Mountains are fascinating. Wide glaciers, jagged ridges, steep rock faces! It's all the more wonderful when you can explore this ancient landscape by yourself and stand on a summit far from everyday life. Our mountain guides will provide a safe and competent introduction to mountain climbing.
- On this training tour, you’ll be able to enjoy your first alpine tour safely under the careful supervision of our mountain guides. The following content will be delivered:
- Knots
- Using crampons and safety equipment
- Handling an ice axe
- Using a rope
- Preparing for a tour
- Any information relevant to equipment
After the course, you will be able to take part in simple alpine tours led by a mountain guide, e.g. Pollux 4,092 m, Weissmies 4,023 m, etc.
Sure-footedness and experience of mountain hiking required; Terrain: moderately steep, rock and ice; no prior knowledge of alpine technique required
Duration from 2 to 5 hours, up to approx. 700 vertical meters, approx. 250 vertical meters per hour.
3-8 participants per mountain guide
11:15 a.m. Mammut Store Zermatt
Approx. 3 p.m. from point of departure
The offer is held in German. Therefore, a basic understanding of German is important. Our mountain guides have a basic knowledge of English and can provide the necessary information in English. The same course is available for English speakers.
Find out more about the right equipment here
For this tour you will need mountain boots or hiking boots with a firm sole.
We recommend that you take out cancellation and repatriation insurance, e.g. with ERV.
- Guiding and supervision by a mountain guide
- Accommodation with half board: 1 x hut (base camp)
- Rental equipment
- 15% discount on mammut.com
- Travel to the course (parking fee, CHF 15.50 per day)
- Transport (mountain rail approx. CHF 60 with Half Fare Travelcard)
- Snacks and drinks
- A CHF CHF 12.- per night (approx.) hut tax for non-SAC members
- Contribution to the Travel Guarantee Fund (0.25% on total amount)
Day 1 Individual arrival in Zermatt. Welcome and information about the upcoming weekend provided by the mountain guide. The gondola will then take you to Klein Matterhorn. You go straight to the glacier in direction of Gobba di Rollin 3898 m and the training will take place in the afternoon. After this, you can enjoy a cozy get-together and a great night at the hut. (Distance: 4 km. Duration: approx. 2 hours. Ascent/Descent: 100/450 vertical meters)
Day 2 You start from the Testa Grigia and will traverse the Breithorn Plateau, a glaciated plateau of impressive dimensions. The knowledge acquired on day one regarding the use of crampons and ice axes will come in very useful on the steep ascent towards the summit. The ascent to the highest point is worthwhile in every way. In addition to that incredible feeling of having managed to reach the top of a 4,000-meter peak by yourself, you can look forward to a tremendous panoramic view of the Western Valais 4,000-meter peaks, the Mont Blanc area, the Gran Paradiso Chain with the Aosta Valley, the Po Valley all the way to the distant Bernina Group and the Bernese Alps. Congratulations on climbing this impressive 4,000-meter peak! The descent will take you to the Klein Matterhorn station and from here the train will take you back to the green pastures of the Mattertal Valley. Individual journey home. (Distance: 7 km. Duration: 5.5 hours. Ascent/Descent: 700/500 vertical meters)
Our mountain guide will bring the ordered rental equipment to the meeting place. The following equipment can be rented:
Please note that the backpack with the equipment does not weigh more than 8 to 10 kg (crampons, ice axe, harness weigh about 1.5 kg).
- Climbing harness with 1x safelock carabiner
- Ice axe
- Crampons with ABS
- Climbing harness with 2 screwgate Carabinners and 1 Prusik
- Ice axe
- Crampons with ABS
- Backpack approx. 30l with rain cover
- Gaiter (optional)
- 1x Hardshell jacket and pants (wind- and waterproof)
- 1x Mountaineering or trekking pants
- 1x Soft shell and/or fleece jacket
- 1x Down jacket
- 1x Short/long functional underwear
- 1x Cap/headband and 1x hat
- 2 pairs of gloves (1 thin pair, 1 warm, windproof and waterproof pair)
- 1x Functional socks and 1x spare socks
- Mountaineering shoes (at least ankle-deep, hard sole)
- Own toiletries, ear plugs if required
- clothes to wear in the hut (Minimum)
- slipper socks are at the hut
- Sleeping bag liner made of silk or cotton (for hygienic reasons)
- Pillow (60x60)
- Towel
- SAC/Alpine Club member card (if avalaible)
- Breakfast and dinner at the hut
- Tea an lunch must be brought or can be bought at the hut
- Snacks (e.g. energy bars, dried fruit, dried meat)
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream and lip cream (SPF 30 or higher)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
- half fare travelcard (if existing)
- Thermos flask made from break-proof material
- headlamp with new batteries
- Small medicinal supplies for personal requirements
Our team is available by phone from Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00.
