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Special Highlights
Trip Highlights
Matterhorn - One of the most beautiful and iconic mountains in the world.
2 Expeditions - Amongst fairytale peaks and spectacular glaciers.
Breithorn - Opportunity to climb a 4164m Alpine peak.
Zermatt - Fabulous bars, restaurants & shops.
Trip Summary
Rising above Zermatt, the Matterhorn stands out as one of the most recognisable peaks on earth and has attracted trekkers, mountaineers and adventurers for many years. The first ascent of the mountain in 1865 is well-documented and, owing to highest concentration of 4000metre peaks in the Alps, many other peaks in the region were conquered during the ‘Golden Age’ of mountaineering. This tough trek offers a thorough exploration of Zermatt and the surrounding mountain scenery. Using a Zermatt hotel and Swiss mountain huts we make 2 expeditions into the high Alps. The walking takes us though thick larch forests, across open Alpine meadows and on to high altitude cols and viewpoints. We trek by rivers and waterfalls, admire massive glaciers and high peaks and watch out for glimpses of marmot, chamois and ibex. The Alpine flowers are abundant and spectacular with Edelweiss, Gentians and Orchids often seen. Trekking to and between mountain huts we carry only what we need for our overnight stops. This is light backpacking and allows us to appreciate the full mountain experience without having to return to the valley hotels each night. The huts are simple but well run and are suitable for this type of expedition. Returning to the hotel for a well earned shower make it all the more worthwhile. The final day of the holiday is free day for optional activities such as biking and via ferrata. However, for those with the energy and ambition there is the option of climbing the Breithorn (4164m), a technically straightforward peak and a perfect introduction to Alpine mountaineering.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Geneva Airport
Arriving at Geneva Airport we transfer to Zermatt in 2 hours. The hotel is well located for the restaurants and shops.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Hike along the ‘Europaweg’ with great views of Zermatt and the surrounding peaks
We take a short minibus ride to TaschAlp (2200m), a quiet valley where we begin our trek. Traversing along the Europaweg, part of the famous walk between Grächen and Zermatt, the route undulates through larch forests and open countryside littered with Alpine flowers. The morning is relatively easy, allowing us to get used to carrying our backpacks and admire the Matterhorn, Ober Gabelhorn and Weisshorn. The afternoon climb is 600metres to a col at 2981m where we see great views of the Rimpfischorn and Strahlhorn before descending to FlueAlp Hut (2607m). The hut is situated in a beautiful spot with great views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Overnight Mountain Refuge (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
Climb to the Gornergrat for magnificent views of the Monte Rosa-Breithorn chain
Close to the hut is a small lake, with reflections of the peaks on a calm day. We descend to 2250m and then begin a long, but gentle climb over a series of rises to the Gornergrat at 3090m. The countryside is open and wild, filled with the whistles of marmots. Our lunchtime goal over-looks the great Gornergletscher – a fabulous glacier with small lakes and long moraines backed by the impressive 12km chain from the Monte Rosa massif (4634m, second highest peak in Europe) to the Breithorn. The afternoon is a long and beautiful descent to Zermatt through classic Alpine scenery with a good chance of spotting marmots and chamois. Passing through the ‘Gletschergarten’ we arrive in Zermatt for a well-earned shower or bath.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4:
A long and varied climb to the Rothorn Hut situated by a glacier
Beginning our 3-day expedition, we climb out of Zermatt (1600m) through Alpine pastures and then follow a crashing river as we gain altitude. We pass through thick larch forests and on to a steep-sided valley where the Alpine flowers are varied and bright. Stopping at Trift Hut (2337m) for iced tea or hot chocolate we have time to appreciate the impressive surroundings. Continuing higher, above the tree-line, the scenery becomes barren and wild: the tumbling glaciers, rocky peaks and mountain streams make this a very special place. Our overnight stop is at the Rothorn Hut (3200m), situated at the top of a big climb on a glacial moraine. Overlooking a glacier, there are wonderful views of the Monte Rosa massif and the Matterhorn: on a clear night the sunset is spectacular.
Overnight Mountain Refuge (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
A spectacular high-level traverse under the North Face of the Matterhorn
Re-tracing our route to Trift, we then have a small climb to Hohbalmen (2700m) where we are rewarded with the finest up-close views of the Matterhorn. The North Face and all the main ridges can be closely observed as we continue along the path. This is wild country with large drops and high cliffs inhabited only by mountain sheep and marmots. The final route to the Schonbiel Hut (2694m) leads us along a magnificent lateral moraine above the Zmutt Glacier. The hut is ideally located on a hill with the Matterhorn towering almost 2000m above.
Overnight Mountain Refuge (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Climb to the Hornli Hut, base camp for climbers attempting the Matterhorn
The final day of the trek re-traces our steps by the Zmutt Glacier and then on to Stafel (2200m). From here, there are a choice of routes; either a short walk back to Zermatt via Zmutt, or a big climb to the Hornli Hut. The longer route winds up through wild mountain scenery under the great North Face and out on to the main arm of the Hornli Ridge. This is a magnificent walk with unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains and our trek. With the grandeur of the Matterhorn’s great ridge, one can imagine how Edward Whymper felt when making the first ascent in 1865. The Hornli Hut (3200m) is a buzzing place and a great spot to watch climbers coming down the mountain. We return to Zermatt via Schwarze (2583m) where those with tired legs may opt to take the 10 minute cable car to the valley floor. Those wishing to climb the Breithorn tomorrow will arrive in Zermatt in the late afternoon in time to book Alpine Guides and hire equipment.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7:
A day for optional activities, including climbing the Breithorn (4164m)
There are many things to do in Zermatt: visit the Alpine museum, a spa, or try via ferrata. Alternatively, there is an exhilarating Gorge Adventure involving a Tyrolean Traverse, abseils and climbing. Those wishing to make the optional climb of the Breithorn will take a cable car to the Kleine Matterhorn (3800m – highest station in the Alps) and then, roped up, make the ascent in approximately 2 hours to the summit at 4164m. The mountain route is a perfect Alpine summit, crossing a crevassed plateau and then up steeper snow slopes to the summit, giving a real sense of achievement. The mountain is not technical and is a good introduction to Alpine climbing. The views from the top are outstanding with Mont Blanc to the west, Monte Rosa in the east, the Bernese Oberland in the north and Italy to the south.
Please note that climbing the Breithorn is totally weather dependent, so if there is bad weather, the Guides will not take you up. If this is the case, you may like to consider some of the other options that are not so weather dependent.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Transfer to Geneva Airport
Tour ends.
Included meals: Breakfast
