Tour of the Matterhorn - Walking Holiday
- A challenging new walking route in the Western Alps of Europe
- Stunning views of the Matterhorn from all sides
- Glacial trekking from Arolla to Prarayer
- Pure Alpine trekking
- Two days on the new Europaweg
A great mountain walking holiday in the Swiss Alps around the iconic Matterhorn. Starting out from St Niklaus in Switzerland, this recently devised anticlockwise walking circuit of Europe's most instantly recognisable mountain, the mighty Matterhorn, is ideally suited for those with previous experience of trekking in the mountains. Physically and technically demanding, the walking route keeps to the high ground as much as possible, as we explore and negotiate steep forested valleys, high meadows, challenging sections of trail, boulderfields, airy passes, snow and even trekking over glaciers. Aside from its unmissable centrepiece of the Matterhorn (4478m./14688ft.) this amazing walking route also has all the elements of classic trekking in the Alps of Switzerland: views of Europe's biggest and most dramatic alpine peaks, atmospheric hotel and refuge accommodation, as well as the unique ambience of the Swiss Alps. Briefly entering Italy as we make the swing around the south face of the Matterhorn, the walking leads us back to Zermatt trekking via the route's high point at the Col Theodule (3317m./10880ft.). Two final days trekking on the new 'Europaweg' walking trail brings to a close one of the best and toughest of alpine long-distance trekking holidays that is destined to become a classic.
Is this holiday for you?
The Tour of the Matterhorn is a classic Alpine walk suitable for experienced mountain trekkers. Although the trekking holiday is generally on good mountain paths, there is one day (Arolla to the Prarayer Refuge) which crosses glaciated terrain and which is classed as mountaineering. We will recruit a Mountain Guide for this section and basic mountaineering equipment is needed. The route also includes short sections which are exposed and which may be protected by cables and/or ladders. On average, we will walk for 7 hours each day, with some longer days. There is a considerable amount of ascent and descent. Like the Chamonix to Zermatt walkers route, this is a primarily an unsupported trek. Participants will have to carry all of their own equipment throughout the trip. We will arrange for you to have access to your trek bags at Arolla, which will allow you to change clothes and to pick up your mountaineering gear, which up to this point has not been needed.
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