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Climbing Matterhorn via Lion’s ridge

Climbing Matterhorn via Lion’s ridge
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Enjoy a 2-day climbing ascent of Mount Matterhorn through the Lion's ridge from Cervinia, or the Hornli ridge from Zermatt with one of the IFMGA-certified guides in the Peakshunter team.

Private

Alps

2 Days

Jun - Sep

High

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Discover the most iconic mountain in the Swiss Alps.
  • Take a demanding ascent and reach a mountaineering goal.
  • Contemplate beautiful views from the summit.

Description

Climbing Mount Matterhorn is always a great pleasure for us. Join me on this 2-day adventure to the top of the most iconic and beautiful mountain in the Swiss Alps.

The Matterhorn (4,478 m) is a huge pyramidal peak in the Alps, standing on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It has four steep faces surrounded by glaciers, and can be ascended through two different routes:

  • From Switzerland: starting from Zermatt, via the Hornli ridge (staying at Hornli hut – 3260m).

  • From Italy: starting from Breuil-Cervinia, going via Lion's rigde (staying at rifugio Carrel – 3829m).

We can also do a traverse from one side to the other.

The Matterhorn is one of our favorite spots in the Alps. It has inspired many of our dreams. We really enjoy bringing friends and clients to this mountain and also contemplating the beautiful views when going up and from the summit.

This is a mixed and demanding ascent. It requires a very good fitness level, having previous mountaineering experience and acclimatization. We can spend one or several days together before going for the Matterhorn summit in order to train and get acclimatized.

The whole ascent will take 2 days. During the first one, we will walk up to the refuge. Then, on the second one, we will try to reach the summit and go back to our starting point.

Starting from Breuil Cervinia, we can do the first part of the ascent by car, up to Rifugio Orionde (2802m). This can save us a little bit of energy for the following parts.

It is important to mention that the program will be discussed and organized together. The path we will take will depend on your wishes, your level, the experience you have and also the weather and snow conditions.

If you wish to get prepared and spend some more days in the mountains with me, I recommend you to have a look at my Matterhorn 7-day guided climbing tour.

Please note that Matterhorn is not suitable for beginners. Previous mountaineering experience (including technical skills) is required.

Is Matterhorn on your bucket list? If so, please get in touch with me and let's discuss it together. It will be my pleasure to take you up there!

Price includes

  • Guiding fee

Price details

  • 60 Euros/per person for ice axe, harness, crampons and helmet. Transfers and accommodation are not included in the price.

Details

More info

Equipment list :

  • Harness
  • Helmet
  • Classic Crampons
  • Classic ice axe I can rent you the above item if you need
  • Mountain boots
  • Sun glasses
  • Backpack (30 lt)
  • Daisy chain or longe
  • 2 screw carabiners
  • 2 pairs of gloves (light and warm)

In case of bad weather, we will try to move the trip to another area or date if possible, or we will refund you.

Meeting point

- Cervinia for the Lion's ridge - Zermatt for the Hornli ridge

Equipment you will need to bring

Crampons

Ice axe

Harness

Backpack

Helmet

Sunglasses

Mountain boots, daisy chain or longe, 2 screw carabiners, 2 pairs of gloves.


FAQs

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

Matterhorn ascent is not suitable for beginners and requires very good physical and climbing skills. Before to confirm the trip, we ask for your mountaineering history, detailing which peaks you climbed and in what year. Please note that Kilimangiaro or Aconcagua summits are not to be considered as valid preparation for the Matterhorn. In many cases, we propose a test climb in the preceding days to check skills and establish chemistry with the client.

About your fitness, you should consider that Matterhorn is a very demanding climb, especially the second day, in which we will walk for 11/12 hours. Therefore, an excellent workout in the months leading up to the trip is recommended.

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

To attempt the ascent you need a solid physical and technical preparation that is achieved by training consistently over many years. In particular, your endurance level should allow you to walk at a good pace for about 12 hours a day in order to respect the program. At the same time, given the limited time, we will not have a chance to focus on technique: you should already have a good background and be familiar with the high altitude. This means that you have had recent mountaineering experiences in which to practice. Contact us, we can recommend the best option for your level and training to follow.

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?

Yes, you need to bring the technical equipment necessary for this climb:

  • helmet
  • harness
  • ice axes
  • crampons

If you don't have them, we can rent them to you at a cost of 60€/each person for 2 days.

In addition, the guide will bring the common safety material, such as rope and carabiners.

Also, you need to bring your personal clothing, suitable to climb Matterhorn, including technical mountaineering boots. After your booking confirmation, we will provide you with a list of recommended clothing and, if you need anything, we will refer you to some rentals where you can hire the necessary.

Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?

No, no porters are expected for this type of ascent. Each participant should bring his or her personal equipment.

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Carrel Hut cannot be booked in advance, but don’t worry, your Guide will take care of everything on the day of departure. Please note that you will have to pay on the day for the overnight stay, for yourself and for the Guide.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Please consider that weather and conditions can change unexpectedly and, especially in recent years due to climate change, there are not always the best conditions for a safe ascent. In such cases, because your and our safety is our priority, we will propose an alternative trip to nearby mountains with better conditions. Note that you are booking our availability for the duration of the tour, this means that it will not be possible to cancel due to poor conditions. We will be careful to arrange an experience that lives up to your expectations. We understand that this may be a frustrating outcome, however, safety is a top priority, and every mountain has a lesson to teach. Some detailed options to replace Matterhorn are listed below:

  • Monviso ascent (Classic route or East Ridge one, depending on your fit and climbing experience) - 2 days
  • Dent du Géant + Aiguille d'Entrèves (starting from Skyway Mont Blanc on Italian side) - 2 days

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?

Yes, there are several special requirements that you need to consider for this trip. Here are some of them:

  • It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers mountain activities, such as a specific insurance for rescue and research; if you need one, after your confirmation, we can recommend some solutions suitable for you.
  • There are no specific vaccine requirements for this trip, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor or a travel clinic to make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Also, there is no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or negative test results.
  • We finally invite all non-EU citizens to inform themselves about specific permits to enter Italy.

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

The maximum number of clients per single Guide is 1, thus giving a ratio of 1:1. This is the maximum number in order to ensure the safety during the trip and it is established by local regulations. Under any circumstances, we are not going to take more than 1 client or each guide.

If you are a group of more than 1 person, we have more Guides available to undertake the adventure: we will be happy to support your group with other professionals of our team!

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

The best time to realize this adventure is between July and September.

Can I join a group?

No, due to guide-to-client ratio we only accept private requests for this trip.

How can I reach the meeting point?

The meeting point is Breuil-Cervinia, in Aosta Valley. If you are not familiar with this area let us give you some more information: Aosta Valley is the smallest but highest Italian region. This is the realm of the Alps, here arise the most famous peaks of Europe: the Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa summits, the Gran Paradiso and many other lesser-known.

You can reach Aosta Valley from three countries:

  • Italy: the nearest airports are Caselle in Turin, Malpensa in Milan and Orio al Serio in Bergamo. Once you land you can reach Aosta Valley by train (Trenitalia national services), bus (Flixbus and Arriva operate coach runs every day), private transfer, or by renting a car. Obviously, the last two solutions are more expensive.
  • France: by car, bus or private transfer from Chamonix, passing through the Mont Blanc tunnel.
  • Switzerland: by car or private transfer, passing through the Great St. Bernard Tunnel.

To get around Aosta Valley, if you don't have a car and don't want to use private transfers, you can rely on the regional bus service, with daily runs to all municipalities of Aosta Valley. For instance, you can reach Breuil-Cervinia by bus from Aosta town or Saint-Vincent municipality.

Am I ready to climb Matterhorn if I have already successfully climbed Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is a great trekking mountain that will give you an experience with altitude, but the climbing conditions are completely different and non-technical. Ultimately, summiting Kilimanjaro is not sufficient training to tackle Matterhorn. If you have climbed Kilimanjaro and you would like to climb Matterhorn, then the 7-day course that includes is the right one for you: https://www.explore-share.com/trip/matterhorn-7-day-guided-climbing-tour/. In that course you will properly acclimatize and you will practice all the necessary rope work that you will need.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hôtel Mont Blanc
See rooms
Lodge Park
See rooms
Megève
See rooms
Megève
See rooms
Les Granges d'en Haut
See rooms
Megève
See rooms
France
See rooms
France
See rooms
France
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

-PeaksHunter

4.7

(358)

Mountain Guide

Giving and receiving smiles, seeing the satisfaction on the faces of our customers, seeking opportunities for growth, stimulating authenticity in personal and group relationships, in sharing mountaineering disciplines, fears, efforts, and moments of difficulty, which are part of the integrated with experiences, essential ingredients of every summit climb: these are our focus, our beliefs, and our most important results, as outdoor Professionals and as people who love the mountains and their work as Alpine Guides!

Founded in 2013 by Elis and Silvia, PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides is a team of IFMGA-certified Mountain Professionals and outdoor activities experts, based in the town of Aosta, not far from Courmayeur-Chamonix, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif.

We live and work in the beautiful Aosta Valley region, very close to French and Swiss borders near to Geneva, Milan, and Turin international airports.

Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Dufourspitze, Pyramide Vincent and Regina Margherita Hut, Gran Paradiso, Breithorn, Lyskamm, Castor and Pollux are only a few of several 4000 Alps summits you can climb with us: most of our team of Guides were born and grew up close to these mountains and they have explored the ascent routes several times during different seasons, with skis or crampons!

- We love our work: we plan all our trips with great commitment and deep respect for the Alpine environment, for its inhabitants, and its territories. Including local traditions in different valleys and Alpine areas.

- We love Mountain, Nature, and Outdoor activities, that we like to share with people from all around the world. We are enthusiastic to meet like-minded adventurers and share new experiences and memorable emotions with the support of our Mountain Guides.

- Safety and Risk Management are essential for us, as elements of fundamental importance during every single trip we plan and carry out with our customers: for this reason, we offer introductory courses to the different alpine disciplines (Mountaineering, Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Ski mountaineering, Freeride, Rescue Crevasse, and Avalanche) to convey awareness and responsibility to our customers.

- We offer solid Experience, with several years organizing outdoor disciplines around mountain and wild areas, in many different countries of Italy and Europe, for individuals or groups, including 7-day customer support for booking, logistics, and personal assistance for planning and reservations.

- As certified Mountain Guides, we offer training courses, to improve technical skills and to learn basic knowledge about mountaineering in the Alps, which is essential to explore and climb the Mountains safely in any situation or conditions.

- We are happy to provide customized programs for every customer's demand: our Experience is synonymous with Professionalism and Customer Care to guarantee unforgettable emotions and beautiful smiles!

Fulfill your dreams, discover breathtaking views or simply enjoy an extraordinary day: you just need to use your imagination and we will carry out your trip as you desire to live it!

Let’s plan your next mountain project together!

Certificates

IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about this trip

stu

The guide was great, the trip was great. There's still a bit lacking on the organisers side. They have improved a lot, so they will get there in the end.

Mike

An excellent trip with an excellent guide called Claudio. An entire week of bespoke climbing in areas to prepare for the Matterhorn. Unfortunately due to renovations on the carrel refuge the lions ridge was not open for climbing, but an alternative ascent of the Hornli was scheduled. The Breuil Cervina area and the Monte Rosa plateau offers some excellent routes with views to match.

Piotr

Stefano was an experienced and demanding guide.

Maxime

Incredible adventure. The contact and the organisation with Peaks Hunter was perfect. The experience with the Guide (Claudio) was also perfect. Very professional guide, perfect French speaker. It was a pleasure to spend those two days with him. Reaching the summit without him would have been impossible. (Do not believe in the Youtube videos over the Lion Ridge, they are not a good representation of the journey, much harder but way more nice) Thank you Peaks Hunter.

Ashley

Hi, I had a great time climbing the Matterhorn. It was not easy but it was a real challenge. Many thanks to you Elis for the advices and all the help you gave me. You really made this adventure fun. Hope to see ya soon. Ash.


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