The Tour of the Matterhorn - A trekker's Guidebook

Superb 145km trek around the iconic Matterhorn, described in this guidebook walking anti-clockwise from Zermatt. Stunning views of the Matterhorn and other spectacular summits. Tour includes two glacier crossings and usually takes eight to ten days. Guide includes suggestions for shorter variants and peak ascents along the way.

The Tour of the Matterhorn

A trekking guide

Author

Hilary Sharp

Cover

Paperback - PVC

Edition

First

ISBN_13

9781852844721

Availability

Published

Price

£12.00

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Front Cover (1)
Location Map (1)
Overview Maps (2)
Sample Routes (2)
Sample Photos (3)

Seasons

July/August recommended. Snow possible well into June. Huts open from late June / early July. Lifts open early July to early September.

Centres

Gruben, St Niklaus, Zermatt, Breuil-Cervina, Prarayer, Arolla, Zinal, Les Haudères

Difficulty

For experienced alpine walkers. Requires glacier-travel skills/equipment and a good level of fitness. Altitude above 3000m.

Must See

wildlife, views of Matterhorn and 4000m+ summits, Swiss and Italian traditions/culture, glacier traverses, Italian hut food

Zermatt Saga by Cicely Williams (Roten-Verlag, 1989) is an account of Zermatt from the year dot by the wife of the Bishop of the English Church in Zermatt in the 1960s. Mrs Williams spent time in Zermatt since childhood and is clearly in love with the place. Whilst her description of life there in the present day is rather dated, her history is spot on, and the book gives an insight to what can only be described as a bygone age.

How the English made the Alps by Jim Ring (John Murray, 2000) is a broad account of the activities of English mountaineers throughout the Alps. Many first ascents of Alpine peaks were made by local Guides with English clients, and this book is an easy and interesting read.

The High Mountains of the Alps by Helmut Dumler and Willi Burkhardt (Diadem, 1994) is the bible for all those who dream of ascending these giants; the photos alone will provide more than enough inspiration.

Scrambles amongst the Alps by Edward Whymper (National Geographic, 2002) provides the first-hand account of the fateful first ascent of the Matterhorn, as well as many more detailed accounts of climbing during the 1860s.

Ulrich Inderbinen: As old as the century by Heidi Lanz and Liliane De Meester (Roten-Verlag, 1997) tells Ulrich Inderbinen’s story of growing up and becoming a Guide in Zermatt.

Our Alpine Flora by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC, 1989) will fund many hours of research in the evenings as you try to figure out what ‘those flowers’ are.

Le Tour du Cervin is a superb picture book of the trek, in French, by Mario Colonel.

The Trek Atlas (New Holland) is another coffee-table book featuring many treks, worldwide, including the Tour of the Matterhorn.