The event in the Monte Rosa's massif was named in honor of the mountain guide Ottorino Mezzalama.

[2] The Mezzalama Trophy is a stage of La Grande Course that includes the most important ski mountaineering competitions of the season.

Entry was open only to men; the first female participant is presumed to be Paula Wiesinger, who had been invited to view the race in 1935.

When Giusto Gervasutti withdrew due to injury, she put on his military uniform and cap and, wearing sunglasses, ran instead of him, but was discovered at a checkpoint.

The list shows the winning teams for each edition of the Trofeo Mezzalama.