Breithorn half traverse group
Breithorn half traverse - guided ridge traverse in a group
-
Endurance
2Hiking Time: 4–5 hours. Up to approx. 900 vertical meters. For athletic mountain hikers with good base fitness. -
Technique
4You've already climbed several 4000-meter peaks and are well acclimatized. Handling ice axe and crampons is second nature to you. Ridge climbs up to grade III and steep terrain on rock and ice pose no problem. -
Duration
5 h -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
2 persons
Gallery (5)
Highlights
Description
The tour begins at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station (3,883 m), the highest cable car station in Europe. From here, the route leads across the Breithorn Plateau to the Selle (4,022 m), the starting point of the Half Traverse. At this point you join the route of the full Breithorn Traverse, which starts further east at the Roccia Nera (4,073 m) and continues across all five Breithorn summits.
The ridge offers a varied mix of snow and rock climbing. You cross the Breithorn Central Summit (4,159 m) before reaching the Breithorn Main Summit (4,164 m). The route includes climbing sections up to UIAA grade IV and requires surefootedness as well as good fitness.
Throughout the entire tour, you are accompanied by experienced mountain guides who ensure your safety and provide valuable tips. The breathtaking views of the surrounding Valais Alps make this experience truly unforgettable.
Program
Cable car ride up the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m)
Guided ascent over the Breithorn plateau to the Breithorn saddle at approx. 3,800 m
Ridge crossing to the west summit at 4,164 m
Summit break with fantastic Alpine panorama
Descent via the Noraml route to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station, followed by a descent to Zermatt
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots with profiled, stiff Vibram soles
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- ice axe
- Hiking pole
- helmet
- Backpack, approx. 30 L
- Warm weatherproof clothing
- Gloves (possibly spare gloves)
- Hat / headband
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
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.
The Breithorn
The Breithorn - a summit with a history
- The Breithorn (4,164 m), located directly on the border between Switzerland and Italy, consists of five summits. The highest and most easily accessible is the Western Summit. It was first climbed on August 13, 1813 by a French expedition together with local mountain guides. On the full Breithorn Traverse, you cross all five summits in a single day.
- There have also been curious historical moments here: in 1822, the astronomer Sir John Herschel believed he had climbed Monte Rosa – but in fact he was standing on the Breithorn. Later, especially after the opening of the Klein Matterhorn cable car in 1979, the Breithorn became a popular and easily accessible summit destination for ambitious beginners.
- Geologically, the Breithorn lies in a fascinating region where the European and African tectonic plates meet. The massif is composed of metamorphic rock (gneiss and schist), similar to the neighboring Matterhorn. The glaciated plateau also features striking ice formations and geological phenomena such as bergschrunds and crevasses.
Safety and risk warnings
- Even though the tour is technically easy, you should not underestimate the alpine risks. The route leads over glaciers where there is always a risk of crevasses. For this reason, you will always be accompanied by professionals and equipped with the necessary safety equipment on ZERMATTERS. Weather changes can occur unexpectedly on the Breithorn, which is why the orientation and experience of our local mountain guides are crucial.
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
2Hiking Time: 4–5 hours. Up to approx. 900 vertical meters. For athletic mountain hikers with good base fitness. -
Technique
4You've already climbed several 4000-meter peaks and are well acclimatized. Handling ice axe and crampons is second nature to you. Ridge climbs up to grade III and steep terrain on rock and ice pose no problem. -
Duration
5 h -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
2 persons
Would you like to expand your alpine touring experience and are you looking for a new challenge? The Breithorn half traverse offers you an impressive ridge crossing over two 4,000-metre peaks - together with like-minded people and led by experienced mountain guides.
Highlights
Duration
- Ascent to the summit of the Breithorn (4,164 m): approx. 3 hours from the Klein Matterhorn mountain station (3,883 m)
- Descent back to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station: approx. 2 hours
Number of participants
The group offer requires a minimum of 2 participants. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the tour may not take place.
Description
The tour begins at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station (3,883 m), the highest cable car station in Europe. From here, the route leads across the Breithorn Plateau to the Selle (4,022 m), the starting point of the Half Traverse. At this point you join the route of the full Breithorn Traverse, which starts further east at the Roccia Nera (4,073 m) and continues across all five Breithorn summits.
The ridge offers a varied mix of snow and rock climbing. You cross the Breithorn Central Summit (4,159 m) before reaching the Breithorn Main Summit (4,164 m). The route includes climbing sections up to UIAA grade IV and requires surefootedness as well as good fitness.
Throughout the entire tour, you are accompanied by experienced mountain guides who ensure your safety and provide valuable tips. The breathtaking views of the surrounding Valais Alps make this experience truly unforgettable.
Program
Cable car ride up the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m)
Guided ascent over the Breithorn plateau to the Breithorn saddle at approx. 3,800 m
Ridge crossing to the west summit at 4,164 m
Summit break with fantastic Alpine panorama
Descent via the Noraml route to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station, followed by a descent to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Zermatt - Klein Matterhorn return: from CHF 57.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Material
To ensure that you are optimally equipped for the ascent of the Breithorn, you should definitely have this equipment with you:
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots with profiled, stiff Vibram soles
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- ice axe
- Hiking pole
- helmet
- Backpack, approx. 30 L
- Warm weatherproof clothing
- Gloves (possibly spare gloves)
- Hat / headband
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
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.
The Breithorn
The Breithorn - a summit with a history
- The Breithorn (4,164 m), located directly on the border between Switzerland and Italy, consists of five summits. The highest and most easily accessible is the Western Summit. It was first climbed on August 13, 1813 by a French expedition together with local mountain guides. On the full Breithorn Traverse, you cross all five summits in a single day.
- There have also been curious historical moments here: in 1822, the astronomer Sir John Herschel believed he had climbed Monte Rosa – but in fact he was standing on the Breithorn. Later, especially after the opening of the Klein Matterhorn cable car in 1979, the Breithorn became a popular and easily accessible summit destination for ambitious beginners.
- Geologically, the Breithorn lies in a fascinating region where the European and African tectonic plates meet. The massif is composed of metamorphic rock (gneiss and schist), similar to the neighboring Matterhorn. The glaciated plateau also features striking ice formations and geological phenomena such as bergschrunds and crevasses.
Safety and risk warnings
- Even though the tour is technically easy, you should not underestimate the alpine risks. The route leads over glaciers where there is always a risk of crevasses. For this reason, you will always be accompanied by professionals and equipped with the necessary safety equipment on ZERMATTERS. Weather changes can occur unexpectedly on the Breithorn, which is why the orientation and experience of our local mountain guides are crucial.
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.
