hiking matterhorn tour

Leave Zermatt by train to Saint Nicklaus where you catch a gondola to Jungu (1955m), a charming mountain village facing Mischabel's towering summit and surrounding peaks. From here, hike out of the sweet-smelling coniferous forest towards the alpine meadows and rocky terrain of Augstbord Pass (2894m). Descend through groves of Arolla pines to the valley floor and the delightful mountain hamlets of Meiden and Gruben (1825m).

Start the day's hike in Turtmann (Tourtemagne) Valley. Enjoy a long leisurely climb to Forlcetta Pass (2874m), where awe-inspiring views from the Dent Blanche to Mt. Blanc await. In Val d'Anniviers, a cornucopia of glacier-capped 4000m peaks rise high above the valley floor. Continue hiking until you reach the town of Zinal (1675m).

Transfer by local bus to the beautiful Swiss village of Grimentz, and then continue on to Moiry Lake (2250m). Hike through the beautiful alpine pastures on your ascent to Col de Torrent Pass (2918m), located above peaceful Autannes Lake. Views of the Dent Blanche and Grand Cornier mark the now glacier-covered horizon from east to west. Hike through picturesque alpine meadows as you descend from the pass towards Mayens de Cotters (2057m) and La Sage (1644m). Transfer by Swiss postal bus from Haudères Valley, with its characteristically quaint chalets, to Arolla.

The day starts early at the foot of the Arolla Glacier, a vast, incredibly beautiful, even stretch of glacier that is easy to hike. The surrounding summits and Col du Collon Pass create a fantastic high-mountain environment. At 3087 meters elevation, this strategic crossing point between Italy and Switzerland has historically been used by shepherds and their herds. Hike down from the pass through varied landscapes, from high-mountain glaciers to the valley floor by way of alpine meadows and thick forests. Eat dinner and spend the night in the Prarayer Hut (2005m) at the bottom of the valley.

The restored historic trail that leads to the next valley over includes a few steep and airy sections. Along the last hanging valley before Valcounera Pass (3072m), listen as each step echoes off the rocks, boulders, and cliffs of all shapes and sizes. What an incredible setting! After crossing over the pass, make the quick descent to the Perucca-Vuillermoz Hut (2909), with its beautiful lakes and waterfalls, for a well-earned break. The Matterhorn, somewhat hidden until now, looms impressively above, the mountain's immense Italian side towering over the entire landscape when you arrive at Fenêtre de Tsignanaz notch (2445m). Along the trail, descend to Les Perrères, and then transfer by bus to the mountain resort of Breuil-Cervinia (2006m).

After a fitful night's sleep in the valley, take gondola and lifts to higher ground and the top of Testa Grigia (3480m). In this mind-blowing high-mountain environment, your Italian mountain guide will take across Rosa Plateau and the Theodul Glacier. Now back on the Swiss side of the border, this excursion takes you within arm's reach of the legendary Matterhorn. Cross the glacier to Trockener Steg (2939m), and then continue on foot to Schwarzee (2583m). Stand breathless and stare in awe at the most photogenic and famous side of the Matterhorn. The rocky, glacier-covered terrain is simply incredible. The trail to Zmutt slowly leads you away from the glaciers and to the area's beautiful, flower-covered alpine meadows. From there, walk through lush green pastures on your way to Zermatt. Say your goodbyes at the end of the afternoon.

Note: For those who would like to finish their trip with a bang by climbing the Breithorn, (4164m), one of the area's "easy" 4000-meter peaks, go to the "Additional Services" page.