Zermatt High Level Route (to the Breithorn, 4’164m)
An inspiring journey through the spectacular high mountain
scenery of Zermatt, culminating in an ascent of the friendliest
Four
Thousander
in the Alps.
Although some days are strenuous, the trekking is not difficult
or exposed, crossing expansive glaciers or following good
trails. Throughout the week we will be acclimatising gradually
in order to make a comfortable ascent of the Breithorn and
to stay at
Klein
Matterhorn, the highest accessible accommodation in
the Alps at 3800m.
day 1. 1900 RV at Hotel Le Grand Chalet. After discussing
the week we will check kit so that we are ready for a prompt
start
next morning.
day 2. Depart at 8 a.m. by minibus to Ottavan, Taschalp
2’214m.
(2.5 hours) A good track leads up to head of the valley, and
then a steep path climbs the moraines to the col ‘Spitzi
Flue’ 3’260m. A short scramble gets us to the summit
of Pfulwe (3’314m). We walk down to the excellent terrace
and very hospitable ‘berghotel’ Hotel Flühalp
2’607m.
day 3. Following a scenic
mountain trail to Rifflealp, we then take the train up to Gornergrat
(3’090m) with good views
to Monte Rosa and many famous peaks. We descend to the Gorner
glacier which is crossed, followed by a scramble, with the
aid of several cables, to new Monte Rosa Hut!
day 4. We descend the glacier beneath the Breithorn, turning
up the lower Theodule glacier and up to Gandegg. We take lift
from Trockenersteg to Klein Matterhorn to spend our highest
night of the week in the new accommodation there - at 3’800m!
day 5. We climb the Breithorn 4’164m
early in the morning before the crowds arrive on the cable
car, and after enjoying
the incomparable view from the summit we descend to the Theodule
hut on the Italian border. A glacier route leads around to
Hotel Schwarzsee at 2’583m, beneath the impressive east
face and Hornli ridge of the Matterhorn.
day 6. A good trail descends to Stafel. Crossing the valley
gives great views of the North face of the Matterhorn. We take
the
high traversing path, the ‘hohenweg’, which is
famous for its amazing views, to Trift to then down to Zermatt.
Return to Leysin by taxi/minibus.
day 7. Depart a.m. after breakfast at Le
Grand Chalet.
Maps: 1328 Randa, 1348 Zermatt, 1347 Matterhorn.
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