Mountaineering: Conquering the Breithorn (4164 m) from Zermatt
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationZermatt / French Alps
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions5.77 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Climb the Breithorn (4,164 m), one of the most accessible 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps . Designed for mountain enthusiasts looking to experience high-altitude mountaineering , this trip takes you to the summit of the Breithorn (4,164 m), renowned for being one of the most accessible Alpine giants.
Under the guidance of your high-mountain guide , you will begin this adventure with a key step: an ice climbing school . There you will learn how to use an ice axe, walk with crampons , rope techniques, and the fundamental safety rules on a glacier.
On summit day, a pre-dawn departure will allow you to traverse the glaciers of the Monte Rosa massif in a magical atmosphere. At first light, reach the summit and contemplate a spectacular panorama offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc . An unforgettable experience to help you take your first steps in mountaineering .
The highlights
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The Breithorn (4,164 m), one of the most accessible 4,000 m peaks
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Advance roped together across the glaciers of Monte Rosa, facing the giants of the Valais Alps.
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Spectacular views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and the main 4000-meter peaks of the massif
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
Who is this trip for?
This trip is ideal for a first mountaineering experience. It is suitable for athletic individuals who are already comfortable with mountain hiking.
Your profile is suitable if:
- Physical fitness: you do a sporting activity at least twice a week.
- Endurance: you can walk for 5 to 7 hours with a positive elevation gain of 600 to 900 meters.
- Carrying capacity: you are comfortable with a backpack weighing 5 to 8 kg.
- Terrain: you can easily move around on varied and uneven terrain (rocks, snow).
- Experience: you have never done mountaineering (and that's perfect for starting out!).
- Specifics: the route does not involve climbing and presents very little exposure to heights.
- Altitude: you can move around at altitude (up to 4,200 m).
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average daily elevation gain: 550 m
Management
The trip will be supervised by a qualified high mountain guide.
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Mountaineering
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 8:30 am in Zermatt before taking the ski lifts up to the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m), one of the highest resorts in Europe. After a short glacier traverse, we'll reach the Guide d'Ayas refuge to leave our belongings. In the afternoon, we'll participate in an ice climbing school to master the basics of glacier travel: crampons, ice axe, rope work, and safety techniques. This preparation will allow us to approach the next day's ascent with confidence, in the heart of a landscape dominated by the 4,000-meter peaks of Monte Rosa.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Mountaineering
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We set off before dawn to take advantage of the best conditions on the glacier. Roped up with our guide, we ascend the wide glacial slopes to the Breithorn (4,164 m), one of the most accessible 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps. From the summit, the panorama unfolds, encompassing the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the majestic peaks of the Valais Alps. After a break at the summit, we descend towards the Klein Matterhorn before taking the ski lifts back to Zermatt, arriving in the early afternoon. End of the trip.
Day 2
Note
The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions. Schedules and routes are approximate and may be adjusted by the guide according to the conditions and the safety of the group.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the Ayas refuge, a comfortable high mountain refuge with Italian cuisine that is well worth the trip!
Access
Zermatt being a completely car-free resort, access from Täsch is by rail shuttle Zermatt Shuttle (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn).
Go to the starting point
Parking in Täsch: The official Matterhorn Terminal Täsch covered car park offers more than 2,000 spaces with direct access to the platforms.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a high mountain guide.
- Accommodation at the Ayas refuge
- Half-board accommodation at the refuge (breakfast and dinner)
The price does not include
- Transportation (round trip) to the meeting point
- Lunch picnics (can be ordered directly from the refuge)
- Technical equipment: crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet
- Mountaineering boots
- The "Klein Matterhorn" cable car (€120 per person)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Mountaineering package rental : CHF73.18 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Technical equipment: mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet
The Marie team
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