Matterhorn Tour: 6-Day Alpine Trek and Breithorn Ascent
Join Terralpina on this epic 6-day alpine adventure around the Matterhorn, hiking across high mountain passes and glaciers between Switzerland and Italy — with a final summit of the breathtaking 4,164-meter Breithorn.
Alps
+1 Days
Jul - Sep
High
Intermediate
Description
I invite you to join me, on an unforgettable 6-day alpine journey through one of the most stunning trekking circuits in the Alps: the Matterhorn Tour. This circular route takes us around the iconic Matterhorn (4,478 m), across some of the highest and wildest passes between the Swiss Valais and Italy’s Aosta Valley.
Over six full trekking days, we’ll cross dramatic landscapes, with passes reaching between 2,900 and 3,000 meters of altitude. We'll spend our nights in a mix of welcoming hotels and alpine lodges nestled in charming valleys surrounded by towering peaks — this region holds the greatest concentration of 4,000-meter mountains in the Alps.
To end the program "tout en beauté", our final day will include an ascent of the Breithorn (4,164 m), a glaciated summit located between Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. It's one of the most accessible 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps, offering an extraordinary high-altitude experience and jaw-dropping panoramic views.
This is a more demanding and less crowded alternative to the classic Tour du Mont Blanc. The route is technically more challenging, with rugged alpine terrain, high-altitude crossings, and occasional use of fixed cables or ladders. On two of the stages, we will cross glaciers — a unique and exciting aspect of the journey. Luggage transport is included throughout the trip, so you can hike light and focus on the experience.
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a high-quality and personal experience. As an Alpine Aspirant Guide, I value genuine connection and careful attention to each member of the group. This program blends both trekking and mountaineering, designed with passion and a love for the mountains — ideal for adventurous souls who want more than a standard hike.
If you're drawn to wild and technically rewarding itineraries, this one is for you. And if you'd like to explore more adventures in the Alps, I also offer other exciting programs such as the Tour des Écrins and the Monte Viso circuit.
Let’s head to the high mountains and make this an unforgettable experience.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
Price details
- Price Does Not Include:
- Travel to the starting point of the activity
- Personal snacks during the trek (energy bars, nuts, gels, etc.)
- Drinks and additional meals at accommodations
- Luggage transport on Days 5 and 6
- Dinner on Day 6 in Cervinia
- Local transportation during the trek (bus, taxi, and cable cars – approx. €160 per person)
- Rental of mountaineering gear for the Breithorn ascent: crampons, harness, and mountaineering boots
- Trail crampons required for Day 5 (approx. €5 per person)
- Personal insurance: liability, rescue, repatriation, and trip cancellation
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Briefing
We meet in the alpine village of St. Niklaus at 5:00 PM for a welcome briefing. We'll go over the itinerary, review gear, and make final preparations. Overnight stay in a hotel, shared rooms.
Day 2: From St. Niklaus to Gruben
After a cable car ride to Jungu (1,955 m), we begin our trek toward the Augstbordpass (2,893 m). We descend into the peaceful Turtmanntal Valley, ending the day in the quaint village of Gruben (1,818 m). Luggage transport: Yes Ascent: +1000 m / Descent: -1100 m / Distance: 14 km / Time: 6h
Day 3: From Gruben to Zinal
We cross the high Forcletta Pass (2,874 m) into the Val d’Anniviers, enjoying expansive alpine scenery before arriving in the village of Zinal (1,675 m). Overnight in a mountain lodge. Luggage transport: Yes Ascent: +1200 m / Descent: -1350 m / Distance: 18 km / Time: 7h
Day 4: From Zinal to Arolla
A short transfer takes us to the trailhead. We hike past lakes and alpine meadows to reach the Torrent Pass (2,916 m), before descending into the beautiful wooden village of Les Haudères in the Val d’Hérens. Luggage transport: Yes Ascent: +700 m / Descent: -1500 m / Distance: 14 km / Time: 6h
Day 5: Glacier Crossing to Prarayer
No luggage transport today. We begin on trail before meeting a mountain guide at the base of the Arolla Glacier. Equipped with crampons and ropes, we cross the glacier and reach the Collon Pass (3,074 m), entering Italy. Overnight in a remote mountain hut. Luggage transport: No Ascent: +1200 m / Descent: -1200 m / Distance: 18 km / Time: 8h
Day 6: From Prarayer to Breuil-Cervinia
Today’s hike takes us through forest and rocky terrain toward a challenging mountain pass. After the climb, we’re rewarded with lakes, waterfalls, and—if weather allows—a stunning view of the Matterhorn. Night in a hotel in Cervinia, shared rooms. Luggage transport: No Ascent: +1250 m / Descent: -1400 m / Distance: 15 km / Time: 7h
Day 7: Ascent of the Breithorn (4,164 m) and Return to Zermatt
A big finale! We start early to ascend the Breithorn, a glaciated 4,000-meter peak that's perfect for a first high-altitude experience. The climb offers panoramic views in a true alpine setting. After the summit, we descend and return to Zermatt via a series of cable cars. Luggage transport: No Ascent: +420 m / Descent: -420 m / Time: 4h
Details
Accommodation
Throughout the trip, we’ll stay in a mix of comfortable hotels, mountain lodges (gîtes), and alpine huts, all on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner included). Rooms are shared and equipped with duvets or blankets, hot showers, and basic amenities. We recommend bringing a lightweight sleeping bag liner, a quick-dry towel, and comfortable indoor shoes (such as Crocs) for use in the accommodations. Picnic-style cold lunches are provided daily by the lodging. If you have food allergies, intolerances, or special dietary requirements, please let us know by email at the time of registration. We also suggest bringing personal snacks (nuts, energy bars, dried fruit, chocolate) for the hiking days. Please note that drinks (except water) and any extras at accommodations are not included. We recommend arriving the day before the trek begins.
About the guide
Terralpina
Languages
English | French | Spanish
Certificates
IFMGA | UIMLA | AEGM | SNAM
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
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4.8
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