Tour Overview
At just under four and a half thousand metres in height, the Matterhorn is probably the world's most instantly recognisable mountain. This challenging circuit around the Matterhorn has been described as one of the most beautiful treks in the world. The trek certainly has it all; alpine meadows, larch forests, rugged cols, high balcony paths, glacier crossings and views of all sides of the Matterhorn, as well as 25 other peaks of more than 4000 metres. The trip follows ancient trade routes through six valleys and three distinctly different cultures. We pass through the Germanic High Valais, the French-speaking central Valais and the Italian Val D'Aosta, to forgotten meadows and grazing areas where life seems little changed over the centuries. Walking & Trekking Newsletter - Dave Richardson, Sales Consultant and Mark Faulkner, Tour Leader write about Views of the Matterhorn (26 March 2009).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1The trek leader will give a full trip briefing and offer advice on packing your walking kit. Spare clothes and bags can be stored at the hotel whilst a change of clothes can be left in a group bag to be sent to Zermatt for day 7.
Day 2
Gruben From St Niklaus we catch the small cable car to Jungu at 1,968m where we begin our trek. Climbing steadily through forests and boulder fields we have evermore-impressive views of the surrounding peaks of the Weisshorn, Kleine Matterhorn and Taschorn. Our high point of the day is the Augstbordpass at 2,894m with splendid views of the Dom, the highest mountain entirely in Switzerland. This is also where we leave the main Zermatt Valley, the Mattertal. From the pass we descend via a well-graded path to Gruben and our accommodation. Ascent 950m. Descent 1075m. Approx 6-7 hours walking.
Day 3
We set off from Gruben this morning, reliant on only the strength of our legs, and climb steadily on a forest track with splendid views over the Bishorn and the north face of the Weisshorn before rising above the tree line and heading for the Forcletta pass at 2874m. Our path now descends steadily into the Val d’Annivers before levelling out to a balcony path overlooking the Val de Zinal and finally descending steeply to the village of Zinal where we spend the night. Ascent 1052m. Descent 1215m. Approx 8 hours walking.
Day 4
Today we up the pace a little and climb not one but two cols, both just shy of 3000m. However, thanks to the wonders of Swiss engineering, we start our day with a fabulous cable-car ride, avoiding 2 hours trudging in thick forest, and arrive at a high alp from where we start our climb to the Col de Sorebois, 2,835m. From here we descend towards Lake Moiry 2,250m. Conditions underfoot are good allowing us to make good time on this section. We then climb again towards our second col of the day, Col de Torrent at 2,916m. From the pass we are rewarded with stunning views of the Grand Combin, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, the Dent Blanche and the Pigne d’Arolla. We descend on a good path into the valley and take the post bus to Arolla. In the evening there will be time to collect a change of clothes and organise mountaineering equipment if necessary. Ascent 1180m. Descent 1750m. Approx. 7-8hrs of walking.
Day 5
Finally a chance to get up onto the snow and explore these fantastic peaks that till now we have only admired from afar. Led today by our Mountain Guide, we’re heading for the glacier! We follow the stream as we start today’s climb, before coming alongside the Arolla Glacier and finally up onto it. If appropriate we rope up, a normal precaution for glacier travel, although for the most part the glacier is gentle and easy under foot. Our goal today is our highest col so far, the Col Collon 3,082m, and once reached we start our descent into Italy leaving the snow behind. Our destination, Prarayer, set at the base of a steep-sided valley, where we will overnight in a charming mountain refuge bordering a stunning aqua blue lake. Today’s descent has a steep section with some exposed ground fitted with metal steps to aid safe passage. Ascent 1165m. Descent 1215m.
Day 6
The fun is by no means over and the challenges just keep on coming. Let’s hope you made the most of the hearty mountain staples as today you will have plenty of opportunity to burn them off. Today’s route is one of the least known, yet most enjoyable sections of the whole Tour. It is not for the faint hearted for as we climb out of the Valcournera we head up onto steep, exposed ground equipped with short sections of cables and metal steps. Finally we reach our goal, the Col de Valcournera 3066m, and after a short break begin our descent towards the spectacular glacial Cignana (dragon) lakes. It is possible we will hit the snow again, and care should be taken over this section. We sleep tonight in Cervinia, at the Italian foot of the Matterhorn, where the head of the valley is dominated by an imposing South Face. Ascent 1475m. Descent 1445m. Approx. 7-8hrs walking.
Day 7
Today is another physically demanding day and due to its spectacular location surrounded by 4000m peaks, also very weather dependant! Fortunately help is at hand and we use the cable car from Cervinia to Plan Maison to assist our ascent to our highest pass yet, the Col Theodule, 3317m. To the left the towering massif of the Matterhorn, to the right, the snow-covered bulk of the Breithorn, at 4164m a very popular 4000m goal and climbed by many. We’ll have time to enjoy the views and might have a break at the Theodule refuge before we meet up with our mountain guide and descend across the Theodule Glacier to Gandegg, where we pick up the picturesque path to Zermatt. We’ve arrived at one of the most famous villages in the Alps, so prepare to leave behind the peace and quiet and join the hoards of shoppers and tourists. Our group bag will also be waiting for us at the hotel allowing you access to clean clothes and the opportunity to lighten your load and transfer un-needed kit to the finish point. Ascent 835m. Descent 1860m. Approx 7hrs walking.
Day 8
Just as you feel like we should be winding down, the views just keep getting better and better. We will start with a couple of hours steep climbing to the small hamlet of Tufteren, from where we join the Europaweg, a newly constructed trail that traverses high along the Mattertal, under the mighty bulk of the Dom. To the south west our views are dominated by the stunning silhouette of the Matterhorn, before we leave her behind and contour around Tasch Alp, to then rejoin the Mattertal and some more airy sections of today’s trail. There are tunnels, boulders and a steep ascent to negotiate before we reach the hut and a welcome cold drink. Ascent 1480m. Descent 865m. Approx 8hrs walking.
Day 9
End St Niklaus.
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