We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:

• Push Your Limits - Climb the the most iconic peak in Europe, the Matterhorn!
• The Route - The Hornli Ridge Route on the Matterhorn is strenuous, high-altitude 4,478 m (14,692 ft) alpine rock climbing.
• European Huts - No camping required!  We'll base from the Hornli Hut to tackle this long alpine climb, eating a proper dinner & breakfast prepared by the hut cooks!
• Summit Attempt - We'll wake early to attempt the summit.  The day will pose many challenges and boasts unreal exposure and incredible views. Climbing on the Matterhorn is really fun and constantly engaging!
• Descent - After taking a few moments on the summit, it’s time to descend. We reverse our route from the ascent by downclimbing, lowering and rappelling. It is difficult, time-consuming and typically takes as long or longer than the ascent. Be ready for engaging down-climbing!

Gear Check in Zermatt, Switzerland. Our guides 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.

We’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 Gondola we'll hike from to the Hornli Hut (about 2.5 hours) where we'll settle into our bunks and organize our gear for the climb before enjoying an excellent dinner from the hut cooks. 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 hot 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 and cold drinks.

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.

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:

• Intermediate Alpine Climbing Experience - Including cramponing and ice axe techniques including self arrest practice, basic rope skills. You should feel comfortable on steep, firm slopes of 40 degrees or more.
• Glacier Travel Experience - You should have experience on travelling on crevassed glaciers on a rope team.


• Excellent fitness - Able to spend 12-16 continuous hours outside, moving uphill at over 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-2 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 12-15 miles, climbing 3,000-6,000 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with excellent fitness typically have a strenuous workout 4-6 days per week. Be ready for a difficult day in the mountains!


• Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us

Here's what's included with your trip:

• IFMGA / UIAA Licensed Mountain Guide
• Lift from Zermatt to Schwarzee, round trip
• 2 Nights Half Board at the Hornli Hutte (Dinner and Breakfast)
• Ropes & Group Climbing Gear

• Bottled Water or Extra Food at Huts
• Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness, Locking Carabiner
• Sleeping Bag Liner for Huts
• Personal Climbing Gear and Layers
• Guide Gratuities

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

• Ice Axe
• Crampons
• Climbing Harness
• 3x Action Locking Carabiner

• Headlamp
• Sleeping Bag Liner