Nordend
Mountain tour on the Nordend
-
Endurance
5Hiking Time: more than 10 hours. Over 1800 vertical meters. Long, demanding tours for top-trained and high alpine guests. -
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
approx. 11 h -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
1-2 persons
Gallery (4)
As its name suggests, Nordend is the northernmost peak in the mighty Monte Rosa massif. At 4,609 m, it is not only a genuine four-thousand-metre peak, but also an insider tip for anyone looking for a high alpine, challenging snow and ice tour. Together with our local mountain guides, you will climb the Nordend via the impressive normal route from the Monte Rosa hut - an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Valais Alps.
Highlights
Description
Our tour begins at the Monte Rosa hut at 2,883 m. From here we climb higher over boulder terrain and marked trails until the glacier begins. This is followed by a gentle but persistent ascent across the wide firn field of the Monte Rosa glacier - always with a view of the Dufourspitze and Nordend. We reach the Silbersattel, which separates the two peaks.
From the saddle, an often interwoven ridge leads to the start of the summit ascent. With crampons and ice axes, we tackle the last few meters together in steeper firn and over easy rock steps. From the Nordend summit at 4,609 m, you have a unique view of the highest peaks in the Alps - and the mighty east face directly beneath your feet. The descent is via the same route to the hut.
Program
Day 1: Individual Ascent to the Monte Rosa Hut
- Individual glacier trek (T4) from Rotenboden station to the Monte Rosa Hut
- Arrival and check-in
- Meet your IVBV-certified mountain guide around 6:00 PM
Day 2: Ascent of the Nordend
- Individual breakfast at the hut
- Departure at around 02:00 for the Nordend ascent via the Silbersattel and south ridge
- Summit experience at 4,609 m with a unique panorama
- Descent to the Monte Rosa hut and farewell
- Individual return to Zermatt via Rotenboden
- Individual return to Zermatt via the Rotenboden cable car station
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the Monte Rosa hut for you and your mountain guide: from approx. CHF 95.00 per person
- Rail journey Zermatt-Rotenboden return: from approx. CHF 106.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information from the Gornergratbahn) - Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
- Crampon compatible mountain shoes with a rigid Vibram sole
- Harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- Ice axe (for the Matterhorn: depending on the conditions)
- Hiking pole
- Helmet
- Backpack, approx. 30 l
- Warm and weatherproof clothes
- Finger gloves (evtl.changing gloves)
- Beanie / headband
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Headlamp
- Drinks
- Energetic snacks (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
- Washing kit
- Few changing clothes
- Bandades
- Small personal pharmacy
- Innenliner (mandatory)
- Money, passport
Notes
The ascent of the Nordend is a challenging high-altitude tour. When making your booking inquiry, please let us know which four-thousand-metre peaks you have already climbed and what other mountaineering experience you have.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Dom, Castor or Alphubel. This is the ideal way to acclimatize yourself at the same time. This can also be done in a group, provided another person has registered for it.
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 north end
General information about Nordend
- At 4,609 m, Nordend is the northernmost peak in the Monte Rosa group.
- It stands somewhat in the shadow of the Dufourspitze - the highest point in Switzerland - but is a worthwhile destination in its own right.
- The ascent (depending on conditions) is a pure snow and ice tour - ideal for experienced mountaineers.
Special features of the Nordend
- From the summit, the legendary east face of the Nordend drops 2,500 m steeply to the Ghiacciaio del Belvedere - one of the highest faces in the Alps.
- The Nordend is also home to the most difficult classic rock climb in the Zermatt region: the NE ridge, also known as the Caterina ridge.
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
5Hiking Time: more than 10 hours. Over 1800 vertical meters. Long, demanding tours for top-trained and high alpine guests. -
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
approx. 11 h -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
1-2 persons
As its name suggests, Nordend is the northernmost peak in the mighty Monte Rosa massif. At 4,609 m, it is not only a genuine four-thousand-metre peak, but also an insider tip for anyone looking for a high alpine, challenging snow and ice tour. Together with our local mountain guides, you will climb the Nordend via the impressive normal route from the Monte Rosa hut - an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Valais Alps.
Highlights
Duration
- Ascent to the summit of Nordend (4,609 m): approx. 6 hours from the Monte Rosa hut
- Descent back to the Monte Rosa hut (2,883 m): approx. 5 hours
Description
Our tour begins at the Monte Rosa hut at 2,883 m. From here we climb higher over boulder terrain and marked trails until the glacier begins. This is followed by a gentle but persistent ascent across the wide firn field of the Monte Rosa glacier - always with a view of the Dufourspitze and Nordend. We reach the Silbersattel, which separates the two peaks.
From the saddle, an often interwoven ridge leads to the start of the summit ascent. With crampons and ice axes, we tackle the last few meters together in steeper firn and over easy rock steps. From the Nordend summit at 4,609 m, you have a unique view of the highest peaks in the Alps - and the mighty east face directly beneath your feet. The descent is via the same route to the hut.
Program
Day 1: Individual Ascent to the Monte Rosa Hut
- Individual glacier trek (T4) from Rotenboden station to the Monte Rosa Hut
- Arrival and check-in
- Meet your IVBV-certified mountain guide around 6:00 PM
Day 2: Ascent of the Nordend
- Individual breakfast at the hut
- Departure at around 02:00 for the Nordend ascent via the Silbersattel and south ridge
- Summit experience at 4,609 m with a unique panorama
- Descent to the Monte Rosa hut and farewell
- Individual return to Zermatt via Rotenboden
- Individual return to Zermatt via the Rotenboden cable car station
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the Monte Rosa hut for you and your mountain guide: from approx. CHF 95.00 per person
- Rail journey Zermatt-Rotenboden return: from approx. CHF 106.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information from the Gornergratbahn) - Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Material
To ensure that you are well equipped for the ascent of Nordend, you should definitely have this equipment with you:
- Crampon compatible mountain shoes with a rigid Vibram sole
- Harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- Ice axe (for the Matterhorn: depending on the conditions)
- Hiking pole
- Helmet
- Backpack, approx. 30 l
- Warm and weatherproof clothes
- Finger gloves (evtl.changing gloves)
- Beanie / headband
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Headlamp
- Drinks
- Energetic snacks (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
- Washing kit
- Few changing clothes
- Bandades
- Small personal pharmacy
- Innenliner (mandatory)
- Money, passport
Notes
The ascent of the Nordend is a challenging high-altitude tour. When making your booking inquiry, please let us know which four-thousand-metre peaks you have already climbed and what other mountaineering experience you have.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Dom, Castor or Alphubel. This is the ideal way to acclimatize yourself at the same time. This can also be done in a group, provided another person has registered for it.
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 north end
General information about Nordend
- At 4,609 m, Nordend is the northernmost peak in the Monte Rosa group.
- It stands somewhat in the shadow of the Dufourspitze - the highest point in Switzerland - but is a worthwhile destination in its own right.
- The ascent (depending on conditions) is a pure snow and ice tour - ideal for experienced mountaineers.
Special features of the Nordend
- From the summit, the legendary east face of the Nordend drops 2,500 m steeply to the Ghiacciaio del Belvedere - one of the highest faces in the Alps.
- The Nordend is also home to the most difficult classic rock climb in the Zermatt region: the NE ridge, also known as the Caterina ridge.
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.
