Climbing the Matterhorn, training day in Zermatt + 2-day ascent via the Hornli ridge

Conquer the classic peak of the Matterhorn on a 3-day trip, consisting of 1 training day and 2 days of ascent, with the IFMGA-certified Peaks Hunter Mountain Guide Team.

Private

Alps

3 Days

Jul - Sep

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Conquer the Swiss Alps and ascend the Matterhorn via Hornli ridge.
Capture the iconic beauty of Switzerland's most dramatic peak.
Benefit from having a fully-qualified guide accompanying you.

Description

It’s difficult to overstate the legendary nature of the Matterhorn. The dramatic pyramid peak cloaked in snow is an iconic image of the Swiss Alps.

Stretching to 4,478 meters above sea level, it is also one of the highest summits not only in the Alps but in Europe.

The Matterhorn has four steep faces, which rise above surrounding glaciers, and are split by four ridges: the Leone ridge, Zmutt ridge, Furggen ridge and the Hornli ridge.

Each of these ridges contains their own experience. We will ascend the Hornli ridge, the most popular to climb.

Before we conquer the great alpine peak, we will have a training day to prepare for the climb around the area of Cervinia, or not too far from there. This area lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, and is a great location to practice.

On the second day we’ll begin our ascent from the world-class alpine town of Zermatt and climb towards the Hornli hut. From here, our third day will take us to the summit of the Matterhorn. An unforgettable achievement that rewards you with spectacular panoramic views.

Potential participants on this ascent are required to have a very good level of fitness as well as previous mountaineering experience.

Get in touch now to reserve your place on a thrilling 3-day ascent to the summit of the Matterhorn via the Hornli ridge.

Price includes

Guiding fee

Price details

NOT INCLUDED:
Hut accommodations
Lifts
Meals and beverages for you and the guide

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Training Day in Cervinia

We’ll spend the day practicing climbing techniques, acclimatizing to the altitude, and reviewing essential skills required for the ascent. The area around Cervinia offers an ideal setting for getting familiar with the alpine terrain.

Day 2: Approach to the Hörnli Hut

We'll begin our approach towards the Hörnli Hut, located at 3,260 meters on the Hörnli Ridge.

Day 3: Summit Day

We start before dawn to tackle the final ascent of the Matterhorn via the Hörnli Ridge, the most popular and accessible route. After celebrating your achievement, we descend back to Zermatt, concluding our journey.

FAQs

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

As you know, the ascent of Matterhorn requires to have a good climbing level. The mountain has demanding sections where you'll need to use your arms to climb, so you need to feel comfortable. Your indoor climbing level should be at least 6a-6b.

It is essential that you know that Matterhorn requires a very intense effort during the ascent. The climbing and the way down take place on a very exposed and very steep itinerary: no way to fall, no way to be exhausted, no way to have a long rest on the itinerary.

The two other requirements include:

have a very good fitness level

feel confident in using crampons on very steep and exposed rock terrain

What is the day by day program / itinerary?

We usually suggest the following program:

Day 1 - Transfer, in the afternoon, to Guide del Cervino hut and overnight

Day 2 - Ascend Pollux (4,092 m) and back to Guide del Cervino hut and overnight

Day 3 - Transfer by lift and walk up to the Hornli hut and overnight

Day 4 - Climb Matterhorn and back

Why do you propose this Matterhorn climbing program with a training ascent of Pollux?

This is the best plan for get well trained and well acclimatised before climbing Matterhorn. The mountain guide will give you suggestions during the Pollux (4,092 m) ascent and you'll be able to improve your skills/technics directly during that climb. You'll have the possibility to test yourself on steep and exposed terrain (with a mixed of rock, snow or ice) with crampons. We strongly recommend this plan because this is the best way to maxime your chances to get to the summit of Matterhorn and back.

About the guide

-PeaksHunter

4.7

(358)

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 -PeaksHunter

Great professionalism, competence and excellent organization from the whole team and in particular from Paolo, our guide. Thanks for everything, I absolutely recommend it!

Excellent organization of the whole team. Thanks for everything, definitely recommend!

Amazing trip organised by Peakshunter Mountain Guides over the monte rosa massif, I've had an experience this past weekend that I'll remember forever thanks guys

We had an amazing time! Marco was a brilliant guide, and we found some incredible powder and met some fantastic people. An unforgettable day, thanks so much!

Very professional mountain guides making dreams come true. The team is very communicative and helpful from the beginning of contact until tour completion. The guides are flexible in case of weather/condition changes and they are very safety-conscious making me feel very comfortable. Thank you Peakshunter that I could be on tour with you!