Matterhorn Trek

Day 1: Zermatt – Trift Mountain Inn

The charming and historic Trift Mountain Inn is run by the great-granddaughter of the founder together with their spouse, a mountain guide in the fifth generation, and with help from their children.

Route Description:

• Ascent from Zermatt (1,620 m) to Trift Mountain Inn.
• Elevation gain: +745 m
• Distance: 4.1 km

Day 2: Trift Mountain Inn – Schönbiel Hut

"Dr Scheen Biel," the old name for the sunny terrace at the end of the Mutt Valley, is where the Schönbiel Hut stands, a starting point for breathtaking snow and climbing tours, easily accessible via impressive hikes.

Route Description:

• Ascent to the viewpoints Höhbalmen and Hohliecht (2,675 m), then over the lateral moraine of the Zmutt Glacier to Schönbiel Hut (2,694 m).
• Elevation gain: +780 m, -430 m
• Distance: 11.3 km

Day 3: Schönbiel Hut – Hörnli Hut Matterhorn

Under the north face of the Matterhorn to the Hörnli Hut Matterhorn (3,260 m). From here, climbers set out via the Hörnli Ridge to the summit of the Matterhorn. Early risers can watch the parade of headlamps from the alpinists.

Route Description:

• Elevation gain: +1,105 m, -540 m
• Distance: 13.2 km

Day 4: Hörnli Hut Matterhorn – Gandegg Hut

Rustic and clad in Swiss stone pine wood, Gandegg Hut offers more than 135 years of history and a unique view of the Breithorn and Theodul Glacier.

Route Description:

• Along the foot of the Matterhorn, over the Matterhorn Glacier Trail and under the east face of the Matterhorn to Gandegg Hut (3,030 m). Impressive views of the Gorner Glacier, Monte Rosa, and Breithorn.
• Elevation gain: +430 m, -660 m
• Distance: 9 km

Day 5: Gandegg Hut – Zermatt

Descent to Zermatt (1,620 m).

Route Description:

• Elevation loss: -1,415 m
• Distance: 8.9 km

The indicated distances and altitude differences serve only as a guide. Actual times and distances may vary depending on the chosen route.

• Good footwear
• Possibly hiking poles
• Weather-appropriate clothing (always bring: rain protection)
• Silk/microfibre sleeping bag or liner is mandatory in all huts
• Binoculars
• Camera, possibly with telephoto lens

Important! Recommended: a good head for heights and surefootedness.

• Carefully plan every mountain tour and adapt to your own conditions as well as the weather and season.
• The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Therefore, bring suitable clothing, enough provisions, and water. Turn back in time if the weather is uncertain.
• Inform others about the tour and, if possible, never go alone.
• Do not leave marked trails and do not go onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
• Be considerate of other hikers as well as plants and animals.
• Observe warning signs indicating constant danger in riverbeds and along the banks of waterways below dams and reservoirs.