Our 3-day, hut-based climb of the Hornli Ridge on the Matterhorn is a once in a lifetime experience. Wild exposure, fast pace and engaging climbing are the hallmarks of this iconic peak!
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There is nothing like climbing the Matterhorn!
The Hörli Ridge Route is a wild and sustained climb to the top of Switzerland's most iconic peak. It's a test of cardiovascular fitness, endurance, strength and mental fortitude.
The Approach
We take a lift from Zermatt to 8,500'/2,600m, then hike 2,200' on nice trails to the Hörnli Hut. The hike should take around 2 hours.
The Hörnli Hut
The Hörnli Hut is about as comfortable as mountain life gets! It is a modern Swiss alpine hut with a full staff serving breakfast, lunch for purchase, and dinner. Its dorm rooms are small and comfortable, and it even has a shower!
The Hornli Ridge Route | 4,000' AD+ III
Hornli Ridge is a 4,000' (1200m) long alpine route that covers exposed rock, snow and ice at high altitude. From scrambling to vertical fixed lines to cramponing rock, snow and ice, the Matterhorn is a highly dynamic climb that requires numerous alpine skills.
While technically not difficult, the Matterhorn is a colossal physical challenge that will have even seasoned cardio athletes gasping for air. We start before dawn and set a fast pace as we make our way to the summit at 4,478m.
The Descent
After taking a few moments on the summit, it’s time to descend. The pace remains high as we reverse our route by downclimbing, lowering and rappelling. The descent is typically more time consuming and difficult than the ascent - be ready for engaging down-climbing!
-----All deposits are nonrefundable. Payment in full of the remaining balance is due 180 days before your trip starts.
Please Note: all Matterhorn climbing itineraries are subject to change due to weather/conditions on the mountain/client ability and fitness.
Secure your spot early! Prime dates for the Hörnli Hut often sell out within days of opening for reservations. Have your booking confirmed as early as possible to ensures we can lock in your preferred itinerary!
-----Gear Check in Zermatt, Switzerland. Gear is critical on this fast-paced climb. Your guide will double check that you have all the right gear for the trip and help you minimize weight, decide on the perfect layers, and choose how much food and water to bring.
Day 1We’ll get a casual start, making sure that we have all the necessary gear before we take the Gondola from Zermatt to Schwarzsee. From the Schwarzsee station, we'll hike 2,200' up to the Hornli Hut (about 2 hours) where we'll settle into our bunks and organize our gear for the climb before enjoying an excellent dinner provided by the hut staff. After dinner and desert, we'll get to bed early for the next day's alpine start.
A predawn start will leave us time for a long day of climbing at altitude. We’ll start with a quick breakfast from the hut, gear up and head out for the summit via the Hornli Ridge Route. We’ll climb just under 4,000' (1200m) of alpine rock and snow to reach the summit of the Matterhorn. From our high point, we’ll descend back to Hornli Hut where we’ll enjoy freshly cooked food, cold drinks and settle in for the night.
We’ll get breakfast at the Hut, descend back to the gondola and take the lift back to town when the tram opens in the morning.
This itinerary has a proven track record of success. By having two nights at the Hörnli Hut, we afford ourselves more time on summit day and it provides more options for inclement weather and conditions. It is possible to attempt a summit on Day 3 if we need to climb and return to the lift in one day, and we reserve that as an option if necessary.
Please note that all Matterhorn climbing itineraries are subject to change due to weather/conditions on the mountain/client ability and fitness.
Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:
Here's what's included with your trip:
Huts really simplify the gear needed for alpine climbing in the Alps. Download our Matterhorn Hornli Hutte Based Alpine Climbing Gear List Here:
🔽 Download the Matterhorn Hornli Ridge Gear List
Download our List above for the full Matterhorn Hornli Ridge Gear List, but here are a few items to get you started:
Mountaineering Gear
Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.
Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!
Gear Check in Zermatt, Switzerland. Gear is critical on this fast-paced climb. Your guide will double check that you have all the right gear for the trip and help you minimize weight, decide on the perfect layers, and choose how much food and water to bring.
Day 1We’ll get a casual start, making sure that we have all the necessary gear before we take the Gondola from Zermatt to Schwarzsee. From the Schwarzsee station, we'll hike 2,200' up to the Hornli Hut (about 2 hours) where we'll settle into our bunks and organize our gear for the climb before enjoying an excellent dinner provided by the hut staff. After dinner and desert, we'll get to bed early for the next day's alpine start.
A predawn start will leave us time for a long day of climbing at altitude. We’ll start with a quick breakfast from the hut, gear up and head out for the summit via the Hornli Ridge Route. We’ll climb just under 4,000' (1200m) of alpine rock and snow to reach the summit of the Matterhorn. From our high point, we’ll descend back to Hornli Hut where we’ll enjoy freshly cooked food, cold drinks and settle in for the night.
We’ll get breakfast at the Hut, descend back to the gondola and take the lift back to town when the tram opens in the morning.
This itinerary has a proven track record of success. By having two nights at the Hörnli Hut, we afford ourselves more time on summit day and it provides more options for inclement weather and conditions. It is possible to attempt a summit on Day 3 if we need to climb and return to the lift in one day, and we reserve that as an option if necessary.
Please note that all Matterhorn climbing itineraries are subject to change due to weather/conditions on the mountain/client ability and fitness.
There is nothing like climbing the Matterhorn!
The Hörli Ridge Route is a wild and sustained climb to the top of Switzerland's most iconic peak. It's a test of cardiovascular fitness, endurance, strength and mental fortitude.
The Approach
We take a lift from Zermatt to 8,500'/2,600m, then hike 2,200' on nice trails to the Hörnli Hut. The hike should take around 2 hours.
The Hörnli Hut
The Hörnli Hut is about as comfortable as mountain life gets! It is a modern Swiss alpine hut with a full staff serving breakfast, lunch for purchase, and dinner. Its dorm rooms are small and comfortable, and it even has a shower!
The Hornli Ridge Route | 4,000' AD+ III
Hornli Ridge is a 4,000' (1200m) long alpine route that covers exposed rock, snow and ice at high altitude. From scrambling to vertical fixed lines to cramponing rock, snow and ice, the Matterhorn is a highly dynamic climb that requires numerous alpine skills.
While technically not difficult, the Matterhorn is a colossal physical challenge that will have even seasoned cardio athletes gasping for air. We start before dawn and set a fast pace as we make our way to the summit at 4,478m.
The Descent
After taking a few moments on the summit, it’s time to descend. The pace remains high as we reverse our route by downclimbing, lowering and rappelling. The descent is typically more time consuming and difficult than the ascent - be ready for engaging down-climbing!
-----All deposits are nonrefundable. Payment in full of the remaining balance is due 180 days before your trip starts.
Please Note: all Matterhorn climbing itineraries are subject to change due to weather/conditions on the mountain/client ability and fitness.
Secure your spot early! Prime dates for the Hörnli Hut often sell out within days of opening for reservations. Have your booking confirmed as early as possible to ensures we can lock in your preferred itinerary!
-----Gear Check in Zermatt, Switzerland. Gear is critical on this fast-paced climb. Your guide will double check that you have all the right gear for the trip and help you minimize weight, decide on the perfect layers, and choose how much food and water to bring.
Day 1We’ll get a casual start, making sure that we have all the necessary gear before we take the Gondola from Zermatt to Schwarzsee. From the Schwarzsee station, we'll hike 2,200' up to the Hornli Hut (about 2 hours) where we'll settle into our bunks and organize our gear for the climb before enjoying an excellent dinner provided by the hut staff. After dinner and desert, we'll get to bed early for the next day's alpine start.
A predawn start will leave us time for a long day of climbing at altitude. We’ll start with a quick breakfast from the hut, gear up and head out for the summit via the Hornli Ridge Route. We’ll climb just under 4,000' (1200m) of alpine rock and snow to reach the summit of the Matterhorn. From our high point, we’ll descend back to Hornli Hut where we’ll enjoy freshly cooked food, cold drinks and settle in for the night.
We’ll get breakfast at the Hut, descend back to the gondola and take the lift back to town when the tram opens in the morning.
This itinerary has a proven track record of success. By having two nights at the Hörnli Hut, we afford ourselves more time on summit day and it provides more options for inclement weather and conditions. It is possible to attempt a summit on Day 3 if we need to climb and return to the lift in one day, and we reserve that as an option if necessary.
Please note that all Matterhorn climbing itineraries are subject to change due to weather/conditions on the mountain/client ability and fitness.
Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:
Here's what's included with your trip:
Huts really simplify the gear needed for alpine climbing in the Alps. Download our Matterhorn Hornli Hutte Based Alpine Climbing Gear List Here:
🔽 Download the Matterhorn Hornli Ridge Gear List
Download our List above for the full Matterhorn Hornli Ridge Gear List, but here are a few items to get you started:
Mountaineering Gear
We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!
