Explore-Share logo and link to home

Matterhorn 2 Day Advanced Guided Climb From Switzerland

141145795_2aff2eb761_o
6888188271_07fd9c5533_o

Join one of the IFMGA-certified guides in the Peakshunter team on this 2 day guided ascent of the famed Matterhorn mountain from Zermatt in Valais, Switzerland.

Alps

2 Days

Jun - Sep

High

Advanced


Description

The Matterhorn (4,478m) is a truly remarkable, legendary mountain. Everything about it is impressive, especially its unmistakable appearance. It's iconic peak is an almost perfect example of Nature's ability to create spectacular symmetry.

The mountain has four faces. Each face is steep and rises above the glaciers that surround the mountain. Each face points to the four directions of a compass, and are split by four ridges. Those ridges include the Hornli ridge, the Furggen ridge, the Leone ridge and the Zmutt ridge.

There are multiple ways to climb the Matterhorn. All of which offer their own challenges and each one is a unique experience. On this trip, we will ascend and descend by way of the Hornli ridge.

For day 1, we will depart from the popular town of Zermatt and make our way up to the Hornli hut (3,260m), where we will spend the night. At the hut you will get to enjoy a beautiful evening view of the stars above. For day 2, we will climb to the Matterhorn's summit. From the summit you will get to indulge in a view you will never forget that will include some of the best peaks of the Alps, and Zermatt down below.

Both the ascent and descent will be a challenge. However, I will see to it that you make it to this incredible mountain's equally incredible summit safely.

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

Send me a message if you want to join me on this adventure that will take you from Switzerland to the top of one of the world's most famous mountains. 

And if you would like to climb the Matterhorn from Cervinia in Italy, you can also join me on this 2 day ascent.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Price details

60 Euros/per person for ice axe, harness, crampons and helmet. Guide expenses should be covered by clients. The lifts ticket is around 45-50€/pax.


Details

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 for 5€/day.

Meeting point

Zermatt

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 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.

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 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.

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€.

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.

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

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.

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:

  • 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 the 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 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 a need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or negative test results.
  • We finally invite all non-Schengen citizens to inform themselves about specific permits to enter Switzerland.

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 safety during the trip and it is established by local regulations. We are not going to take more than 1 client with 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 on our team!

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

The best time to have 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.

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

Kilimanjaro is a great trekking mountain that will give you 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 a 7-day course is the right one for you. You can check it out here: 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 is the difference between Lion ridge and Hornli ridge route ascent?

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

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.

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
Hotel L'Adret Champoluc Italy
See rooms
Hotel Relais Des Glaciers Champoluc Italy
See rooms
Hotel Castor Champoluc Italy
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

-PeaksHunter

4.7

(331)

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

Luke

5

Successful summit to the top of Matterhorn! Managed to get a clear day which was lucky. Views and pictures were incredible. The guide Franchini was a top guy. His experience put me at ease having climbed Lhotse in the past. Very knowledgeable. He prioritised safety the whole time. Me being English and him Italian. We found it hard to understand each other occasionally. Which I felt could be very frustrating for him at times. I didn’t take this personally as I just tried to follow his instructions as best as I could. Considering our differences we always laughed in the end. I would consider him a friend now. Silvia was also helpful for preparation. Much appreciated.

Priscilla

5

Daniel was fantastic as a guide. He was very knowledgeable of the mountain and the route. I highly recommend him for any climbs and will use him when I come back to climb any other peak!

Dan

4

Elis was fantastic!

Anonymous

5

One thing I was not happy with that l had to book Horinlihut when I was already in Switzerland. As a tourist, it's not easy to give a call since I didn't have a phone. Honrlihut had a cookie problem, so I could book online. Why don't you give a price that includes hut? then you book for a client? It would be more appreciated. Apart from that, I had a wonderful guide! Thanks so much indeed.

Richard

5

Lived up to expectations. Great guides, Davide and Nicola who measured the pace and were attentive and fun! Organisation by Peaks Hunter worked to a tee. Highly recommended


You may also like

Join our newsletter!

Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.