Climb the Matterhorn Switzerland 4478m

In brief: : The Matterhorn is one of the most easily recognised and iconic mountains in the world. It roars out from the surrounding mountain landscape and grabs the attention of everyone stepping of the train at Zermatt. It has for centuries been the major tick for mountaineers world-wide. Make this ascent yourself with our superb 360 Mountain Guides.

The Matterhorn is steep and serious on all sides, and combines technical rock ridges with serious high altitude. We will climb either the Hornli Ridge from Switzerland or the Lion ridge from Italy. Both these routes are AD in difficulty and are very serious. As such we will operate at a ratio of 1:2 on the build up training and 1:1 on the Matterhorn itself.

Outline plan:

Clients arrive Saturday evening at the accommodation, the luxurious Chalet Annabelle in Les Houches. All rooms are en-suite. Dinner would be provided in the chalet and clients meet our very experienced 360 Mountain Guide Stuart MacDonald in the evening after dinner to discuss the week ahead.

Day 1 - Day Climb from Valley.

Day 2 - High mountain route (likely to be a rock ridge). Stay in mountain hut.

Day 3 - High Mountain route. Another mountain hut night.

Day 4 - High mountain route, followed by descent to valley and final preparations for the Matterhorn.

Day 5 - Drive to Zermatt and take the cable car, before walking to the Hornli Hut.

Day 6 - Climb the Matterhorn, then descend to valley. Return to Chamonix.

Day 7 - Clients depart.

Additional details:

Duration 7 days. 6 days alpine mountaineering.

Guiding ratio. Having a ratio of 1:2 for days 1-4 gives excellent flexibility for the training climbs. The accepted ratio for guiding the Matterhorn is 1:1 and this must be adhered to.