The Tour of the Matterhorn - A trekker's guidebook
Tour of the Matterhorn
A trekking guide by Hilary Sharp
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. More...
Buy from Cicerone
Seasons
July/August recommended. Snow possible well into June. Huts open from late June / early July. Read More... Lifts open early July to early September.Centres
Gruben, St Niklaus, Zermatt, Breuil-Cervina, Prarayer, Arolla, Zinal, Les HaudèresDifficulty
For experienced alpine walkers. Requires glacier-travel skills/equipment and a good level of Read More... fitness. Altitude above 3000m.Must See
wildlife, views of Matterhorn and 4000m+ summits, Swiss and Italian traditions/culture, glacier Read More... traverses, Italian hut foodIntroduction
The Tour of the Matterhorn
The Region
Ancient Passes
Glaciers
How to Use this Guide
Practicalities
When to Go
How to Get There
Accommodation
Languages
Currencies
Difficulty of the Trail
Maps
Footpaths and Waymarks
Lifts and Buses
Safety
Emergencies and Rescue
Equipment
Glacier Travel
Alpine Weather
Guided Treks
Information
Zermatt
The Matterhorn
The Valleys
4000m Summits
Flowers and Vegetation
Wildlife
Things to Do and See
Shorter Trekking Alternatives
The Trek
Route outline
Stage 1: Zermatt to St Niklaus
Alternative: Zermatt to St Niklaus valley route
Stage 2: St Niklaus to Gruben-Meiden
Stage 3: Gruben-Meiden to Zinal
Stage 4: Zinal to Les Haudères
Link route: Les Haudères to Arolla
Stage 5: Arolla to Prarayer
Stage 6: Prarayer to Breuil-Cervinia
Stage 7: Breuil-Cervinia to Zermatt
Information boxes
Transhumance
Marmots
Chamois
Hérens Cows
Ibex
The Breithorn
Ulrich Inderbinen
Appendices
Appendix I Further Reading
Appendix II Accommodation
Appendix III Useful Contacts
Appendix IV Glossary and Useful Terms
Appendix V Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue Techniques









