Gorge Adventure

Gorge Adventure: The somewhat different via ferrata in Zermatt

  • Endurance
    1
    Hiking Time: 2–3 hours. Up to approx. 500 vertical meters. Short, technically easy, suitable for beginners.
  • Technique
    1
    You 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
    approx. 4 h
  • Date
    Possible all year round
  • Participants
    1-6 persons

Are you looking for a real highlight in Zermatt? Then take on the Gorge Adventure via ferrata! Between roaring waters, rock faces and narrow bridges, you will experience a unique tour through the impressive Gorner Gorge. Whether with the family, as a team event or a sporting adventure with friends: Our local mountain guides will accompany you safely and with plenty of expertise.


About this tour



Duration

approx. 4 hours


Date

Available all year round, whatever the weather.
Most popular time: June-October


Number of participants

Private: 1 to a maximum of 6 participants per mountain guide


Description

In Zermatt or on the Furi, you will first receive your equipment and a safety briefing. You will then make your way to the start, where you will begin with a 20 m abseil. You will then master suspension bridges, zip lines and a spectacular pendulum swing over a length of approx. 1 km in 3-4 hours. Under the guidance of your ZERMATTERS mountain guide, you will experience technical challenges, fascinating geology and finally the way back down to the valley - an exciting adventure for anyone with a head for heights.


Program

1

Meeting point at the ZERMATTERS Homebase - at 08:30 or 12:30 depending on the booking

2

Equipment issue & safety check 

3

Ascent to Furi, short ascent to the entrance point of the gorge

4

Via ferrata tour through the Gornergorge - over bridges, abseiling passages and Tyroliennes

5

Return on foot to Zermatt - optional stopover at the Blatten mountain restaurant for refreshments


Meeting point

08:30 or 12:30 at our ZERMATTERS home base. On request, the mountain guide can also pick you up at another location, e.g. at your accommodation.

Meeting point on Google Maps

ZERMATTERS Homebase


Additional costs

  • Rail journey Zermatt-Furi one-way: from CHF 14.00
  • Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more info here)

Material

This is the equipment you need to successfully cross the Gorge:


  • Ankle-height mountaineering boots with profiled soles
  • Climbing harness
  • helmet
  • Via ferrata set
  • Gloves
  • Small rucksack
  • Clothing suitable for the weather
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • drinks
  • Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)

Climbing harness, via ferrata set, helmet & gloves can be hired from ZERMATTERS


Insurance

Insurance is the responsibility of the participant. We recommend valid accident and evacuation insurance.


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.



FAQ

When can you do the Gorge Adventure?

The Gorge Adventure in the Gorner Gorge can be booked all year round. Private tours are possible on any day. Group activities mainly take place during the peak summer season from July to September, when the conditions are particularly attractive. However, a winter tour also offers its own special attraction with the ice columns and the frozen Gornera.

When is the best time to climb on the Riffelhorn?

The Riffelhorn is a popular climbing spot in Zermatt and is particularly suitable for alpine multi-pitch routes and sport climbing. The optimal climbing season is from June to October. During this time, conditions are ideal as the rocks are dry and the temperatures are pleasant. The Riffelhorn offers routes for beginners to advanced climbers and is easily accessible, making it a perfect training ground for alpine tours.

When is the best time for ice climbing in Zermatt?

The ice climbing season in Zermatt usually starts in mid-December and lasts until the end of February, depending on the weather and ice conditions. During these months, waterfalls and rock faces freeze into impressive ice formations that are ideal for climbing. Popular areas such as Blatten offer routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.

What is the difference between a private tour and a group tour?

Private:
With a private booking, you take part exclusively with your own group (e.g. family, friends, team). No other participants will be added. A private booking is worthwhile for groups of 4 or more - but you can also start with a private mountain guide as a couple or alone if you wish.

Group:
The group tour is possible with a minimum of 4 participants. Here you will meet other adventurous people - ideal for solo travelers or couples who do not want to bear the costs of a private guide alone.
Group sizes vary depending on the tour and difficulty. As a rule, our guides lead small groups of a maximum of 4 to 6 people to ensure optimum supervision and the highest safety standards.

What happens if the minimum number for a group is not reached?

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 requirements do I need to fulfill for via ferrata, climbing or ice climbing tours?

In general, you should be athletic, sure-footed and have a head for heights. Special previous knowledge is not necessary for easy tours (e.g. Gorge Adventure or beginner via ferratas). For more challenging climbing or ice climbing tours, experience is an advantage. Our guides or homebase team will be happy to advise you on the right tour for you.

What equipment is needed?

Depending on the activity, you will need weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection and good footwear:

  • Climbing harness, helmet and via ferrata set (for via ferrata)
  • Climbing harness, climbing shoes (for rock climbing)
  • Climbing harness, warm and crampon-proof mountain boots, crampons, 2x ice axe, helmet and warm clothing (for ice climbing)

The mountain guide will bring all other technical equipment. You will also find a list of equipment for each tour.

 

 

When will a final decision be made about the ski tour?

The final decision is usually made 48 hours before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. The ZERMATTERS home base will inform you in good time and make any necessary adjustments.

What happens in bad weather?

Our mountain guides carefully assess the weather conditions. In the event of heavy rain, thunderstorms or poor conditions, the tour will be postponed or canceled. Of course, you will not incur any additional costs in this case. Safety always comes first.

How safe are the tours?

Your safety is our top priority. Our mountain guides are certified and highly trained. The tours are always adapted to the current weather and route conditions. You will also receive comprehensive instructions and safety equipment before the tour.

Can I also take part as a beginner?

Yes, absolutely! Many of our via ferratas and beginner climbing tours are specially designed for beginners. We also offer first experiences in ice climbing on easy routes - accompanied by experienced mountain guides who will explain everything to you step by step.

Do I have to be free from giddiness?

For most via ferrata and climbing tours, a certain head for heights is an advantage. Height can play a role, especially on exposed passages or airy sections. If you are unsure, our guides will help you to slowly build up your confidence.

Are there special offers for children or families?

Yes, we offer family-friendly via ferratas and beginner climbing tours that are specially tailored to children and families. Our guides pay particular attention to providing a playful, safe and motivating experience for young climbers.

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