Tour of the Matterhorn

Zermatt is easily accessible  by train from Geneva (3.5 hours), Zurich (3.5 hours) or Bern (2 hours).

The pyramidal peak of the Matterhorn towers over Zermatt, a renowned mountaineering centre and your start point for the Tour of the Matterhorn. Wander around the car-free centre and grab some classic Swiss food like roesti or fondue in one of the many restaurants in the village.  

Take the funicular out of Zermatt to Sunnegga at 2,288m. Your adventure starts on a literal high on the famous Europaweg; the two day-long ’high trail’ from Zermatt to Graechen, punctuated in the middle by the Europahut mountain refuge at 2200m.

Cross the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, an ingenious solution to the rockfall problems that plagued the Europaweg until summer 2017.  At almost half a kilometre in length, it takes about 15 minutes to cross. Arrive at the Europahut and enjoy impressive views to the Weisshorn from the outdoor terrace and relax with a drink.

Ascent/descent: 860m/890m

Continue on the second stage of the Europaweg. Start with an ascent of about 200m to Galenberg, before the steep descent to St Niklaus. This section is rocky underfoot, but some respite can be had at the statue of St Bernard, found on a large grassy area which is heaven on the feet after the tough terrain. St Bernard is the patron saint of alpinists, and this seems like a fitting place to pay one’s respects and savour the views to the Gasenried Gorge. Continue the descent to St Niklaus or shorten the day at Gasenried by taking the postbus the rest of the way to St Niklaus.

 Ascent/descent: 560m/1680m

Take the cable car from St Niklaus to Jungen in order to save energy for today’s objective; the Augustusbordpass at 2894m.  Head through pleasant forest whose slopes are brimming with Alpine flowers, especially around July. Arrive at a viewpoint marked with a huge cairn, and catch glimpses of the Nadelhorn, Lenspitze, Dom, Taeschhorn, Breithorn and the Weisshorn.  

Next a short exposed section leads around the rocky Troara ridge. Start the ascent of the Augustusbordpass’ barren slopes. Your hard work is rewarded with astounding views at the top of the pass. Begin your descent on initially rocky and steep ground, which eventually turns into a gentle descent through peaceful meadows.   

 Ascent/descent: 975m/1120m

Bid ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to German speaking Switzerand and ‘bonjour’ to French speaking Switzerland. Start the day with an initially steep ascent through woodland, which soon eases off slightly before emerging near a couple of alpine farms. Pass the picturesque Chleis Seeroji lake; on a clear day the surrounding peaks may be reflected in the lake. Arrive at the Meidpass at 2790m and after enjoying the views, begin the descent to the Hotel Weisshorn at 2337m. This historic hotel is the former stomping ground of Victorian-era mountaineers and is a great place to spend the night. 

 Ascent/descent: 1120m/600m

Today’s walk is a much needed easy going amble down to the valley. In fine weather, views to the valley’s ‘Imperial Crown’ open up, the name given to the collection of five 4000m peaks that surround Zinal. The Bishorn, Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn , Obergabelhorn and the Dent Blanche feel close enough touch. The trail is gently undulating, and you will be following the waymarking for the famous Sierre-Zinal trail running race. The final descent is steep, but shouldn’t be too taxing considering the previously easy terrain. Zinal is a bustling small alpine town with amenities, so it’s a great place to replenish and relax. It also has a wonderful microbrewery attached to the Hotel le Besso– great for beer lovers!

Ascent/descent: 100m/760m

Take the cable car to Sorebois to avoid about 800m of ascent. From there, ascend to the Col de Sorebois at 2835m. Ahead you will see the beautiful turqouise –blue waters of Lac de Moiry with the Zinal peaks towering behind. Descend to the lake and follow the trail as it passes the Barrage de Moiry restaurant and the massive Moiry dam. The trail skirts the north flank of the lake, before leaving it behind to ascend to the Col de Torrent at 2919m. On a very clear day you might catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc in the far distance.  The descent is pleasant with lots of fine places to stop for picnics or simply to take it in the splendour of being in the Alps.

Ascent/descent: 1095m/2095m

Take a 15 minute postbus to the town of Arolla where you will meet your local guide to start an exciting day of hiking and glacier crossing. Relax a little knowing you have the support of a knowledgeable UIAGM guide. The guide will also provide any required equipment (such as crampons, helmets etc.) The ascent out of Arolla is long, and it takes about 6 hours to reach the Col de Collon at 3087m, but it’s certainly not boring; the glacier crossing provides great entertainment. The col marks the end of the glacier and the border with Italy. Descend into the Val d’Aosta on rocky tracks which soon give way to flower-filled meadows alive with the whistling of marmots, to finish at Rifugio Prarayer at 2005m.

Ascent/descent: 1300m/1100m

The trail continues to the rocky Colle di Valcournera at 3066m. This mountain pass is not on any other trails, which adds to its wild and moody atmosphere. A steep descent brings you to Rifugio Peruccah Vuillermoz. The terrain begins to brighten up and waterfalls and lakes dot the surrounds. Re-ascend to the Finestra di Cignana at 2441m, the second and final col of the day. Soon after the col, the Matterhorn makes a reappearance. Descend to the valley floor and catch a bus to Breuil-Cervinia, or walk the entire way into the town.

 Ascent/descent: 1450m/1400m

The final day of the Tour crosses the border from Italy back into Switzerland and involves a crossing of the Theoduls glacier. Meet your guide at the Testa Grigia cable car station before it takes you to 3479m. The glacial descent takes about 1.5 hours and the trail spits out at the Gandegghut, the perfect spot to refuel with some hearty mountain grub. From here there are cable cars that travel all the way into Zermatt, but if you still have the energy, walking the rest of the way is highly recommended. The trail follows pleasant footpaths meandering through hamlets dotted with traditional wooden chalets and small churches. Make the most of the calm and quiet before reaching the hustle and bustle of Zermatt.

Ascent/descent: 10m/1860m

Check out of your hotel after breakfast for your onward travel. If you are not staying longer in Zermatt you can connect by train to Geneva(4h00) and Zurich (3h30).