Monte Rosa Massif

The entire Monte Rosa massif consists mainly of granite and granitic gneiss ( a metamorphic rock with foliation). The Monte Rosa nappe lies beneath the Zermatt-Saas area and forms part of the Pennine nappes within the Briançonnais microcontinent, although its palaeogeographical origin is disputed and it is sometimes attributed to the sub-Pennine nappes. The rocks in the paragneiss of the Monte Rosa nappe show eclogitic metamorphism. The deformation of the Monte Rosa granites indicates a subduction depth of approximately 60 km.

The Monte Rosa glaciers included within the Geopark’s boundaries are Bors, Piode, Locce Sud, Sesia and Vigne. Snowfields such as Parrot, Puio and Otro can also be seen. The glaciers are the defining features of the natural landscape of the upper Valsesia. Their location amongst the famous peaks of Monte Rosa has meant that they have been studied by mountaineers and naturalists since the 19th century.