Climbing Matterhorn via Lion’s ridge

Question 1

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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?

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Answer

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

Question 5

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Answer

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.

Question 6

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Answer

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:

Question 7

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

Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Answer

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.

Question 9

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

Answer

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

Question 10

Can I join a group?

Answer

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

Question 11

How can I reach the meeting point?

Answer

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.

Question 12

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

Answer

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.