The Matterhorn casting its impressive shadow on the Breithorn Massif in the Valais Alps of Switzerland.  Photo: Zeb Blais

Our team reached the summit of Matterhorn on July 11, 2025 climbing by the Hornli Ridge Route.  We lucked out and got the best weather of the week and were able to climb in superb conditions!  

IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais Summarizes the Trip:

Climbers queuing up for their attempts on the Matterhorn.  The start of the climb is hectic and fast paced.  As is the rest of the climb :)  Photo: Zeb Blais

Threading the needle between two unsettled storm systems, we got two days of nearly perfect weather for our climb of the Matterhorn.  Our approach was sunny, but not overly hot and we enjoyed the views on the approach to the Hornli Hut.

On the approach to the Hornli Hut to climb the Matterhorn.  Photo: Zeb Blais

The snow that had stuck to the mountain only a few days prior was clearing quickly, and we were enthused by climbers we passed who had made the summit earlier that day.  Conditions were lining up for a perfect summit day!

Climbers low on the Hornli Ridge of the Matterhorn in the early hours of the morning.  Photo: Zeb Blais

Snow had all but vanished when we made our summit push on the Matterhorn. 

Looking down at the Hornli Hut (upper center in photo) from the Hornli Ridge of the Matterhorn.  The steep Southeast face is on the left side of the photo.  Photo: Zeb Blais

Climbers approaching the fixed lines on the Matterhorn Hornli Ridge.  Photo: Zeb Blais

Ben high on the Matterhorn Hornli Ridge.  Photo: Zeb Blais

A rare flat spot on the Hornli Ridge of the Matterhorn - great spot for a selfie.  Photo: Zeb Blais

Climbers on the fixed ropes of Hornli Ridge of the Matterhorn.  Photo: Zeb Blais

On the Summit of the Matterhorn.  Photo: Zeb Blais

 

Mixed weather hiding the imposing peak of the Matterhorn from the Hornli Hut after the summit.  Clouds dropped an angry centimeter of graupel on the mountain hours after we descended.  Photo: Zeb Blais

Climb The Matterhorn with Blackbird Mountain Guides

Our IFMGA guides know all about the best approaches to climbing the Matterhorn.  From gear selection to mountain strategy, we'll set you up for your best chance for success.  From lifts and trains to hut bookings, start times and hazards on the route, our team will make sure everything runs as smoothly as it can on the mountain.   

The best way prepare for the Matterhorn is to do a few days of Private Climbing with us prior to summit attempt.  This will help you acclimatize to the altitude and ensure that your skills are sharp before we rope up together and climb the most iconic peak in Europe!

Book ahead - Huts Sell Out extremely quickly and our guide team has limited availability!  The best chance of success is to book a full year in advance to get the optimal times for hut reservations in the prime climbing season.

 Climb with us on The Matterhorn!

We're happy to answer any questions you might have about the climb or our guides so reach out today!

About the Author

Zeb Blais is an American / IFMGA Mountain Guide based in North Lake Tahoe, California.  He loves all the disciplines of mountain guiding - ski, rock and alpine climbing - and tries to spend as much time as he can in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.  He has summitted the Matterhorn multiple times, including an early season solo climb (read about it here!).