Matterhorn Advanced 2-Day Guided Climb From Switzerland

Matterhorn ascent is not suitable for beginners and requires very good physical and climbing skills. Before confirming the trip, we ask for your mountaineering history, detailing which peaks you climbed and in what year. Please note that Kilimanjaro or Aconcagua summits are not to be considered 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 on 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.

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 techniques. You should already have a good background and be familiar with the high altitude. This means that you have had recent mountaineering experience in which to practice. Contact us; we can recommend the best option for your level and training to follow.

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

• helmet

• harness

• ice axes

• crampons

If you don't have them, you can rent them.

In addition, the guide will bring the common safety material, such as ropes 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 rental places where you can rent what you need.

Absolutely no porters are expected for this ascent. Each participant should bring a personal backpack and technical equipment, including thermos for tea/water and energy bars/dried fruit and energy food for the trip.

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.

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.

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 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.

• We finally invite all non-Schengen citizens to inform themselves about specific permits to enter Switzerland.

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 safety during the trip and it is established by local regulations. We are not going to take more than 1 client with each guide.

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

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

Matterhorn can be ascended from Italy (Lion) or from Switzerland (Hornli).

The Hörnli Ridge is the safer and less technical route, offering more stable terrain and support from Hörnli Hut. The Lion Ridge (Italy) is more exposed, longer, and physically demanding.

The Lion Ridge climb route, due to its difficulties, is considered more technical than the Hornli route and it requires more abilities and climbing skills for the more severe climb conditions (due to exposition). Furthermore, the hut is unattended, which means that you need to carry food, and the accommodation is definitely less comfortable.

We usually suggest the ascent from Hornli hut because of the following reasons:

• the itinerary to the summit is safer and less technical.

• you take advantage of the Hornli Hut's support and service.

• you have more chances to reach the summit.

No—this is an advanced mountaineering ascent requiring solid alpine experience, efficient movement on exposed ridges, and confidence using crampons, ice axe, and rope techniques.

Yes. You must be fully comfortable using crampons, ice axe, and climbing with a rope on mixed terrain.

No. The mandatory 1:1 guide-to-client ratio means this climb is only offered privately.

Yes. We strongly recommend mountaineering rescue insurance covering high-altitude technical climbs in Switzerland.

You benefit from a mandatory 1:1 guide-to-client ratio, weather and objective-hazard monitoring, technical equipment checks, and rope systems and pacing adapted specifically to your ability level.

Yes. Recent ascents of other 4,000-meter peaks are strongly recommended to ensure proper acclimatization and familiarity with alpine terrain.

In many cases, your guide may recommend a skill-assessment climb such as the Pollux or Breithorn traverse to validate your technical ability and build confidence before the Matterhorn.

You will overnight at the Hörnli Hut (3,260 m), an iconic and well-equipped refuge located directly at the base of the Hörnli Ridge, offering the best position for the summit push.