CLIMB THE MATTERHORN

“CLIMB THE MOST ICONIC MOUNTAIN, THE MATTERHORN”

The Cervino or Matterhorn with its 4,478mts is probably one of the most aesthetic and recognized mountains in the world, the dream of the vast majority of mountaineers. Until the late 1800s it was considered an impossible mountain to climb, it was first climbed in 1865 by a group of 7 climbers, 4 of whom lost their lives on the descent.

Most of the ascents are made by one of the four edges that make up the mountain, these being:

• Hörnli (northeast): the most common and busy because it is the least technical and best equipped.
• Lion (south-west): the Italian route from Cervinia, a little more complicated than the previous one.
• Zmutt (northwest): of a high difficulty.
• Furggen (southeast): the most complicated and technical.

To these we must add the famous and difficult routes of the North face.

We present an express program to climb the Hörnli ridge in 2 days from Zermatt with 1 extra day to be used in case of inclement weather or as a training day in Perrons ridge.

Even though it is not a very technical mountain, you need good physical shape since its 1,200m of sustained climbing with steps from level II to III, if fixed ropes are used, or up to level IV if you do not want to use them.

Near the top we can find sections of mixed terrain that will require us to use ice axes and crampons, so you must have a minimum of technique for these elements.

Our program is fully inclusive and is not only a 1:1 guide cost, it includes on training day in Perrons ridge, transfer to/from Chamonix,  lifts, train Tasch to Zermatt and mountain huts with half pension (client+guide).

You can take a 3 or 4 days basic programs, the main difference with both is that the 4 days program include an extra night in Hornlihutte and in case Matterhorn summit has not been done in day 3 for bad weather you have an extra guided day. In case summit is done in day 3, the extra day will be another guided activity in the area.

This express program is for mountaineers with good physical and technical shape and a minimum of acclimatization. We also have a complete 5-day program where a prior ascent to Monte Rosa is carried out and a set of extra activities to reach by the end of the week the Matterhorn with better guarantees of success.

Climbing the Matterhorn is a challenging adventure that demands a high level of skill and preparation. To successfully summit, you must be confident in rock climbing up to grade III in alpine boots and capable of maintaining a steady pace on technical snow and rock terrain while wearing crampons.

Ideal candidates are active rock climbers with extensive experience on long, technical multi-pitch alpine routes and have climbed some 4k meter peak previously. Strong rope handling skills and proficiency in snow and ice climbing techniques are essential for a safe and successful ascent of the Matterhorn.

The 3 climbing program can suppose altitude problems, it is strongly advised to do some acclimatization by yourself prior Matterhorn or take a longer program with our guides to reduce the risk to suffer form Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Our trainer Mr. Pablo Ral,  graduate in Physical Activity Sciences, Master in High Performance, Chilean Ski Mountaineering Coach and specialist in endurance sports… can make you a specific personal training plan for this trip.

• Standard training plan (one-time payment): 99€ (Fill out online form, 30 min personal interview (to adjust the plan and resolve doubts), Receive your personalized plan)
• Premium training plan (monthly): 130€ (Fill out online form, 1h personal interview (to adjust the plan and resolve doubts), Receive your personalized plan. Weekly monitoring of your progression and monthly readjustment of the training plan)

You can request your training plan at the time of booking your trip or later. (Standard training plans are valid for a maximum of 3 months)

Food:
The Itinerary explains what meals are included each day according to the program. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know on the registration form and we will take it into account.

We always recommend that you bring your own energy bars, nuts… so that you can eat while doing the activities.

Accommodation:

The program provides accommodation in shared rooms in Hornlihutte mountain hut. If you want a single room, please indicate this at the time of booking. The overnights in Chamonix are not included in the base price.

In case you wish to include the nights in Chamonix you can add to the package either a bunk bed in dormitory style hostel or twin room in 2* or 3* hotel. You can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip.

FUNCTIONAL CLOTHING:

• Gore-Tex or waterproof jacket and breathable
• Waterproof rain pants
• Warm jacket – down jacket or preferably primaloft (as they can handle water)
• Lightweight fleece lining
• Short sleeve t-shirts easy drying
• Stretch pants, a little thicker, colder days or nights
• Trekking type pants
• Thermal pants and t-shirt set
• Underwear and spare clothes

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT:

• Crampons
• Climbing harness
• 3 safety carabiners
• 1 Ring of 120 cm
• Ice axe between 55 to 66 cm long
• Climbing helmet

*In case you are missing some personal climbing equipment can be rented in Chamonix. Take a look into this rental shop.

HEAD:

• Lightweight running cap
• Wool beanie
• Neck Gaiter
• Wind and radiation proof
• Ski goggles.

HANDS:

• Thin fleece gloves.
• Leather gloves
• High thermal gloves or mittens

FEET:

• 2 pairs of merino ski socks 1 x thin, 1 x thick
• Lightweight trail shoes or hiking boots (what you usually wear in mountain)
• Mountaineering boots
• Gaiters (only if your boots do not have them integrated)

BACKPACKS:

• Mountain backpack 30 liters
• Small travel bag (for documentation and wallet)

SHELTER MATERIAL:

• Hut sleeping bag made of silk (required in all shelters)
• Earplugs

ACCESSORIES:

• Headlamp and battery or spare batteries
• Sun cream, lip cocoa and after sun

EAT/DRINK:

• Canteen or thermos, minimum 1 liter. If you choose a Camelbak type bag, keep in mind that the tube can freeze, so recommending carrying an auxiliary bottle.
• Snacks, nuts, gels, hydration and sufficient power bars, protein bars, trail mix, magnesium tablets and recovery supplements

TRAVEL EQUIPMENT:

• Casual clothes
• ID or passport, Visa, cash, insurance documentation, vaccination card.
• Microfiber towel
• First aid and medication kit
• Thermal blanket
• Mobile phone and watch with the route track
• Powerbank, camera, charging cables, headphones, selfie stick…

Hörnlihütte has served as both the destination and starting point for Matterhorn climbers for over a century. Situated at an altitude of 3,260 meters, it opens every season the last days of June till 3rd week September. In case you wish to climb Matterhorn outside this period the emergency shelter from the mountain hut can be used but this involve bigger logistics as food and other things have to be transported for the climb. Also the snow conditions out of this period make the climb much more complex and technical. Contact us to evaluate a climb when Hörnlihütte is not open.

In case you wish that we can look for the best flight combination tickets from your nearest airport to the destination you can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip and will give you the best proposal beforehand and once accepted buy it for you. This service includes monitor the flight prices over time to get the best deal when prices are low and check in of your flight. The administrative fee for this service is 35€ + the flights cost that will be invoice to you afterwards.

Visas, and Entry Requirements
Certainly! It is important to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity when traveling to any country.

To know the specific visa requirements for your trip, it is recommended to contact your local embassy or consulate, or consult with your travel agent. Remember that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements can vary based on your nationality and your destination. While we strive to keep our information updated, visa rules can change unexpectedly. Therefore, it is crucial that you verify the information yourself and understand that you are accountable for meeting your own visa requirements.

Vaccines
For each trip, clients are solely responsible for having the mandatory and/or recommended vaccines required in each region or country. Consult with your doctor to have all vaccinations before the start of the trip.

We offer you a 5% discount on your IATI travel insurance. The discount is just valid if you buy the travel insurance policy after clicking on the link.

In case you wish that we can look for the best travel insurance that covers the trip destination/activity with your nationality. You can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip and will give you the best proposal beforehand and once accepted buy it for you. The administrative fee for this service is 15€ + the insurance cost that will be invoice to you afterwards.

The client is informed that B4Experience will issue the trip without including a cancellation, repatriation or accident policy, unless it is explicitly included in the trip contract and paid in the first payment. During the trip contracting, you will be offered how to contract it if you wish.

Rescue insurance: Mandatory. 
Rescue in the Swiss Alps can be very expensive (above 10k eur), you should take and insurance that covers helicopter rescue for this specific activity. If you have doubts regarding rescue insurance that cover the activity contact us for advise.

The user is informed that the GUARANTEE COMPANY that covers the risks of contractual liability and guarantee against insolvency is MARKEL INSURANCE SE

The client can take out trip cancellation insurance to be able to obtain payment of the entire amount paid (according to its conditions).

The end user may withdraw from the contracted trip, having the right to a refund of the amounts paid, except for the indicated penalties, but must also satisfy the Agency in the amounts indicated below once the trip has been confirmed. If it is not carried out due to not reaching the minimum necessary places, the client can save the credit for future trips or request a full refund of the reservation.

Cancellation Policy 3:

• • FULL REFUND UP TO 24H AFTER PURCHASE
  • Up to 60 days before the trip 100% refund of the trip amount.
  • Up to 45 days before the trip Refund of 50% of the trip amount.
  • For terms shorter than those described in the cancellation policy, the amount already paid will not be paid.
  • *€250 management fees apply

* Cancellation fees will not be paid for reservations already issued. If there are other non-refundable expenses already issued, these will not be paid either and will be deducted from the amount to be paid.
* The cost of cancellation of issued flights is 100% of the amount.

EXEMPTION OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
B4Experience offers active trips for different sports and Outdoor activities, as well as information related to these activities through our web platform www.b4experience.com and other channels.

The practice of any activity in nature carries a risk for those who do it, with most of these activities being considered high-risk sports. Each one must know and apply their limits and be aware that regardless of the technical training and physical level one has, their practice can lead to accidents or even death.

The in-person activities and trips offered by B4Experience are carried out on land and activities that may inherently involve risks for those who carry them out and thus clients are informed that they contract them.

DOSSIER DISCLAIMER:

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print/ download a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER:

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. On all Outdoor trips, the routes will be adjusted depending on the weather, the level of the group participants and the risks assessed by the guide/trip leader.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.