Climb the Matterhorn in 4 days
The ascent of the Matterhorn is one the most beautiful and dramatic challenges in an alpinist's lifetime.
The ascent of the Matterhorn is one the most beautiful and dramatic challenges in an alpinist's lifetime.
The ascent of the Matterhorn is one the most beautiful and dramatic challenges in an alpinist's lifetime.
Its summit is one of the world's most recognisable peaks, and climbing the Matterhorn has long mesmerised those who love the mountains.
It is not technically very difficult, however the ascent demands that you have had previous rock climbing and ice climbing experience.
This 4 days course is designed for those who already have high mountain experience, involving sustained multipitch rock / mixed routes minimum French grade IV.
You will need to bring an identity card or passport.
Please use the tabs above to read about the day by day itinerary, and other useful information.
Subject to change depending on weather / mountain conditions and participants' fitness.
This day will be a warm-up / test day.
Ascent by cable car the Index (Flegere) to reach the south ridge of the classic route on the Chapel de la Glière. Beautiful ascent that we will do in approach shoes to get used to climbing at altitude.
If you have already done this climb, we will choose an alternative.
Night in Hotel «La Pointe Isabelle» in Chamonix.
Today we are going to test our ice and snow technic by climbing the Mont Blanc du Tacul from the Aiguille du Midi cable car. In the same way it will be an excellent acclimatation day as the top is at 4248 m and we'll spend the day above 3500 m. The climb is not really difficult but it will be an excellent opportunity to test your ice climbing skills as you need an excellent technic for the last 300 m of the Matterhorn.
We will take the same way back and forth from the cable car. Night in Chamonix valley at the hôtel Pointe Isabelle.
Drive from Chamonix , followed by taking the train from Taesch to Zermatt, from the top of the Schwarzee cable car we hike up to the Hornli hut (3260m).
We will have a rest in the afternoon in order to prepare for the Matterhorn.
Time: 2-3 hours climb
Altitude covered: +680m
A 3am start. The path starts easy, then gradually turns into a series of climbs and switchbacks before reaching the Solvay hut.
There are some more rocky stretches before we reach the snow line. Fixed ropes are there to aid the climbing on the ice and snow, which although not technically challenging, can be hard work at this altitude.
A snowy crest brings you to the summit of the Matterhorn. After you have taken some photos, the descent is via the same route back down to the valley. From here we drive back to Chamonix.
Time: 10-12 hours climb
Altitude covered: +1218m / -1800m
Note: If you wish to traverse the Matterhorn, it is possible and we will do it from Hornli hutte to Lyon's ridge on the way down. There will be extra cost for lift pass and guide's fee, approx 250€.
If in doubt, send us a summary of your climbing and mountaineering experience so we can discuss the correct course for your level.
The climb of Matterhorn requires excellent fitness as we must keep a pace to be on top not too late, usually between 4 to 5 hours max to the top. Keep in mind that the way down is longer and harder than the way up and requires more energy!
You must get used to climb down in grade III.
The guide reserves the right to change the program according to participants' capacity, weather, and conditions on the mountain.
In cases where a participant's capacity does not meet the required level, we will offer an alternative itinerary or add a second guide for the ascent of the Matterhorn (at additional cost).
On request, it is also possible to traverse from the Arête du Hornlï to the Arête du Lyon. This adds a day to the program - please ask for a quote.
The evening before at approx 6.30 pm (will be confirmed based on clients' arrival time) at Pointe Isabelle hotel reception.
In catered huts, and hotel Pointe Isabelle in Chamonix, avenue de la Gare.
In huts they only have bottled drinking water. Ensure you have cash (Swiss francs) to buy some.
If you need accommodation before or after your tour, ask us in advance and we can advise or book it for you.
Course Date | Price (per person) | Status | Book |
---|---|---|---|
09-12 July 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places | |
12-15 July 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places | |
16-19 July 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 1 place | |
23-26 July 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places | |
30-02 Aug 2022 | 3040€ | All places filled | |
06-09 Aug 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places | |
10-15 Aug 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places | |
20-23 Aug 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places | |
27-30 Aug 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places | |
03-06 Sep 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places | |
10-13 Sep 2022 | 3040€ | Available - 2 places |