Matterhorn guides

Also serving Matterhorn

Pro guides who run trips here but have no reviews for Matterhorn yet.

• AAI (American Alpine Institute)

  ERTI 4.93 overall

  Based in United States

• Adventure Consultants

  ERTI 4.82 overall

  Based in New Zealand

• SummitGuides

  ERTI 4.28 overall

  Based in Italy

  Price: From $6,600 USD · guide-listed package price · last updated Sep 2026

About Matterhorn

Elevation

4,478 m (14,692 ft)

Country

Switzerland

Climbing history

First ascent by Edward Whymper's team on July 14, 1865, though four climbers died during descent in one of mountaineering's most famous tragedies. At 4,478m, its iconic pyramidal shape makes it one of the most recognized mountains worldwide. Technical climbing skills required for all routes.

Notable itineraries

Hörnli Ridge (1-2 days): Most popular route from Zermatt side, technically demanding (AD+ grade). Lion Ridge/Italian Route (1-2 days): From Cervinia/Breuil side, slightly easier. Zmutt Ridge (1-2 days): Northwest ridge, more remote and serious. North Face: One of the six great north faces of the Alps.

Weather and best time to go

Weather: Due to its relative isolation, the weather on the Matterhorn is known to be volatile, with storms sweeping in suddenly and without much warning. During the summer, average temperatures at the base of the peak hover around 8 ºC (46 ºF). These drop to below freezing toward the summit., Best Time to Visit: June to September, Average Expedition Length 2 to 3 days

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF) in Switzerland, Euro (EUR) in Italy. Both are expensive - budget accordingly. Credit cards widely accepted. Hörnli Hut reservation required ($150+/night). Zermatt/Cervinia are premium resort towns. Mountain guides cost $800-1,200/day.

Languages

Official: German, French, Italian (Switzerland varies by region), Italian (Italy). English is widely spoken in both Zermatt and Cervinia. Zermatt is in German-speaking Valais. Most mountain guides speak multiple languages.

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Recommended gear for Matterhorn

Technical essentials picked for glaciated mountaineering. Recommended by our expert team.

• La Sportiva G2 Evo Mountaineering Boots (double boots): View at CampSaver
• Petzl Sarken Crampons (Leverlock Universel) (crampons): View at CampSaver
• Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe (ice axe): View at Black Diamond
• Black Diamond Couloir Harness (harness): View at Black Diamond
• Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet (helmet): View at Black Diamond
• Global Rescue membership (rescue and evacuation): View at Global Rescue

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