Climb Matterhorn
Learn to climb technical rock and summit Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is one of the most majestic of Alpine peaks. Standing at 4,478m, its near perfect shape stands alone dominating the Zermatt skyline. One of Chamonix Experience’s mountain guides can help you get to the summit.
We normally follow the route that was first climbed in 1865 by Edward Whymper via the famous Hornli hut and Hornli Ridge. Although this is the ‘ordinary’ route on the mountain, its difficulties must not be underestimated - it is long and demands constant concentration. Although the rock on the ridge itself is good, the first part of the route follows the east face, slightly to the left of the ridge where the rock is slabby and loose.
Above the Solvay refuge there are fixed ropes for the more difficult pitches of climbing. From here onwards, the upper part of the climbing route is usually snow covered, requiring the use of crampons. On average, the summit climb takes approximately five to six hours and the same to get back down.
Because of the rather technical nature of this alpine climb, it is essential that you have previous experience of climbing rock in mountaineering boots and climbing rock, ice and snow with crampons. You should be used to moving together on fairly exposed terrain and be sure on your feet. With all this in mind we have put together a six-day programme. You spend the first 4 days doing technical climbing in the Mont Blanc range on a guide to client ratio of 1:2. You will get to experience interesting and less frequented mountaineering itineraries. The last two days you have one guide to yourself for a safe and successful ascent of the Matterhorn.
Accommodation in fully catered comfortable chalet
During the Matterhorn course you will be staying at the Yeti Lodge, a comfortable chalet located in the charming village of Argentière, close to our office and sport shop for your convenience.
The chalet has a large sunny terrace with a superb view of Mont Blanc. The bright and airy rooms are twin or triple bedded, so you should be prepared to share with one or two course participants. All meals (breakfast, lunch packs, afternoon tea and three-course dinner) are included and prepared by our hosts, so you can relax and fully enjoy the course.
For more information about the Yeti lodge look under Accommodation.
Details
Duration: 6 Days
You should plan to arrive Sunday before course start date and depart Sunday after course finish date. Accommodation and meals included.
2009 Dates:
July 06 - 11
July 20-25
August 03 - 08
August 31 - 05 September
Group Size: 2-4
Ratio: 1:2 day 1-4 and 1:1 day 5-6
Included: Guide fee, group equipment, 5 nights half board chalet accommodation on a twin or triple share basis at the Yeti Lodge, lunch packs, lifts, 2 refuge nights with dinner and breakfast, local transport including return transport Chamonix-Zermatt
Not included: Personal equipment, mountain rescue insurance, airport transfers
Equipment: See Equipment List or contact our office.
Price: 2,795€ per person
For whom: Climbers and mountaineers with a good level of fitness and previous experience of alpine climbing and rock climbing with and without crampons. You should have done the Alpine Climbing course or something similar before climbing the Matterhorn.
