Glacier hike Lower Theodul Glacier Group
Lower Theodul Glacier in a group
-
Endurance
2Walking time 4-5 hours. Up to approx. 900 vertical meters. For sporty mountain hikers with good basic fitness. -
Technique
2You are practiced in 2nd degree climbing and in moderately steep terrain on rock and ice. You are familiar with crampons, ice axe and rope techniques. You have mastered combined terrain and can move safely in crevasse zones and on ridges. -
Duration
approx. 5 - 6 hours -
Date
Mid-June - end of October -
Participants
3 - 8 participants
Gallery (4)
Do you want to experience glacier ice up close - without climbing passages or technical hurdles?
Then this tour across the Lower Theodul Glacier is just right for you. On the way with an experienced ZERMATTERS mountain guide, you will explore the impressive glacier landscape between Trockener Steg and Gandegghütte as part of a group. Ideal for the curious, families and anyone who wants to take their first step into the high mountains.
Highlights
Description
The tour starts with a shared ascent from Zermatt to Trockener Steg (2,939 m). After an equipment check, the route first leads over scree fields to the edge of the Upper Theodul Glacier. There we put on our crampons - from now on it's over ice.
We climb slightly uphill over wide firn fields with a view of the Klein Matterhorn before changing direction and descending to the Lower Theodul Glacier. We cross impressive glacier zones with sweeping panoramic views. The tour ends below the Gandegghütte with a short, steeper descent over rocky terrain.
Program
Welcome at the Matterhorn Express valley station at 08:30 by your mountain guide
Train ride to Trockener Steg (2,939 m), equipment check and start of the tour
Glacier tour across the Lower Theodul Glacier
Return to the Gandegghütte and then to the Trockener Steg
Individual return journey to Zermatt
Meeting point
08:30 am at the Matterhorn Express valley station, at Dorsaz Sport.
Meeting point on Google Maps
Matterhorn Express valley station at Dorsaz Sport
Additional costs
- Rail journey Zermatt-Trockener Steg return, from CHF 65.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found here)
- 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
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 Theodul Glacier
- The Theodul Glacier consists of two parts - the Lower and the Upper Theodul Glacier.
- The glacier is located between the Trockener Steg and Klein Matterhorn stations - and not only delights ski tourers, but also all those who marvel at it from the gondola (Glacier Ride I).
- The Upper Theodul Glacier is part of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ski area.
Special features of the Lower Theodul Glacier
- With a length of 7 km and an area of 10 km2, the Lower Theodul Glacier is the largest part of the Theodul Glacier.
- The glacier has receded considerably in recent decades. The lowest point today is at around 2,400 m.
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
2Walking time 4-5 hours. Up to approx. 900 vertical meters. For sporty mountain hikers with good basic fitness. -
Technique
2You are practiced in 2nd degree climbing and in moderately steep terrain on rock and ice. You are familiar with crampons, ice axe and rope techniques. You have mastered combined terrain and can move safely in crevasse zones and on ridges. -
Duration
approx. 5 - 6 hours -
Date
Mid-June - end of October -
Participants
3 - 8 participants
Do you want to experience glacier ice up close - without climbing passages or technical hurdles?
Then this tour across the Lower Theodul Glacier is just right for you. On the way with an experienced ZERMATTERS mountain guide, you will explore the impressive glacier landscape between Trockener Steg and Gandegghütte as part of a group. Ideal for the curious, families and anyone who wants to take their first step into the high mountains.
Highlights
Number of participants
The group offer requires a minimum number of 3 participants. A maximum of 8 participants per mountain guide can take part in the tour (depending on conditions). If the minimum number of participants is not reached, it is possible that the tour cannot take place.
Description
The tour starts with a shared ascent from Zermatt to Trockener Steg (2,939 m). After an equipment check, the route first leads over scree fields to the edge of the Upper Theodul Glacier. There we put on our crampons - from now on it's over ice.
We climb slightly uphill over wide firn fields with a view of the Klein Matterhorn before changing direction and descending to the Lower Theodul Glacier. We cross impressive glacier zones with sweeping panoramic views. The tour ends below the Gandegghütte with a short, steeper descent over rocky terrain.
Program
Welcome at the Matterhorn Express valley station at 08:30 by your mountain guide
Train ride to Trockener Steg (2,939 m), equipment check and start of the tour
Glacier tour across the Lower Theodul Glacier
Return to the Gandegghütte and then to the Trockener Steg
Individual return journey to Zermatt
Meeting point
08:30 am at the Matterhorn Express valley station, at Dorsaz Sport.
Meeting point on Google Maps
Matterhorn Express valley station at Dorsaz Sport
Additional costs
- Rail journey Zermatt-Trockener Steg return, from CHF 65.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found here)
Material
You should have this equipment with you so that you are ideally equipped for the glacier hike on the Theodul Glacier:
- 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
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 Theodul Glacier
- The Theodul Glacier consists of two parts - the Lower and the Upper Theodul Glacier.
- The glacier is located between the Trockener Steg and Klein Matterhorn stations - and not only delights ski tourers, but also all those who marvel at it from the gondola (Glacier Ride I).
- The Upper Theodul Glacier is part of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ski area.
Special features of the Lower Theodul Glacier
- With a length of 7 km and an area of 10 km2, the Lower Theodul Glacier is the largest part of the Theodul Glacier.
- The glacier has receded considerably in recent decades. The lowest point today is at around 2,400 m.
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.
