
One of the most intense moments took place inside the Capanna Margherita, where the torch was lit by the fire of the legendary lantern.
From there, his journey across Monte Rosa became a living story: a passage of light from hand to hand, in a landscape that seemed suspended between reality and legend.
An event difficult to describe: epic, exciting, unrepeatable.
A team effort: guides, valleys, international collaboration
The organization of the venture was handled by the Gressoney Guide Society, and the safety and success of the itinerary were made possible thanks to the collaboration of several entities.
The torchbearers were accompanied along the high-altitude route by mountain guides from:
Ayas, Gressoney, Alagna Valsesia, Macugnaga, and Zermatt.
A network of professionalism and passion that gave shape to an authentic message: in the mountains, you can go far together.
Arrival at Passo dei Salati: the mountain meets the people
At Passo dei Salati, the flame was greeted by a completely different but equally powerful energy: human warmth.
A large crowd awaited the arrival of the torch. From here, escorted by ski instructors and ski club members, the flame descended the magnificent slopes of the Monterosa Ski area, continuing towards Gressoney-La-Trinité.
The heart of the village: children, athletes, and the community of the Lys Valley
In Gressoney-La-Trinité, waiting for the torch in the square were:
representatives of the municipalities of the Lys Valley, Olympic athletes from our valley,
and above all, all the school children.
It was they, with their innocence and pure enthusiasm, who added the most beautiful color to this incredible journey: from the peaks to the village, from the epic dimension of the mountain to the shared celebration of the community.
A unique event, of which we are proud
The passing of the torch on Monte Rosa was a moment of unity, collaboration, and pride for the entire region.
An event that tells the story of who we are: a valley capable of teaming up, welcoming, working with seriousness and vision... and transforming a mountain feat into a collective memory.
