Breithorn
Breithorn ascent with a mountain guide - your first 4000 metre peak!
-
Endurance
Level 2Hiking Time: 4–5 hours. Up to approx. 900 vertical meters. For athletic mountain hikers with good base fitness. -
Technique
Level 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
4-5 h -
Date
July - September -
Participants
1-6 persons
Gallery (8)
Do you dream of standing at over 4,000 meters? Then the Breithorn (4,164 m) near Zermatt is your perfect introduction to the world of high mountains. As one of the easiest four-thousand-metre peaks in the Alps, the Breithorn offers you an incomparable mountain experience even without much alpine experience.
Highlights
Description
The normal route up the Breithorn starts conveniently at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station (3,883 m). You first walk across the extensive and impressive Breithorn plateau for around 1 km over almost flat glaciated terrain. Then the actual ascent begins over a 35° inclined firn flank to the summit ridge, where you can gain your first experience with crampons.
Once you reach the top at 4,164 m, an unforgettable 360° panorama with views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Mont Blanc massif awaits you. The Breithorn summit was first climbed in 1813 and has since become famous as one of the earliest and easiest four-thousand-metre peaks.
Program
Cable car ride up the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m)
Guided ascent over the Breithorn plateau to the summit (4,164 m)
Summit break with fantastic alpine panorama
Return to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station, then descent to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Zermatt - Klein Matterhorn return: from CHF 95.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (for more information, please contact Zermatt Bergbahnen AG)
Material
To ensure that you are optimally equipped for the ascent of the Breithorn, you should definitely have this equipment with you:
- 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
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 peaks. The highest and easiest to reach is the western summit. A French expedition with local mountain guides reached it as early as August 13, 1813.
- There were also curious historical moments here: in 1822, the astronomer Sir John Herschel initially believed he had climbed Monte Rosa - but he was actually on the Breithorn. The Breithorn later became a popular and easily accessible summit destination for ambitious beginners, particularly with the opening of the Klein Matterhorn cable car in 1979.
- Geologically, the Breithorn lies in a fascinating region where European and African continental plates meet. The massif consists of metamorphic rock (gneiss and slate), similar to the neighboring Matterhorn. The glaciated plateau also offers exciting ice formations and geological phenomena such as crevasses 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
Level 2Hiking Time: 4–5 hours. Up to approx. 900 vertical meters. For athletic mountain hikers with good base fitness. -
Technique
Level 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
4-5 h -
Date
July - September -
Participants
1-6 persons
Do you dream of standing at over 4,000 meters? Then the Breithorn (4,164 m) near Zermatt is your perfect introduction to the world of high mountains. As one of the easiest four-thousand-metre peaks in the Alps, the Breithorn offers you an incomparable mountain experience even without much alpine experience.
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
- Our private mountain guides: For 1 to a maximum of 6 people (depending on conditions).
Description
The normal route up the Breithorn starts conveniently at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station (3,883 m). You first walk across the extensive and impressive Breithorn plateau for around 1 km over almost flat glaciated terrain. Then the actual ascent begins over a 35° inclined firn flank to the summit ridge, where you can gain your first experience with crampons.
Once you reach the top at 4,164 m, an unforgettable 360° panorama with views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Mont Blanc massif awaits you. The Breithorn summit was first climbed in 1813 and has since become famous as one of the earliest and easiest four-thousand-metre peaks.
Program
Cable car ride up the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m)
Guided ascent over the Breithorn plateau to the summit (4,164 m)
Summit break with fantastic alpine panorama
Return to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station, then descent to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Zermatt - Klein Matterhorn return: from CHF 95.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (for more information, please contact Zermatt Bergbahnen AG)
Material
To ensure that you are optimally equipped for the ascent of the Breithorn, you should definitely have this equipment with you:
- 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
Insurance
Insurance is the responsibility of the participant. We recommend valid accident and evacuation insurance.
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 peaks. The highest and easiest to reach is the western summit. A French expedition with local mountain guides reached it as early as August 13, 1813.
- There were also curious historical moments here: in 1822, the astronomer Sir John Herschel initially believed he had climbed Monte Rosa - but he was actually on the Breithorn. The Breithorn later became a popular and easily accessible summit destination for ambitious beginners, particularly with the opening of the Klein Matterhorn cable car in 1979.
- Geologically, the Breithorn lies in a fascinating region where European and African continental plates meet. The massif consists of metamorphic rock (gneiss and slate), similar to the neighboring Matterhorn. The glaciated plateau also offers exciting ice formations and geological phenomena such as crevasses 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.
