MATTERHORN CLIMB EXPERIENCE

The Matterhorn is one of the world's most recognizable mountains. Climbing the Matterhorn is a big achievement for any aspiring alpine climber. The Matterhorn and the Zermatt area are steeped in alpine climbing lore and history from Edward Whympers famous ill-fated first ascent in 1865 to the present day. Although the Matterhorn may be the only peak you see from town, Zermatt is literally surrounded by high quality alpine climbs on iconic peaks.

To prepare for the Matterhorn climb, we will do training and acclimating climbs in the Zermatt area. Zermatt is an idyllic Swiss village surrounded by majestic peaks and great climbing. Our training climbs will get you prepared for climbing the Matterhorn as well as to acclimate properly. Alpine climbs in the Zermatt area include the famous Breithorn half-traverse, Pollux, the Rimpfischorn and rock climbing on the Riffelhorn which has long been a Matterhorn training area. To keep things flexible, the exact choice of training climbs will be chosen based on conditions.

Our Matterhorn climbing trip allows you to experience a great cross-section of Swiss alpine climbing. We sample some of the other excellent climbs in the Zermatt area. Dave Miller, IAG owner and director and IFMGA internationally certified mountain guide personally leads the Matterhorn climbs and has over 8 years of experience guiding the Matterhorn. He is dedicated to help you train and prepare for climbing the Matterhorn and make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Dave has many years of experience guiding in the Zermatt area as well as the rest of the Alps.

Once dialed in on climbing in the alps, it's on to the climbing the Matterhorn itself. We will ascend the famous Hornli Ridge in a long one-day climb in which we will stay in the Hornli Hut the night prior. The ascent of the Hornli Ridge involves endless easy and moderate rock climbing in which speed and efficiency are crucial for a summit success. Near the top we put on crampons for some snow and ice sections. There are some fixed line in places to assist. It is a long day of climbing with awesome exposure and the descent usually takes just as long. Standing atop the small summit of the Matterhorn is the big reward!

Due to the serious nature of the terrain the Matterhorn is guided at a 1:1 ratio which also increases everyone's enjoyment and summit chances. The training climbs are guided at a 1:2 ratio.

We offer our Alps climbing trips as all inclusive private trips that include all lodging, ground transportation,
lift tickets and some food. This is an exceptional value unmatched by other companies.

MATTERHORN CLIMB SKILL & EXPERIENCE LEVEL

Climbers on the Matterhorn climb should have previous ice axe and crampon experience as well as the ability to efficiently and quickly follow 5.7 rock climbs and be in very good to excellent physical condition. The climbing is never too difficult, mostly US 4th and easy 5th class. However, there is the need to move quickly and efficiently in lightweight mountain boots.

MATTERHORN CLIMB GROUND TRANSPORTATION & LODGING

We will arrange and include all the hotel reservations for you with breakfast included in comfortable 3-star hotels. Your guide will travel with you from town to town and we will include travel expenses such as trains and all lift tickets. At the alpine huts, we include all hut fees with breakfast and included. This all allows you to have a worry free trip at an exceptional value.

DATES

Custom dates still available in July, August & early September

COST: 

$6625 for one
$5025 each for two (2:1 ratio for training climbs; 1:1 ratio on the Matterhorn)

INCLUDES

• IFMGA/UIAGM guides and all the guide's expenses at 1:1 guide to guest ratio for the Matterhorn climb and 2:1 ratio for training days

• Logistical support throughout the trip

• All lodging:

  • 5 nights hotel with breakfast included

  • 2 nights alpine huts with breakfast and dinner

• All ground transportation including trains and lift tickets on the normal itinerary.

• All group climbing equipment