Ice climbing Schweigmatten

  • Endurance
    3
    Walking time 6-7 hours. Up to approx. 1200 vertical meters. Solid physical condition required, also in alpine terrain.
  • Technique
    individual
  • Duration
    approx. 5 hours
  • Date
    December - February
  • Participants
    1 - 2 participants

Are you looking for the next big adventure on ice? Ice climbing in Zermatt offers you a spectacular multi-pitch route with the Schweigmatten icefall. Guided by experienced ZERMATTERS mountain guides, you combine alpine climbing skills with ice-cold precision - in the middle of the impressive winter wonderland around Furi.


About this tour



Duration

approx. 5 hours


Date

Daily from December - February, depending on the conditions


Number of participants

1-2 participants per mountain guide


Description

The Schweigmatten multi-pitch route offers ambitious ice climbers in Zermatt a unique opportunity to hone their skills on ice. From the meeting point at the valley station of the Matterhorn Express, the cable car takes you up to Furi in just a few minutes. From there, you can reach the icefall in a short ascent.

After an equipment check and a short introduction, you will start your vertical adventure together with your mountain guide. You will work your way through the impressive ice formation over several rope lengths - with a focus on technique, efficiency and safety.

This ice climbing experience is aimed at sporty people with alpine climbing experience who want to take ice climbing in Zermatt to the next level. During 3-4 hours you will work your way through the frozen terrain. Top ropes are a thing of the past, here you can climb real multi-pitch routes!


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

 


Program

1

Welcome at the valley station of the Matterhorn Express by your mountain guide

2

Equipment check and cable car ride to Furi

3

Foot ascent to the Schweigmatten icefall

4

Ice climbing multi-pitch tour for approx. 4 hours

5

Return to Zermatt


«The short period of ice climbing is full of magic. The icefalls are ephemeral and reshape themselves every year. Moving around in the ice is something special: sometimes the ice is harder, sometimes softer.»

Thomas Grichting

ZERMATTERS Mountain Guide


Material

You should have this equipment with you so that you are well equipped for your ice climbing adventure:


  • Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots with profiled, rigid Vibram soles
  • Climbing harness
  • Ice climbing crampons
  • 2x ice axe
  • helmet
  • Backpack
  • Warm weatherproof clothing
  • Gloves and warm spare gloves
  • Hat / headband
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Thermos flask, drinks
  • Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)

PS: Dress warmly and ideally take a spare pair of warm gloves with you!


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.


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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?

If the minimum number of participants for a group activity is not reached, we will inform all registered participants. You then have the choice: either cover the additional cost for the missing participants or the tour will be cancelled and the full amount refunded.

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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