Dufourspitze
Mountain tour to the Dufourspitze
-
Endurance
4Walking time 8-9 hours. Up to approx. 1600 vertical meters. For experienced mountaineers with very good stamina. -
Technique
5You are well acclimatized, 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. 11 h -
Date
June - Mid-September -
Participants
1 - 2 people
Gallery (10)
Do you dream of standing on the highest point in Switzerland? Then the Dufourspitze (4,634 m) in the Monte Rosa massif is your ultimate goal. As one of the most challenging peaks in the Monte Rosa massif, it demands both technical skills and stamina. Our locally experienced mountain guides will accompany you safely to this majestic roof of Switzerland.
Highlights
Description
The Dufourspitze ascent is one of the most demanding high-altitude tours in the Alps and presents even experienced mountaineers with a major challenge. At 4,634 m above sea level, it is the highest peak in Switzerland and the second highest in the Alps. The ascent of the Dufourspitze via the Nomalweg involves a long glacier crossing to the saddle, which must be climbed at the fourth level of difficulty.
Program
Day 1: Individual Arrival at the Monte Rosa Hut
- Individual ascent to the Monte Rosa Hut via Rotenboden (Hut Approach)
- Meeting with your local and IFMGA-certified mountain guide before dinner
- Dinner and overnight stay at the Monte Rosa Hut
Day 2: Ascent of the Dufourspitze
- Start the tour with your private mountain guide around 2:00 am (depending on the season)
- Ascent of the Dufourspitze via the normal route
- Return to the Monte Rosa Hut and farewell to your mountain guide
- Individual return journey to Zermatt via Rotenboden
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the Monte Rosa hut for you and your mountain guide: CHF 95.00 per person
- Rail journey Zermatt-Rotenboden return: CHF 106.00. Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information here)
- 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
Remark
The ascent of the Dufourspitze 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 Mont Blanc are not comparable with the Dufourspitze, as these are not rock tours).
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour - for example on the Breithorn Traverse or on the Riffelhorn for acclimatization. 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 Dufourspitze
General information about the Dufourspitze
- At 4,634 m above sea level, the Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif is the highest peak in Switzerland.
- The first ascent took place on August 1, 1855 by a rope team led by Charles Hudson.
Special features of the Dufourspitze
- The summit was named in 1863 in honor of the Swiss general and cartographer Guillaume-Henri Dufour (1787-1875). Dufour was the publisher of the first accurate map of Switzerland, the so-called Dufour Map
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
4Walking time 8-9 hours. Up to approx. 1600 vertical meters. For experienced mountaineers with very good stamina. -
Technique
5You are well acclimatized, 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. 11 h -
Date
June - Mid-September -
Participants
1 - 2 people
Do you dream of standing on the highest point in Switzerland? Then the Dufourspitze (4,634 m) in the Monte Rosa massif is your ultimate goal. As one of the most challenging peaks in the Monte Rosa massif, it demands both technical skills and stamina. Our locally experienced mountain guides will accompany you safely to this majestic roof of Switzerland.
Highlights
Duration
- Ascent to the Dufourspitze: approx. 6 hours
- Descent back to the Monte Rosa hut: approx. 5 hours
Description
The Dufourspitze ascent is one of the most demanding high-altitude tours in the Alps and presents even experienced mountaineers with a major challenge. At 4,634 m above sea level, it is the highest peak in Switzerland and the second highest in the Alps. The ascent of the Dufourspitze via the Nomalweg involves a long glacier crossing to the saddle, which must be climbed at the fourth level of difficulty.
Program
Day 1: Individual Arrival at the Monte Rosa Hut
- Individual ascent to the Monte Rosa Hut via Rotenboden (Hut Approach)
- Meeting with your local and IFMGA-certified mountain guide before dinner
- Dinner and overnight stay at the Monte Rosa Hut
Day 2: Ascent of the Dufourspitze
- Start the tour with your private mountain guide around 2:00 am (depending on the season)
- Ascent of the Dufourspitze via the normal route
- Return to the Monte Rosa Hut and farewell to your mountain guide
- Individual return journey to Zermatt via Rotenboden
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the Monte Rosa hut for you and your mountain guide: CHF 95.00 per person
- Rail journey Zermatt-Rotenboden return: CHF 106.00. Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information here)
- 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
Remark
The ascent of the Dufourspitze 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 Mont Blanc are not comparable with the Dufourspitze, as these are not rock tours).
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour - for example on the Breithorn Traverse or on the Riffelhorn for acclimatization. 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 Dufourspitze
General information about the Dufourspitze
- At 4,634 m above sea level, the Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif is the highest peak in Switzerland.
- The first ascent took place on August 1, 1855 by a rope team led by Charles Hudson.
Special features of the Dufourspitze
- The summit was named in 1863 in honor of the Swiss general and cartographer Guillaume-Henri Dufour (1787-1875). Dufour was the publisher of the first accurate map of Switzerland, the so-called Dufour Map
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.
