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Matterhorn 2 Day Advanced Guided Climb From Switzerland

4.8

(9)

Matterhorn 2 Day Advanced Guided Climb From Switzerland | undefined

Join IMGA Guide Maksim 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 (lift and accomodation) should be covered by clients. The lifts ticket is around 50€/pax.

Meeting point

Zermatt
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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, you have the option to rent them.


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, 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.

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.

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.
  • 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.

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.

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

Maksim

5.0

(3)

Mountain Guide

Mountains are an important part of my life. All my interests in life are somehow connected with mountains. I have been working with people in the mountains since 2013. From the very beginning as a mountaineering and downhill skiing instructor, and since 2020 as a licensed mountain guide. I work on mountaineering, freeride and ski tourism programs. I live in Chamonix, and I work in different mountain regions, depending on the season.

Languages

Russian | English

Certificates

IFMGA


What people are saying about Maksim

Timur

iain

My name is Iain Court and I am currently residing in Singapore where sadly there is a real lack of mountains or alpine climbing opportunities. Having spent the last 15 years focused on my family I was looking for an opportunity to get off the beaten path and do some alpine climbing. Being a novice and not having done anything like this for so long, my friend and I engaged Maksim as our guide for 2 weeks in Ala Archa, Kyrgzstan in August 2023. We left it up to Maksim to assess our skill level and capabilities and then tailor us a program for the 2 weeks. Maksim nailed it - he was able to very quickly assess our fitness, endurance and skills and adjust the difficulty accordingly. We had an incredible 2 weeks of rock climbing - trad & sport, alpine climbing, ice climbing and did 6 very memorable technical peaks. Maksim pitched it perfectly so that we were learning and developing in a safe and fun way but also still able to push ourselves under his supervision. Maksim is also a great guy and a lot of fun. We had many evenings in our mountain hut sharing stories over dinner and a couple of drinks. I will stay in touch with Maksim and I plan on doing another trip - potentially also with my kids in the future. I would highly recommend Maksim as a mountain guide.

Daniel

I spent 10 days in the Ala Archa Mountains in Kyrgyzstan with Maksim, to summarise, it was incredible. Maksim is a very professional guide, he tailored the trip to my wants and needs, and made sure I got everything I wanted from the trip. I felt very safe climbing with Maksim and we did some amazing summits together. Would highly recommend doing this trip if you’re looking at it! Thanks again Maksim


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