Swiss Alps - Matterhorn Circuit
Price from: £1095.00
Ref No: Activus 031
8 Days Classic circuit of Europe's most famous mountain
A demanding excursion around one of the world's most iconic mountains and a testing progression for those who have completed the Tour du Mont Blanc.
- Highlights
- Views of the Matterhorn
- Arolla Glacier
- Lake Stellisee
- Overnight in Europa Hut
Glaciers and glaciated mountains are a major feature of the Tour of the Matterhorn which provide spectacular alpine views combined with diverse terrain as we traverse at high altitude crossing cols of over 3000m, where snow often remains well into June. Highlights include innumerable views of the Matterhorn from all angles, the Arolla Glacier, the Stellisee, a night in the spectacular surroundings of the Europa Hut and stunning alpine panoramas.
However, the trek is tough and weather conditions can have a strong influence and it also requires glacial travel techniques for crossing some of the passes, and a good level of fitness is essential for this high altitude traverse. As a comparison this tour is considerably more demanding than the Tour du Mont Blanc and involves walking up to 7 hours per day with some extra long days and a one day section on glacial terrain from Arolla to the Prarayer Refuge that is classed as mountaineering which requires basic mountaineering equipment and is lead by an International Mountain Guide.
This trip includes considerable ascent and descent and you will need to carry all of your own equipment, however, you will have access to your bags at Arolla where you will be able to change clothes and collect your mountaineering equipment that will be required on the technical leg across the Arolla Glacier. On this challenging walk you will receive expert guidance from our experienced Guide and have the opportunity to learn about essential mountaineering skills necessary for safe walking on glaciated terrain.
The Tour of the Matterhorn is a progression for those who have done some Alpine trekking; however, at 145km the route is long and sustained and requires good stamina and fitness.
Activity Information
Duration: 10 Days / 8 days trekking
Group size: 6-12
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly to Geneva and transfer to our hotel in St. Niklaus |
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Day 2 | Today starts with a cable car to the delighful hamlet of Jungen followed by a trek over the Augstbordpass (2894m) to our overnight stop at Gruben |
Day 3 | Today we trek via the Forcletta Pass to our overnmight stop at Zinal |
Day 4 | Our day is more challenging as we cross 2 cols on our way to Arolla |
Day 5 | We trek across the Arolla Glacier and on to Col Collon as we make our way to our overnight stop at the Prarayer Refuge |
Day 6 | Today provides one of the more difficult sections on our route ascending to the Col de Valcournera and passing glacial lakes on our way to our overnight stop at Cervinia |
Day 7 | Today is long and sustained with stunning views as we head over the Col Theodule (3317m) between the Matterhorn and Breithorn before our overnight stop at Zermatt |
Day 8 | Spectacular alpine views traversing at high altitude on the new Europaweg beneath the Dom high above the Mattertal Valley; which includes sections of cables, fixed ropes and tunnels as we make our way to the spectacularly located Europahutte Refuge |
Day 9 | Our second day on the Europaweg provides spectacular views as we make our way along narrow paths with some exposed sections before descending to Grachen from where we make our final short journey by road to our hotel at St. Niklaus |
Day 10 | Depart after breakfast for transfer to Geneva and flight home |
Dates and Prices Info
Available in June, July, August and September - Minimum group size 6 people
What's Included?
- Full event planning and client liaison
- Experienced International Mountain Leader
- 9 nights Dormitory accommodation or twin-share hotel - breakfast and dinner
- Local buses to start and finish walks
- Discount outdoor clothing voucher for Cotswold Outdoor and Montane
Not Included
- Flights and airport transfers from Geneva to St Niklaus
- Personal expenses
- Lunches, daytime snacks and drinks
- Baggage drop off except for nights 6, 7 and 8 and return baggage to Chamonix
- Travel insurance
Information
These trips are scheduled upon demand and there are currently no dates planned for 2011. For latest availability and prices please contact us.
Ask Activus
If you have any questions about this activity please do not hesitate to ask.
Group Offers:
+44 (0)17687 75337