Matterhorn (4,478 m.a.s.l) is one of the most recognizable mountains in the world. It's a high altitude climb on rock and snow, and a bucket list climb for experienced climbers.
Join us for a guided Matterhorn climb in 2025!
Matterhorn (4,478 m.a.s.l) is one of the most recognizable mountains in the world. It's a high altitude climb on rock and snow, and a bucket list climb for experienced climbers.
Join us for a guided Matterhorn climb in 2025!
Matterhorn, located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, is a beautiful climb on mixed terrain. The default route is from the Swiss side on the Hörnli ridge.
The Climb: After the preparation climb (see more details below), you'll make your way to the Hörnlihütte with the guide where you have dinner and talk through the next day. Early next morning around 03-04am, you will start your climb up the Matterhorn. It features steep and rocky climbing, that is exposed for almost all the way. You need to have your focus locked in for the entire climb. It is direct and challenging, with a combination of fixed ropes, rock scrambling, and high alpine climbing, eventually leading you to the summit ridge of the Matterhorn. The climb typically takes 8 to 10 hours for both ascent and descent.
Importance of Speed: Being fast is a key component, as you don't want to be stuck in traffic or return too late. Thus, the guides will give you very little rest to ensure you're fast on the way up. Once you've reached the top, you'll be able to sit down, have a moment of rest, and take some pictures - this is a special moment and will be the proof of your hard work. You'll then descend together with the guide, with a mix of belaying and climbing.
The Guide: You will climb with one of our UIAGM/IFMGA-certified mountain guides, who are eligible to take clients up the Matterhorn. They will lead the tour, support you along the way, and give you commands and directions on what to do at the different stages. You need to be acclimatized and very fit for this tour, or the guide will call off your climb. This is not for beginners.
Doing at least one preparation climb with the guide is mandatory. This is to ensure fitness, skill level, and to teach Matterhorn specific techniques. This leads to safer climbs & higher success rates.
Climbing season: July to mid-September
Required fitness level: 4/5 (very high)
Difficulty level: UIAA III+ to IV / French AD / YDS 5.4–5.5
Guide to guest ratio: 1:1
NOTE: In case of unsuitable conditions, another activity is proposed by the guide. The guide reserves the right to propose another activity if the level of the client is not suitable for the tour. It is the individual's responsibility to ensure a proper fitness and skill level.
Interested? Inquire through our form to book for 2025!
IFMGA / UIAGM / IVBV certified mountain guides
Common questions about this adventure
The Hörnli Ridge is the standard route, starting from the Hörnli Hut at 3,260m. It’s a long, exposed alpine climb with a mix of rock scrambling, short climbing sections, and fixed ropes. The terrain requires good footwork, efficient movement, and endurance over a long day.
Yes, the Matterhorn is not a beginner climb. You need solid skills in rock climbing and mountaineering, on top of a good fitness base. Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro are not relevant experiences as they are not rock tours.
If the weather is too bad to climb, and the objective is considered unsafe, another proposition will be done by the guide. The mountains control us, not the other way around. However, a longer programs give more flexibility with timing good weather windows. Refunds are not done if the weather is bad, but instead other alternatives are suggested.
Very fit. You need to be able to climb 8-10 hours with very little rest. Being fit means faster climbing = less risk for bad weather (which often occurs later in the day). Benchmark: You need to be able to climb 500 vertical meters in 45 mins.
Here's what other adventurers say about climbing the Matterhorn with us
Pictures from our guides and customers from last season
