Matterhorn Tour
Activity
Difficulty
Duration
Dates
Price
From 1435.00 €
About the Matterhorn trek
Between the typical villages and the alpine atmosphere, this tour is an enchantment on every walking day. A truly varied and sustained adventure around one of the world’s most beautiful mountains. The two extra days at the end of the tour complete a full loop of this legendary circuit.
You will leave with :
Odei
Trekking Guide
“A smile is as important as walking shoes to enjoy and escape into nature.”
Photo gallery of the Matterhorn trek in Switzerland
The Matterhorn trek route
Upcoming departures
What's included in the formula
- Supervision by a French mountain leader and a mountain guide for glacier sections.
- Overnight stays in dormitories.
- Half-board in the accommodation indicated in the program.
- Picnic lunches.
- Transfers indicated in the program.
- Luggage porterage except on D4 and D7.
What's not included in the package
- Cancellation and repatriation assistance insurance to be taken out on registration.
- Beverages other than water at the table.
- Personal hiking and travel equipment.
- Transport to the meeting point on D1.
- Any private transfers or gondolas not included in the program.
- Return transfer from Zermatt.
- Everything not indicated in the price includes.
Day 1: Departing from Saint Nicklaüs and facing Mont Rose
We meet at the Saint Nicklaüs SBB station at 8am. Our guide awaits us for an initial briefing. Then we take the small Jungeralp gondola up to Jungen.
From here, a beautiful traverse with Monte Rosa in the background takes us to the foot of the first pass, the Augstbordpass at 2900m. Then a pleasant descent through alpine meadows and larch forests takes us to the charming village of Grüben, where we spend the night.
Day 2: Grüben to Moiry
6 hours 30 mins walk – 30 mins drive – Overnight in refuge – D+: 1150 m / D-: 1400 m
There are several options, depending on conditions and group fitness.
We climb to the Col de Forclettaz at 2874m via the Chalte Berg alp or to the Meidpass at 2790m. The Nava and Barneuza alpine pastures in the Val d’Annivier welcome us.
A short transfer takes us to our gîte in Moiry.
Day 3: Above Lac de Moiry
6 hrs 30 mins walk – 30 mins drive – Overnight in hotel – D+: 500 m / D-: 1200 m
Short transfer to the Moiry dam.
We rise above the photogenic Moiry dam, which we skirt at the top. The Col du Tsaté rewards us for this beautiful climb, while the Arolla valley, which we reach with a short transfer, reveals itself in the background.
Day 4: First pass at 3000 metres
A beautiful alpine day awaits us, with an easy passage over the high Arolla glacier and the ascent to the Col Collon at over 3000 m. At the end of a long and beautiful descent, the Prarayer refuge awaits us, ideally situated on the lakeside.
Day 5: Day in Italy
The Valcournera pass, at over 3000 m, offers us a sustained, alpine climb. A few cabled but not difficult passages give access to the large final slope. From the pass, the cabled path leads easily to the Perucca Vuillermoz hut, set on a fine rocky outcrop. It’s another good effort to reach our accommodation at the bottom of the Valtournenche.
Day 6: Glacier crossing
Short transfer to Breuil Cervinia station.
We reach the Theodulpass at 3349m and switch back to Switzerland. Here we rope up to cross the glacier to Trockener Stegg. Finally, we descend to Zermatt through alpine pastures and typical villages clinging to the slopes.
Day 7: Balcony above the Matter Valley
A short transfer to Randa and an ascent along a sublime alpine path on the left bank of the Matter valley to the Topali hut. This seldom-frequented route offers magnificent views of the Täschhorn.
Day 8: Descent to Saint-Nicklaus
Depending on the shape of the group and the conditions, a beautiful alpine trail to the Wasulicke Pass 3114m before taking the gondola to Saint Niklaus, or a direct descent to Saint Niklaus on a varied trail.
End of the hike around 4:00 pm in St Nicklaus and dispersal of the group.
Highlights of the trip
General information
SAFETY
You can find the Quai d’Orsay’s position on these countries on the official website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: diplomatie.gouv.fr in the “Conseils aux voyageurs” section.
The information contained on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is subject to change and is given for guidance only. Please note that no region of the world or country can be considered safe from the risk of terrorism.
REGISTRATION
By post:
Ask us for a registration form
- by phone: 06 65 93 29 29
- or e-mail: contact@watse.fr
Send us your registration with a copy of your passport, your postal address, telephone number and e-mail address, together with a deposit of 30% of the cost of the trip.
Also, if you wish to take out a Comfort or Comfort Multirisk cancellation insurance policy, this must be paid at the same time as the deposit when you register. You can consult our insurance contracts on our website.
By internet:
Book your holiday directly on our website: directly on the holiday page, choosing your dates and insurance options.
ATTENTION: air fares will be maintained until 3 months before departure and may be readjusted if necessary if you book during this period.
ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY
We strongly advise you to take out assistance insurance for the duration of your trip.
We offer two different types of insurance: Comfort Cancellation and Comfort Multirisk, to be taken out when you register for your trip.
Details of this insurance are available on request or can be viewed by by clicking here.
Other offers include Mondial Assistance, your own insurance company or Club Alpin Français. Check that your trekking activity is covered.
Make sure your insurance covers all medical expenses in the event of an accident.
You must make sure that you are covered for mountain rescue costs. If this is the case, you must provide us with the following information before you set off on your trek:
- a certificate from the insurance company covering mountain rescue costs.
- the contract number and telephone number of the assistance center
Beware of restrictive clauses in certain insurance policies (particularly those linked to Visa Premier, Gold or other cards), such as mountain insurance limited to snow activities, or altitude sickness not recognized as an illness requiring repatriation, which will be refused.
Please check the actual content of your insurance and take the necessary steps if necessary.
Health & climate
JET LAG
No time difference
CLIMATE
The best time for this trip is from June to September, when the route is clear of snow and the refuges are open. The weather in the mountains is generally warm during the day and cool at night.
HEALTH AND VACCINES
No specific information.
IFREMMONT
No specific information.
Transport and conditions
Transfers during your stay are by private vehicle or local bus.
For an additional fee, we can arrange transportation to and from the trek start point. Contact us or let us know your requirements when booking.
AIR
No specific information.
LUGGAGE
Your luggage is carried except on D4 and D7, when you’ll need to carry your change. Luggage must be a soft bag weighing no more than 12kg. Please avoid plastic suitcases.
The stay
MEALS
Picnics at lunchtime. Morning and evening meals at refuges.
We advise you to bring your favorite snacks for picnics.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you have a special diet.
ACCOMMODATION
During the trek, we stay in refuges. The dormitories are always different, and vary in size. A sheet is compulsory for the night. Earplugs are recommended, and a small headlamp with a red bulb is the least intrusive thing you’ll need in gîtes. For some nights, it’s possible to sleep in private rooms for 2, 3 or 4 people.
TRAINING
Supervision by a French state-qualified mountain leader and a mountain guide for the glacier section.
Practical info
ELECTRICITY
Refills available at refuges in the evening.
FORMALITIES AND VISA
No visa required for French nationals and citizens of bordering countries.
BUDGET, CHANGE AND TIPS
Tipping is not compulsory and should reflect your satisfaction with the team. Your guide will inform you if you wish to provide one.
Watse added value
FIELD EXPERIENCE
The trekking guide who will accompany you on the Tour of the Matterhorn is a specialist of the area and the Valais. For glacier passages, you’ll also be accompanied by a state-certified mountain guide.
A CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATIONS QUALITY
In addition to their strategic locations, all our accommodations have been selected to offer you maximum comfort and quality cuisine throughout your Matterhorn Tour.
GLACIER CROSSING
On the Tour du Cervin, you’ll have the opportunity to cross glaciers with ease. It’s a chance to experience unforgettable high-mountain sensations in a breathtaking setting!