Weisshorn
Mountain tour to the Weisshorn
Endurance
5Walking time more than 10 hours. Over 1800 metres in altitude. Long, challenging tours for highly trained and high-alpine guests.
Technique
5You are well acclimatised, have climbed many 4000m peaks, are experienced with ice axe, crampons & rope. You climb in the 3rd-4th UIAA grade, are safe on exposed ridges & can cope with challenging combined terrain.
Duration
approx. 12 h- Date
Mid-July - Mid-September 
Participants
1 person
Gallery (5)
The Weisshorn (4,505 m) is regarded by experienced alpinists as the diamond of the Alps - wild, elegant and challenging. Its silhouette is almost more beautiful than that of the Matterhorn, its ascent longer, more alpine and quieter. Together with your ZERMATTERS mountain guide, you will tackle the east ridge - one of the great classic normal routes in the Alps.
Highlights
Description
Our tour begins at the Weisshornhütte (2,932 m), which you reach the day before on an alpine hike from Randa. We start early on the summit day - we reach the Flue Glacier via tracks and continue our ascent through firn and rock.
The ascent to the east ridge begins at the waterhole, where we see the first rays of sunshine on the striking firn shoulder. After the "breakfast spot", the ridge climb over the Lochmatter tower follows. Easy climbing sections, exposed passages and a magnificent line lead to the firn summit, where a few rock steps take us to the highest point.
The descent follows the same route - long, challenging and unforgettable. Back at the hut, a well-earned break awaits you before returning to the valley.
Program
Day 1: Individual ascent to the Weisshorn hut
- Train journey to Randa
- Individual hike from Randa railway station to the Weisshornhütte (T3-T4, approx. 4-5 hours)
- Meet your IFMGA-certified mountain guide at the hut at around 18:00.
Day 2: Ascent of the Weisshorn
- Individual breakfast
- Start around 03:00 a.m.
- Ascent of the Weisshorn (4,505 m) via the east ridge (normal route)
- Descent via the same route to the Weisshornhütte
- Farewell & individual descent to Randa
- 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 Weisshorn 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 (Kilimanjaro and the Mont Blanc normal route are not comparable with the Weisshorn, as these are not rock tours).
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Breithorn Traverse, Pollux or Riffelhorn. This is also an ideal way to acclimatize. 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 Weisshorn
General information about the Weisshorn
- The Weisshorn is 4,505 m high and lies between the Bishorn and the Zinalrothorn - in the middle of the so-called Couronne Impériale.
- Alongside the Matterhorn, it is considered the most striking peak in the region - aesthetic, dominant and challenging in alpine terms.
- The normal route leads via the east ridge from Randa; other options are the north ridge from Zinal or the challenging Schaligrat from the Schalibiwak.
Special features of the Weisshorn
- Rocky on the Zermatt side, bright white on the Rhone Valley side - hence the name Weisshorn.
- The tour is significantly longer and more challenging than the Matterhorn - anyone who climbs up here will never forget this day.
- The way back to Randa involves a whopping 3,100 m descent - a finale that demands stamina and concentration.
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
5Walking time more than 10 hours. Over 1800 metres in altitude. Long, challenging tours for highly trained and high-alpine guests. - Technique
5You are well acclimatised, have climbed many 4000m peaks, are experienced with ice axe, crampons & rope. You climb in the 3rd-4th UIAA grade, are safe on exposed ridges & can cope with challenging combined terrain. - Duration
approx. 12 h - Date
Mid-July - Mid-September - Participants
1 person
The Weisshorn (4,505 m) is regarded by experienced alpinists as the diamond of the Alps - wild, elegant and challenging. Its silhouette is almost more beautiful than that of the Matterhorn, its ascent longer, more alpine and quieter. Together with your ZERMATTERS mountain guide, you will tackle the east ridge - one of the great classic normal routes in the Alps.
Highlights
Duration
- Ascent to the summit of the Weisshorn (4,505 m): approx. 6 - 7 hours from the Weisshornhütte
- Descent back to the Weisshornhütte (2,932 m): approx. 5 hours
Description
Our tour begins at the Weisshornhütte (2,932 m), which you reach the day before on an alpine hike from Randa. We start early on the summit day - we reach the Flue Glacier via tracks and continue our ascent through firn and rock.
The ascent to the east ridge begins at the waterhole, where we see the first rays of sunshine on the striking firn shoulder. After the "breakfast spot", the ridge climb over the Lochmatter tower follows. Easy climbing sections, exposed passages and a magnificent line lead to the firn summit, where a few rock steps take us to the highest point.
The descent follows the same route - long, challenging and unforgettable. Back at the hut, a well-earned break awaits you before returning to the valley.
Program
Day 1: Individual ascent to the Weisshorn hut
- Train journey to Randa
- Individual hike from Randa railway station to the Weisshornhütte (T3-T4, approx. 4-5 hours)
- Meet your IFMGA-certified mountain guide at the hut at around 18:00.
Day 2: Ascent of the Weisshorn
- Individual breakfast
- Start around 03:00 a.m.
- Ascent of the Weisshorn (4,505 m) via the east ridge (normal route)
- Descent via the same route to the Weisshornhütte
- Farewell & individual descent to Randa
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the Weisshornhütte for you and your mountain guide: from approx. CHF 82.00 per person
- Train journey Zermatt - Randa return: from approx. CHF 14.80
- Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Equipment
So that you are well equipped for the ascent of the cathedral, 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 Weisshorn 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 (Kilimanjaro and the Mont Blanc normal route are not comparable with the Weisshorn, as these are not rock tours).
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Breithorn Traverse, Pollux or Riffelhorn. This is also an ideal way to acclimatize. 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 Weisshorn
General information about the Weisshorn
- The Weisshorn is 4,505 m high and lies between the Bishorn and the Zinalrothorn - in the middle of the so-called Couronne Impériale.
- Alongside the Matterhorn, it is considered the most striking peak in the region - aesthetic, dominant and challenging in alpine terms.
- The normal route leads via the east ridge from Randa; other options are the north ridge from Zinal or the challenging Schaligrat from the Schalibiwak.
Special features of the Weisshorn
- Rocky on the Zermatt side, bright white on the Rhone Valley side - hence the name Weisshorn.
- The tour is significantly longer and more challenging than the Matterhorn - anyone who climbs up here will never forget this day.
- The way back to Randa involves a whopping 3,100 m descent - a finale that demands stamina and concentration.
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.
