• Climb the Matterhorn in 2 Days

  • Climb the Matterhorn in 2 Days

  • Climb the Matterhorn in 2 Days

  • Climb the Matterhorn in 2 Days

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  • Length

    2/3 days

  • Where

    Western Alps

  • Number of participants

    Max 1 per Guide

  • Price

    1400 € in 2 days + 350 euro if you decide to do it in 3 days.

UPDATE SUMMER 2023: The Carrel hut will be closed for renovation works in the summer of 2023. As a result, the ascent to the summit will be made from the Swiss side or, for highly trained climbers, starting from the Oriondè refuge on the Italian side.

The Matterhorn is considered an icon in the Alps, probably due to its emblematic shape. When we were young, we used to draw mountains like perfect pyramids, didn’t we? The Matterhorn’s iconic shape is made even more impressive by the absence of other high mountains in the surrounding area.

The legendary “King” has always attracted the attention of mountaineers. Climbing it from both the Italian and Swiss sides requires good climbing experience and intensive training. Although it does not pose significant technical difficulties (thanks to the presence of fixed ropes that facilitate the climb), it is still a challenging ascent with many exposed and difficult sections.

Depending on the chosen side of the climb, on the first day, we will either arrive at the Carrel on the Italian side or the Hörnli hut on the Swiss side. In the first case, the day will be quite challenging as the shelter is located at 3830 m. On the other hand, if the easier (but still challenging) pathway through Switzerland is chosen, it will take approximately 2.5 hours to walk from Schwarzsee station to reach the hut. The hut was completely rebuilt in 2015 on the 150th anniversary of the Matterhorn’s first ascent.

On the second day, the climb will take approximately 4 to 5 hours from both sides. The descent, which is always the most complicated part of climbing the Matterhorn, does not require abseiling. It’s all about having a deep knowledge of the route. The guide will always prioritize your safety, indicating the right direction at various crossroads that can mislead those unfamiliar with the mountain.

For those who want to climb the Matterhorn in the most complete and beautiful way, it is possible to cross it in two or three days (up the Swiss side and down the Italian side) with an overnight stay at the Carrel and/or at the Hörnli hut.

DatesLengthPriceAvailability
On demand, from the beginning of July. 2/3 days1400 € in 2 days + 350 euro if you decide to do it in 3 days.yes

The price includes: IFMGA Mountain Guides fees.

The price does not include: lifts, half-board at the Hörnli hut or overnight at the Carrel hut (closed for the summer 2023) for you and the Guide, transfer Cervinia-Oriondè hut with 4X4, extra, everything not mentioned at the voice “The price includes”.

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  • On the way to the Hornly Hut

Day 1: Cervinia – Carrel Hut or Cervinia – Hörnli Hut

ITALIAN ROUTE

Meeting with the guide in Cervinia for a gear check, followed by a 4X4 transfer to the Oriondè hut. From there, it will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to reach the Carrel hut. The path is initially easy, with few technical difficulties. Upon reaching the Lion Col, we will encounter the first set of fixed ropes. Just before reaching the hut, we will need to climb the ‘Cheminèe,’ which is one of the most challenging parts of the Italian route. Shortly after, we will arrive at the hut.

SWISS ROUTE

Meeting with the guide in Cervinia for a gear check. Utilizing the lift system, we will cross into Switzerland and arrive at the Schwarzsee station. From there, an easy walk of about 2.5 hours will lead us to the Hörnli hut.

Day 2: Summit Day

ITALIAN ROUTE

An early start! Just outside the hut, the first fixed rope awaits us… and it’s a notable one, known as the ‘Wake-up’ rope! Climbing the Matterhorn feels like stepping back in time, as every place and corner has its own name here, harkening back to the first ascent. It’s like being inside a museum: Rochers des Ecritures, Jordan ladder, Grand Corde, and Pic Tyndall are just a few of the names that remind us of the audacious and brave mountaineers who ventured up here long ago. We must be humble and reflect upon their courage.

We will ascend slowly but steadily and reach the summit (usually) in approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from the hut. The descent follows a similar timeframe, often taking even a bit longer than the ascent.

After a brief break at the hut, we will continue our descent to return to the Oriondè hut, where a refreshing beer and the awaiting taxi will be waiting for us!

SWISS ROUTE

From the Swiss side as well, we will begin our climb early since the Swiss route is slightly longer than the Italian route. The overall elevation gain is higher, but the difficulties are somewhat easier. It will take us approximately 4 to 5 hours to reach the summit. The descent can follow the same route (taking about 4 to 5 hours) or you may choose to take the Italian route if you opt for the Traverse of the Matterhorn, which, in our opinion, is the best way to conquer this mountain.

After returning to the Hörnli hut and taking the lift back to Cervinia, you also have the option to book an extra day to relax and stay at the Schwarzsee Hotel. On the following day, you can enjoy your cold beer while admiring the Matterhorn, reminiscing about the glorious day you had!

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Gear List

Clothes

Warm Hat

Breathable layers (Merino’s bes option)

2

Windstopper

Downjacket

Gore-Tex (or similar) Jacket

Stretch Pants

Thin Gloves (5 fingers)

Thick Gloves (5 fingers - no meets)

Technical Gear

Technical Boots (B2)

Backpack 30-35 lt.

Technical Crampons (no aluminium) with anti-balling plates

Harness

Helmet

1 Carabiner with Screw Gate

1 Daisy Chain/Sling 120 cm

Sun Glasses

Goggle

Classic Ice-Axe

Extra

Head Torch with new batteries

Thermos or Flask or Camelback

Sun Cream + lips

Liner

Passport

Personal Medicaments

Some Snacks for the climb (power-bars, gel, dry-fruit)

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