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Climb the world famous Matterhorn by way of the Leone's ridge from Cervinia in Italy in a 2 day adventure with IFMGA Guide Enrico.
Private
Alps
2 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Advanced
The Matterhorn (4,478m) is one of the most famous mountains in the world. There is an array of reasons behind its fame, from its legendary, almost perfectly symmetrical peak, to the glaciers that surround it, to the four famous ridges that split its four steep faces. It would be difficult to choose just one thing, almost impossible. However, few, if anybody, can argue that the Matterhorn is an absolutely spectacular peak, and on this 2 day excursion, we will climb to its gorgeous summit from the resort town of Cervinia, in the Aosta Valley of Italy.
The ascent and descent will be challenging, but not to the point where you have to be an expert to do it. However, there are some difficult spots, so mountaineering experience is necessary. But that can be expected when you are climbing one of the highest peaks in all of Europe!
The first day of this journey will begin in Cervinia. From there we will start the climb via the Leone ridge until we reach the Rifugio Carrel, where we will spend the night. On the second day, we will climb to the summit of the Matterhorn. Once there, you will get to bask in one of the best views in the entire Alps mountain range. Finally, after you have taken in enough memories to last a lifetime, we will make our descent along the same route we came.
Please note that Matterhorn is not suitable for beginners. Previous mountaineering experience (including technical skills) is required.
The Matterhorn is a breathtaking peak, and one that countless climbers dream of scaling. And on this trip, I will guide you to its summit and back in just 2 days. So if that sounds like something you want to do, send me a message, and lets go!
Meeting point
Accommodation
Carrel Hut (3,830m)
More info
Participants should remember to bring mountain boots, sunglasses, a 30 litre backpack, a Daisy chain or Longe, 2 screw carabiners and 2 pairs of gloves. If you do not have a harness, helmet, classic crampons and a classic ice axe, I can rent you those items. If you need it, keep in mind that we can arrange the transfers for you. Also, if you're not sure about your level or would like to take an acclimatization day, I can offer you the chance to make a test day before the summit in Cian Peak, Monviso or Dent du Giant, depending on weather conditions. These mountains are similar to the Matterhorn. The test day is just a recommendation, but it's useful for you and the guide to know whether you're ready for the climb.
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 days before the Matterhorn ascent, to check your climbing skills and establish confidence with the Guide (Pollux or Breithorn traverse).
About your fitness, you should consider that Matterhorn is a very demanding climb, especially the second day, in which we will walk for 10/11 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 10 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:
If you don't have them, we can rent them to you at a cost of 60€.
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?
Absolutely no porters are expected for this ascent. Each participant should bring the personal backpack and technical equipment, including thermos for tea/water and energy bars/dried fruit and energy food for the trip.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
We will take care of everything before the day of your departure, making the reservation at the refuge for you and for the Guide. Please note that the overnight stay fee is NOT included, for the customer 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:
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:
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.
4.9
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Mountain Guide
Enrico and IFMGA Guides’ team
At the age of 15, I knew I wanted to become a mountain guide, I wanted to live in the mountains, teach and share my new passion with everyone. In 2006 I realized my dream and I became a professional certified mountain guide.
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with my clients, embarking on a journey that slowly transforms the guide-client relationship into a climbing partner and often a lasting friendship. I am not and never will be a lone climber but "a fellow explorer”. My specialty is certainly climbing on ice and mixed terrain at high altitude.
With my clients I have climbed the most difficult faces in the Alps, explored mountain ranges, and traveled across America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Now I share all this with a group of friends and highly qualified, professional guides who will be pleased to lead and teach you whenever I am not available.
If I trust them…you can trust them too!
Languages
Italian | French | English
Certificates
IFMGA
Winindra
I had an amazing experience with Enrico! From the very beginning, Enrico was super friendly, clear in communication, and really flexible in making everything work out. The itinerary was adjusted and very personalized to my needs and experience, which made the whole trip even better. I booked two days with him, and when he wasn’t available on one of them, he made sure I was in good hands with one of his colleagues. That day I went to Cosmic Ridge, I went with Leo and he had such positive energy, motivating, empowering, and just a joy to be around. Pure good vibes! On the day Enrico was available, he took me and my whole family rock climbing at a local crag. He even picked us up and dropped us off, which was such a thoughtful touch. He really thought a lot about how to make the experience enjoyable for our 4 year old! Throughout the day, he taught us lots of useful skills, explained everything with patience, and you could really see his experience and careful approach. We always felt safe, well taken care of, and at the same time had a ton of fun. He shared his wisdom through decades of mountaineering experience too. If you’re looking for a guide who is not only professional and extremely competent but also warm, careful, and great company, I can’t recommend him enough. Truly a great guide who makes the whole experience unforgettable!
Christian
We had an amazing morning climbing near Cogne! Enrico is patient, super friendly, and explains everything clearly — even as beginners, we felt safe and confident. He speaks excellent French, which was a big plus. Highly recommended — we’ll book him again in the Aosta Valley!
John
This was intended to be 10 days of skill building with the ultimate goal of climbing one of the 6 great north faces of the Alps. I'd climbed some mountains graded PD/AD- before and did a few mountaineering courses but didn't have much experience climbing ice, mixed or steep snow. This course blew my expectations out of the water. Enrico is the best guide I've ever had, from a combination of technical skill, patience, knowledge of all aspects and good nature. We climbed something every single day (!). I really progressed my ice climbing which was the main goal for me and many times during the course I came away feeling that I'd surprised myself by getting to the top. Enrico did a great job judging my level and found options every day to challenge but not overwhelm me. I came to trust his judgement and really appreciate the time we got to spend climbing some great routes. 10/10.
David
Great trip, highly customized and exceeding our expectations. Highly recommendable
Enrico is a fantastic person and a very good guide, very professional. We climbed Auguille d'Entreves.
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