Guided easy glacier tour
Guided glacier tour for beginners
-
Endurance
1Hiking Time: 2–3 hours. Up to approx. 500 vertical meters. Short, technically easy, suitable for beginners. -
Technique
1You love being in nature and enjoy movement, but have no high alpine experience. You want to try something new – like using crampons, walking on easy glaciers, or tackling your first via ferrata. Sure-footedness and curiosity are all you need. -
Duration
2h -
Date
Beginning of July - end of September -
Participants
1-8 persons
Gallery (6)
Want to get a taste of glacier air for the first time - without climbing a summit straight away?
Then this easy tour is just the thing for you. Together with your mountain guide, you'll explore the upper Theodul Glacier, try out crampons for the first time - and experience the fascination of ice up close. Ideal as an introduction to alpine mountain sports or as an unforgettable experience for families, friends and the curious.
Highlights
Description
The tour starts at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station (3,883 m). After being greeted by your mountain guide, crampons are put on and safety equipment is checked. Then it's off across the wide glacier plateau towards Italy.
You will learn how to move on the ice with crampons and walk across the upper Theodul Glacier roped up. After around two hours, you will reach Testa Grigia (3,479 m) on the national border. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn and two countries at the same time.
It's up to you to linger a little longer or take the new 3S cable car - the Alpine Crossing - back to Zermatt.
The hike is also possible in the opposite direction: from Testa Grigia, uphill to the Klein Matterhorn. On request, we can also guide you to the Theodulhütte / Rifugio Teodulo (3,317 m).
Program
Welcome at the exit of the Klein Matterhorn station at the chosen time by your:n mountain guide:in
Get kitted out together and start the tour
Glacier tour across the Upper Theodul Glacier / Plateau Rosa
Arrival at the Testa Grigia station on the border with Italy
Individual return journey to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Train journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn one-way, from CHF 64.00 and Testa Grigia - Zermatt one-way, from CHF 93.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found here)
- Ankle high mountain shoes with a rigid Vibram sole
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- 1x hiking pole
- Backpack, max 30 l
- Warm and weatherproof clothes
- Gloves
- Beanie / headband / cap
- Sunglasses, sun protection
- Drink
- Energetic snacks (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
Harness, crampons and, hiking poles can be rented by ZERMATTERS
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
Plateau Rosa glacier and the Breithorn plateau
- The Plateau Rosa glacier is part of the upper Theodul glacier and lies between the Plateau Rosa station (I/CH) and Klein Matterhorn (CH). Several ski lifts turn this glacier into a ski area in summer.
- The Breithorn plateau is a large glacier area in front of the Klein Matterhorn station. The long ski lift to the Gobba di Rollin - a blue slope for summer skiing - also leads over here.
Special features of the Upper Theodul Glacier
- With a length of 2 km and an area of 4 km2, the Upper Theodul Glacier is the smaller sub-glacier of the entire Theodul Glacier.
- The glacier has receded considerably in recent decades. The lowest point today is at around 2,400 m.
Do I need a mountain guide for a high-altitude tour?
Yes, especially for beginners, the company of a certified mountain guide is highly recommended. Alpine tours often lead over glaciers with crevasses, steep firn flanks and exposed ridges. An experienced guide not only ensures safety, but also imparts valuable knowledge about technique, route selection and alpine dangers.
What advantages does a local mountain guide offer?
A local mountain guide knows the specific conditions of the region, such as weather conditions, glacier conditions and current route conditions. This expertise enables flexible tour planning and increases safety. In addition, a local guide enriches the experience with background information on the local mountains and culture.
What should I look out for when booking a mountain guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What levels of difficulty are alpine tours divided into?
Alpine tours are rated according to the SAC mountain and alpine tour scale, which ranges from L (easy) to EX (extremely difficult). The French designations range from F (facile) to ED (extrêmement difficile). These classifications take into account the technical requirements, length of the tour and objective dangers.
What equipment do I need for an alpine tour?
The equipment required varies depending on the alpine tour and can be viewed directly on the equipment list for the respective ski tour.
In general, the standard equipment for an alpine tour includes
- Crampon-proof mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Rope (depending on tour type and group size)
- Carabiners and slings
- helmet
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS device
When will a decision be made on the implementation of the high tour?
The final decision on whether to go ahead with an alpine tour is usually made 48 hours (sometimes only 24 hours) before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. You will be informed by us as early as possible about possible changes or cancellations.
How do I choose the right high-altitude tour for my ability?
The choice of an alpine tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. A gradual progression - from shorter to longer tours, from easy to technically more demanding - is advisable. Our mountain guides are happy to accompany you on this path and support you in your alpine development
Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We are happy to provide you with personal advice directly. Come and visit us at the home base!
How can I best prepare myself for a high-altitude tour?
Good preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Regular endurance training - such as hiking, running or cycling - not only improves your fitness, but also your resilience at high altitudes. Technique training is just as important: you need to practise using crampons and ice axes to be able to move safely in the terrain. If you also attend alpine courses, study maps and familiarize yourself with meteorology and alpine dangers, you will have a solid foundation for making independent decisions in the mountains. Our mountain guides will not only support you along the way, but will also be happy to give you tips on how best to prepare - so that your alpine tour with ZERMATTERS is an unforgettable experience.
How difficult are alpine tours and how are they classified?
Alpine tours can be divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC Alpine Touring Scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Not very difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Some of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow even more precise grading.
The rating is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, technical requirements and type of terrain (e.g. firn, ice, rock or glacier). Auxiliary criteria such as objective hazards, retreat options and seriousness of the route are also taken into account.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements for a tour?
Our mountain guides not only have a lot of experience, but also pay attention to the difficulty level of the tour when assessing it. At the same time, they decide on site whether the tour can be carried out as planned. If you do not meet the requirements and this compromises safety or the course of the tour, the tour may have to be adjusted or terminated prematurely. This decision is always made in the interests of the safety of everyone involved.
By the way, with a private mountain guide you are more flexible and can adjust the pace and route individually.
-
Endurance
1Hiking Time: 2–3 hours. Up to approx. 500 vertical meters. Short, technically easy, suitable for beginners. -
Technique
1You love being in nature and enjoy movement, but have no high alpine experience. You want to try something new – like using crampons, walking on easy glaciers, or tackling your first via ferrata. Sure-footedness and curiosity are all you need. -
Duration
2h -
Date
Beginning of July - end of September -
Participants
1-8 persons
Want to get a taste of glacier air for the first time - without climbing a summit straight away?
Then this easy tour is just the thing for you. Together with your mountain guide, you'll explore the upper Theodul Glacier, try out crampons for the first time - and experience the fascination of ice up close. Ideal as an introduction to alpine mountain sports or as an unforgettable experience for families, friends and the curious.
Highlights
Description
The tour starts at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station (3,883 m). After being greeted by your mountain guide, crampons are put on and safety equipment is checked. Then it's off across the wide glacier plateau towards Italy.
You will learn how to move on the ice with crampons and walk across the upper Theodul Glacier roped up. After around two hours, you will reach Testa Grigia (3,479 m) on the national border. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn and two countries at the same time.
It's up to you to linger a little longer or take the new 3S cable car - the Alpine Crossing - back to Zermatt.
The hike is also possible in the opposite direction: from Testa Grigia, uphill to the Klein Matterhorn. On request, we can also guide you to the Theodulhütte / Rifugio Teodulo (3,317 m).
Program
Welcome at the exit of the Klein Matterhorn station at the chosen time by your:n mountain guide:in
Get kitted out together and start the tour
Glacier tour across the Upper Theodul Glacier / Plateau Rosa
Arrival at the Testa Grigia station on the border with Italy
Individual return journey to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Train journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn one-way, from CHF 64.00 and Testa Grigia - Zermatt one-way, from CHF 93.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found here)
Material
You should have this equipment with you so that you are optimally equipped for the glacier tour:
- Ankle high mountain shoes with a rigid Vibram sole
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- 1x hiking pole
- Backpack, max 30 l
- Warm and weatherproof clothes
- Gloves
- Beanie / headband / cap
- Sunglasses, sun protection
- Drink
- Energetic snacks (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
Harness, crampons and, hiking poles can be rented by ZERMATTERS
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
Plateau Rosa glacier and the Breithorn plateau
- The Plateau Rosa glacier is part of the upper Theodul glacier and lies between the Plateau Rosa station (I/CH) and Klein Matterhorn (CH). Several ski lifts turn this glacier into a ski area in summer.
- The Breithorn plateau is a large glacier area in front of the Klein Matterhorn station. The long ski lift to the Gobba di Rollin - a blue slope for summer skiing - also leads over here.
Special features of the Upper Theodul Glacier
- With a length of 2 km and an area of 4 km2, the Upper Theodul Glacier is the smaller sub-glacier of the entire Theodul Glacier.
- The glacier has receded considerably in recent decades. The lowest point today is at around 2,400 m.
Do I need a mountain guide for a high-altitude tour?
Yes, especially for beginners, the company of a certified mountain guide is highly recommended. Alpine tours often lead over glaciers with crevasses, steep firn flanks and exposed ridges. An experienced guide not only ensures safety, but also imparts valuable knowledge about technique, route selection and alpine dangers.
What advantages does a local mountain guide offer?
A local mountain guide knows the specific conditions of the region, such as weather conditions, glacier conditions and current route conditions. This expertise enables flexible tour planning and increases safety. In addition, a local guide enriches the experience with background information on the local mountains and culture.
What should I look out for when booking a mountain guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What levels of difficulty are alpine tours divided into?
Alpine tours are rated according to the SAC mountain and alpine tour scale, which ranges from L (easy) to EX (extremely difficult). The French designations range from F (facile) to ED (extrêmement difficile). These classifications take into account the technical requirements, length of the tour and objective dangers.
What equipment do I need for an alpine tour?
The equipment required varies depending on the alpine tour and can be viewed directly on the equipment list for the respective ski tour.
In general, the standard equipment for an alpine tour includes
- Crampon-proof mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Rope (depending on tour type and group size)
- Carabiners and slings
- helmet
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS device
When will a decision be made on the implementation of the high tour?
The final decision on whether to go ahead with an alpine tour is usually made 48 hours (sometimes only 24 hours) before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. You will be informed by us as early as possible about possible changes or cancellations.
How do I choose the right high-altitude tour for my ability?
The choice of an alpine tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. A gradual progression - from shorter to longer tours, from easy to technically more demanding - is advisable. Our mountain guides are happy to accompany you on this path and support you in your alpine development
Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We are happy to provide you with personal advice directly. Come and visit us at the home base!
How can I best prepare myself for a high-altitude tour?
Good preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Regular endurance training - such as hiking, running or cycling - not only improves your fitness, but also your resilience at high altitudes. Technique training is just as important: you need to practise using crampons and ice axes to be able to move safely in the terrain. If you also attend alpine courses, study maps and familiarize yourself with meteorology and alpine dangers, you will have a solid foundation for making independent decisions in the mountains. Our mountain guides will not only support you along the way, but will also be happy to give you tips on how best to prepare - so that your alpine tour with ZERMATTERS is an unforgettable experience.
How difficult are alpine tours and how are they classified?
Alpine tours can be divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC Alpine Touring Scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Not very difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Some of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow even more precise grading.
The rating is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, technical requirements and type of terrain (e.g. firn, ice, rock or glacier). Auxiliary criteria such as objective hazards, retreat options and seriousness of the route are also taken into account.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements for a tour?
Our mountain guides not only have a lot of experience, but also pay attention to the difficulty level of the tour when assessing it. At the same time, they decide on site whether the tour can be carried out as planned. If you do not meet the requirements and this compromises safety or the course of the tour, the tour may have to be adjusted or terminated prematurely. This decision is always made in the interests of the safety of everyone involved.
By the way, with a private mountain guide you are more flexible and can adjust the pace and route individually.
