Included:

• • An experienced, UIAGM/IFMGA guide with extensive knowledge of the area (one guide per one participant)
  • 4-day guided Matterhorn summit
  • Accommodation for 4 nights in hotel & refuges, as in the itinerary
  • 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • Group equipment (ropes, carabiners)

Add-ons — rental available, let us know if you need it upon checkout

• • Helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe, boots

Not included:

• • Flights to Switzerland
  • Lunches for you and the guide
  • Cable cars for you and the guide
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Dropoffs
  • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Travel and medical insurance — optional

Climbing Matterhorn is tough and requires excellent physical condition and previous winter mountaineering experience at high altitudes. Progression above 4,000 m (1,3000 ft) is more tiring than at lower altitudes (due to the lack of oxygen). If you have previous winter mountaineering experience and have already summited another, or better yet, multiple, 4,000-meter (1,3000-ft) peaks of intermediate difficulty, you can sign up for this adventure.

Here are some other prerequisites:

• • Knowledge of safety and progression techniques in winter mountaineering and glacial terrain
  • You know your way around snow or mixed ridges
  • You’re familiar with preservation and all safety techniques in case of a crevasse fall
  • You’ve already climbed beginner and intermediate level peaks (e.g. Western Breithorn, Gran Paradiso, Monte Castore, Monte Rosa, Mount Pollux, Mont Blanc…)

This Matterhorn guided climb is considered to be advanced level climbing, so making sure you check all the boxes is a must. Safety is a top priority. If you’ve overestimated your skills, you’re inadequately trained and you’re moving too slowly, to the point where the guide cannot ensure a safe continuation of the tour, the guide has the right to stop the tour at any moment due to safety concerns.

This Matterhorn guided climb has been designed to reach the summit in 3 days instead of the traditional 2. This extended timeframe increases the chances of success from a 50% probability to 70–80%.

Typically, the climb involves both ascent and descent in one go. However, with this approach, you’ll also traverse the Central and Western Breithorn on the second day via the rocky and stunning East Ridge, which aids acclimatization. The descent from the Matterhorn summit will then be more relaxed, allowing you to rest comfortably at the Hörnlihütte refuge after this unforgettable experience.

Approximately 3,000 people attempt to summit the Matterhorn every year. Still, since the first ascent in 1865, more than 500 people have died while climbing or descending Matterhorn (three to four per year).

This is why going out with an expert, certified, knowledgeable, and experienced guide will make your Matterhorn attempt significantly safer. There are no crevasse, serac or avalanche hazards on the Hörnli ridge, but the complicated route-finding, exposed climbing sections with a risk of falling, altitude, rock fall, and length make it a significant challenge.

Safety is a top priority. If you’ve overestimated your skills, you’re inadequately trained and you’re moving too slowly, to the point where the guide cannot ensure a safe continuation of the tour, the guide has the right to stop the tour at any moment due to safety concerns.

Summiting any peak is never guaranteed. While careful preparation, an experienced guide, and favorable weather significantly increase the chances, success ultimately depends on factors like physical fitness, acclimatization, climbing skills, and unpredictable mountain conditions. Even with the best planning, safety always takes priority, and unforeseen challenges may require turning back.

Proper preparation is crucial for this Matterhorn guided climb. Here’s a list of personal equipment and clothing you need to bring?

• • Backpack large enough to carry everything you’ll need (around a 30-40L bag)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Thermal sweater
  • Softshell or fleece
  • Ski socks
  • Cap, headband, neck warmer, balaclava
  • Waterproof shell & warm down jacket
  • Trousers (softshell, goretex, or similar)
  • Hat or headband
  • Two pairs of snow gloves (one warm and one lighter, more sensitive)
  • Fog mask and sunglasses
  • SPF protection
  • Sheet bag
  • Telescopic poles
  • Crampon-compatible boots (crampon insert at least in the heel)
  • Snacks (bars, dried fruit, gel)
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Here’s a list of mountaineering equipment you need to bring:

• • Harness
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Boots
  • Helmet

It’s possible to rent mountaineering equipment. Please let us know upon checkout if you require any help.

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Group sizes and pricing

• • For this Matterhorn guided climb, there will be one guide per one participant. If more people decide to join, there will be an extra guide added for every single participant.
  • There are no fixed dates, you can choose your preferred departure from July through mid-September. Keep in mind that your guides need to confirm hut availability, which is when your departure will be confirmed.

Matterhorn guided climbs can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.

The starting point of your Matterhorn guided climb is either Zermatt or Cervinia. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA).

Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach Zermatt, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!

If you’re heading towards Cervinia, you can also consider Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). Depending on where you land and whether you rent a car or go by public transport, it will take you anywhere between 2.5 to 6 hours to reach Cervinia.

You’ll meet your guide at around 4pm, which is when you’ll have a briefing and then ascend by lift to the Matterhorn Guide Refuge.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.