Matterhorn Circuit

Overview

The Matterhorn, or Cervin, is one of the world’s most renowned and historic mountains. A near perfect pyramid, it stands at an altitude of 4478m above sea level, and is surrounded by some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the world and typical Swiss villages. The trail around the Matterhorn crosses between Italy and Switzerland, adding a cultural dimension to the journey.

Highlights

• Circumnavigation of the Matterhorn
• Experiencing the exhilaration of trekking in the European Alps
• Traversing high passes and walking through typical villages
• Enjoying the culinary specialties such as Raclette
• Sharing your walking day with a group of like minded travellers

Itinerary at a glance

DAY 1 Arrive St Niklaus, walk to Grüben (6hrs)
DAY 2 Cross the Forcletaz Pass (2874m) to Zinal at the base of Dent Blanche (5 to 6hrs)
DAY 3 Walk to the village of Villa, transfer to Arolla (6hrs)
DAY 4 Ascend glacier and the Col Collon (3082m) and descend to the Italian hamlet of Prarayer (2000m) (7/8hrs)
DAY 5 To Breuil Cervinia (5hrs)
DAY 6 Walk to the famous ski resort of Zermatt (8hrs)
DAY 7 Walk to Europa Hütte (7hrs)
DAY 8 Walk to Grächen (5 to 5.5hrs), trip concludes

Fast Facts

VISAS Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Britain, Canada, USA and New Zealand. For all other nationalities please contact the relevant embassy

COUNTRIES VISITED: Switzerland, Italy

CONFIRMATION OF DEPARTURE The operation of this trip requires a minimum number of participants. Departures can be cancelled up to 3 weeks prior to the trip start date. While the vast majority of departures operate during the season, if there are too few people the trip will be cancelled and we will do all possible to offer you an alternative trip or an alternative departure date. Should the alternatives offered not be suitable we will provide a refund of the trip price only. No further compensation shall be payable. For further details please review our conditions of contract in our brochure.

SPECIALSIT GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, walking boots, warm clothes, day pack and sun hat – walking sticks are recommended.

CLIMATE The walking season in the European Alps is short – from mid June to mid September and many of the mountain refuges are closed outside this time. In winter parts of the trail are transformed into world class ski runs, evidenced by the comprehensive network of cablecars or téléfériques. Bearing in mind that much of the route is at altitudes of over 1000m and up to around 2500m, the temperatures can vary significantly. Please note at the beginning of the season you may experience snow and therefore the walking can be harder and slippery underfoot. Temperatures in summer range from around 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common. At the higher elevations it is important to dress with layers as cold winds and possible snow falls can happen even in summer.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive St Niklaus, walk to Grüben (6hrs)

This morning we rendezvous with the group at St Niklaus, and have a briefing with our guide before commencing the ‘Tour du Cervin’, the official name for our 8 day walk. The route begins with an ascent across high mountain pastures with awesome views to 4000m peaks from the village of Saas-Fee. The ascent continues to the Augsbordpass pass (2894m) and then down into the Turtmann Valley through the forest. Overnight Grüben.

DAY 2 Cross the Forcletaz Pass (2874m) to Zinal at the base of Dent Blanche (5 to 6hrs)

Todays walk takes us to the chalets of the high mountain pasture of Chalteberg to take advantage of a magnificent view over the glacier of Turtmann. The pass of Forcletaz (2874 m) will be the highest point of the day, having crossed the linguistic boundary between the German-speaking and French-speaking part of Switzerland, in the direction of Zinal by the High mountain pastures of Nava and Barneuza. En route visit the villages of Zinal and Grimmentz in the Val d’ Anniviers Valley.

DAY 3 Walk through flowered meadows surrounded by the famous peaks of Zinalrothorn (4221m), Obergabelhorn (4063m) and Dent Blanche (4357m) to the village of Villa, transfer to Arolla (6hrs)

Todays walk includes the pass of Sorbois and the stunning valley of Moiry. Walking up to the pass of Tsaté (2868m) this long hike includes numerous ascents and descents to reach Haudères in the Val d’ Hérens. Descend to the village where you will have continuous views of the Dent d’Hérens and the Dent Blanche.

DAY 4 Ascend glacier and the Col Collon (3082m) and descend to the Italian hamlet of Prarayer (2000m) (7/8hrs)

Walk to the Hut Bertol then the Plans of Bertol which opens up to the Arolla Glacier. We cross the glacier which has a small slope and doesn’t require technical equipment. This is the historic road that once connected two valleys, used by caravans between Switzerland and Italy by the pass Collon (3082 m). We enter the valley of Aoste with a magical arrival into Prarayer and the emerald lake of Place Moulin.

DAY 5 To Breuil Cervinia (5hrs)

Today is a wild and alpine stage, far from the modern world; it is the longest and the most technical stage of this tour. Thanks to metal ladders, we reach the pass of Valcournera (3066 m). Having followed a magnificent waterfall and crossed the torrent of Tsignanaz we arrive at the window of Cignaga.: The Matterhorn appears in all its beauty.

DAY 6 Walk to the famous ski resort of Zermatt (8hrs)

Grand Passage: the Théodule pass that brings us back into Switzerland. All day, we will follow the Matterhorn using the most famous passage of the western Alps. The arrival into Zermatt with its wonderful location at the foot of the Matterhorn is a highlight of the day. Overnight in Zermatt which has an abundance of night time entertainment.

DAY 7 Walk to Europa Hütte (7hrs)

This morning, you will have time to enjoy the views of Zermatt, the ‘elegant woman’, before your climb to Täschalp in Mischabel. It is a stunning alpine crossing following the path of Europe with views to Mattertal: one of the most beautiful balcony paths of the Alps with views of Zinal, Weisshorn, and Taschorn. At this point you could be forgiven for thinking you are in the middle of the Himalaya!

DAY 8 Walk to Grächen (5 to 5.5hrs), trip concludes

A balcony path takes us gently towards the valley. Here we find Arolles pines, forest of mélezes and the charming village of Grachen, at the end of the trek.

Dates & Prices

Date	Prices	Book
01 Jun - 30 Sep 2011	£750	How to book

How to book

For more information about this trip or to book your place please email trailblazers@rockuk.org or call us on 0844 8000 222.

Photos

Important Information

Inclusions

• 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style – (Swiss cheese, cold cuts, vegetables and fresh fruit). Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which may include regional specialties (eg Fondu or Rösti).
• 7 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis.
• Luggage transfer (max 10kgs)
• Experienced mountain guide

Items not included

• Travel to and from St Niklaus / Grächen
• Drinks
• Items of a personal nature
• Storage of luggage
• Transfers
• Travel Insurance

Getting to / from St Niklaus & Grächen

BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following website www.ShellGeostar.com or www.viamichelin.com.

BY TRAIN FROM ZURICH – If you are flying into Zurich you can take a train from the airport to St Niklaus (with 1-3 train changes) and the journey time is around 3-3.5 hours. From Zurich central station it takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes with 1-2 changes. There are regular trains from Zurich and other stations in Switzerland. For any information & reservations you can contact Switzerland Rail, http://www.sbb.ch/en/ or we can arrange your train tickets in advance.

BY AIR Your closest airport is Zurich Airport. Refer above for details of reaching St Niklaus by train on arriving at Zurich Airport.

Trip organisation

Our groups consist of a maximum of 15 people. Your luggage is transferred each day by minibus. There is a 10 kg maximum for the bags that are to be carried and any excess will be refused so make sure you weigh it beforehand. We do not accept hard cases so please use a soft duffel style bag for your main luggage. The trip begins in St Niklaus and we will confirm the meeting place with you on booking or at least 2 months before the departure date. We have suggestions for pre and post accommodation. See below for details. St Niklaus and Grächen are neighbouring towns and are a 15 minute drive (8km) apart. At the end of the tour you can take a bus back to St Niklaus. The tour concludes around 2pm.

Accommodation

PRE & POST TOUR Pre tour you should stay in the Matterhorn Valley as the trip commences on the morning of Day 1. As you will be ending the trip in the Matterhorn Valley you should leave your main luggage in a hotel in St Niklaus / Grächen. We do not offer a left luggage service.
There are numerous options in the valley including huts, hotels and apartments which you can view at http://www.matterhornvalley.ch/en/
Some hotels in St Niklaus:-
1. Pension Walliserkeller 00 41 27 956 11 60 walliserkeller@bluewin.ch
2. Tourist St Niklaus 00 41 27 956 36 63
info@st-niklaus.ch
3. Hotel Edelweiss – http://www.edelweiss-st-niklaus.ch/indexc.htm
The hotel selection in Grächen is more extensive and you can view a selection on the website above.
Another useful website for accommodation, activities and general information on the area is:-
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/home

DURING TOUR

MOUNTAIN REFUGE

Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or Gite hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Swiss refuge’s tend to be surprisingly comfortable.

Your guide & participants

You will be joining a group with a mix of participants from different countries, speaking different languages including English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. Your tour leader is likely to be guiding in more than one language to cater to all participants. This is not an English only speaking tour.

Trip grading

The daily guided walks are around 5-8 hours. There are some challenging stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. There is a non technical glacier crossing and some pass crossings using ladders and cables. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need an excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep making the walk more difficult. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.