Climb the Matterhorn (1:1)

A fantastic week of 1:1 guided mountaineering culminating in climbing the Matterhorn, one of Switzerlands most famous peaks, with British IFMGA Mountain Guides.

In just a one week trip, 1:1 guiding for the full 6 days ensures maximum climbing time, acclimatising with more technical climbing at AD level. After an initial 3 days of acclimatisation you will head to Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn by the Hornli or Italian ridge.

The difficulty and physical challenge of climbing the Matterhorn should not be underestimated. It offers very long and sustained rock climbing, with some strenuous sections on fixed ropes and spectacular exposure. The terrain is very different from snow peaks like Mont Blanc. Recent rock climbing and scrambling training plus winter mountaineering experience is essential for a safe and enjoyable ascent. A couple of days' prior personal acclimatisation before the trip is helpful.

Thanks to Dave Kenyon (British IFMGA Mountain Guide) for this video shot from the summit:

Typical itinerary in good conditions:

Day 1: Traverse of Petit Dent de Veisivi (3184m) - a high-quality rock scramble of AD (grade III) standard

Days 2-3: Ascend to Vignettes Hut (3158m) above Arolla and traverse Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3869m)(AD-) a classic mixed route at high-altitude

Days 4-6: Drive to Zermatt and walk in to Hornli hut. Climb the Matterhorn by the Hörnli or Italian Ridge (AD or AD+); return to Evolène

One day within these last three is "floating" to allow flexibility with summit timing to make the best of weather and mountain conditions. It can be used for rock climbing or single day ascents of alpine routes in the Arolla area (e.g. Couronne de Breona).

"Eiger / Matterhorn Double"

This 1:1 guiding week can be used to climb both the Matterhorn and the Eiger for a guiding supplement of £400. Please add this on your booking form in the "Extra's" box if required. Note: if planning to attempt both summits in 6 days, clients must have acclimatised beforehand and be able to demonstrate their climbing ability is suitable for such technical routes from the outset (e.g. having completed a suitable mountaineering course with Frost Guiding in the previous week).

Discount available for booking to climb the Matterhorn as a group of 2. Acclimatise together at a guiding ratio of 2:1 for 3 days, then spend the second half of the week at a 1:1 ratio.

Second hut night: Clients booking this trip who require a second night on the Matterhorn due to missing the last lift (slow ascent/descent) are required to pay their own and their guides hut expenses for the second night. This happens rarely and is not reflected in the estimated expenses of CHF365.

What our clients say:

"We were prepared really well for Matterhorn. Tamsin was excellent. She went out of her way to make sure that I was comfortable, confident and enjoying myself. I was very grateful for her sensitive guiding style." Charmaine 2018

"Dave and Tamsin were patient and extremely safety-conscious guides. Their advice during the week was incredibly valuable and I always felt safe, even when I was considerably out of my comfort zone." MJ 2018

For information on accommodation and what's included in our Climb the Matterhorn price click here.