Liskamm
Mountain tour on the Liskamm
-
Endurance
5Walking time more than 10 hours. Over 1800 vertical meters. Long, challenging tours for highly trained and high-alpine guests. -
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. 10 h -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
1 person
Gallery (5)
The Liskamm is one of the largest and most impressive four-thousand-metre peaks in the Valais Alps. With its 4,537-metre-high eastern summit, the western summit at 4,479 m and the razor-sharp, weakened ridge in between, it is one of the most impressive ridge tours in the entire Alps. In two days, this guided high tour takes you over Castor and Liskamm - a real highlight for experienced alpinists.
Highlights
Duration
- The Liskamm ascent is divided into two ascent days:
- Day 1
- Ascent to the summit of the Castor (4,223 m): approx. 3.5 - 4 hours from the Klein Matterhorn station
- Descent to the Rifugio Quintino Sella (3,585 m): approx. 1.5 hours
- 2nd day
- Ascent via Liskamm west summit (4,479 m) to Liskamm east summit (4,532 m): approx. 4 - 5 hours
- Descent to the Monte Rosa hut (2,882 m): approx. 5 hours
Description
Ascent day 1
Our high-altitude tour starts early at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station. After crossing the glaciated Breithorn plateau, we descend gently on the south side of the Breithorn, past the foot of Pollux, until we are under the imposing west flank of Castor. The ascent takes place in long traverses, in good conditions with a steeper firn passage at the end.
From the Castor summit, you already have a fantastic view of the Liskamm and the Monte Rosa massif. After crossing the ridge of the Castor, we descend on the east side to the Rifugio Quintino Sella, where we spend the night.
Ascent day 2
We set off from the Rifugio Quintino Sella before dawn. The crossing of the Liskamm begins with the ascent to the west summit and leads over the legendary firn ridge to the east summit. Absolute surefootedness, concentration and rope technique are required - you will be rewarded with one of the most intense ridge experiences in the Alps.
The descent begins at the Lisjoch via the Grenzgletscher to the Monte Rosa hut, where we rest and then descend to the Rotenboden cable car station. This is where this unforgettable high-altitude adventure ends.
Program
Day 1: Ascent of the Castor
- Meeting point with your local and IFMGA-certified mountain guide at 06:30 am at the Matterhorn Express valley station
- Drive to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
- Ascent to the Castor (4,223 m) via the west flank (Swiss normal route)
- Descent via the east side to the Rifugio Quintino Sella (3,585 m)
- Dinner and overnight stay in the Rifugio
Day 2: Ascent of the Liskamm
- Individual breakfast
- Ascent to the Liskamm west summit (4,479 m)
- Ridge crossing to the Liskamm east summit (4,537 m), normal Swiss route
- Descent via the Grenzgletscher to the Monte Rosa hut
- Further descent to the Rotenboden cable car station and individual return to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board Rifugio Quintino Sella for you and your mountain guide: from approx. CHF 90.00 per person
- Train journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn one-way: from approx. CHF 62.50
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (for more information, please contact Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - One-way train journey Rotenboden-Zermatt: from approx. CHF 20.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information from the Gornergratbahn) - 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
Notes
The ascent of the Liskamm 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.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Breithorn Traverse or on the Dom (Festigrat). 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 ice comb
General information about the Liskamm
- The Liskamm consists of two summits: the west summit (4,479 m) and the east summit (4,537 m).
- The classic traverse runs from the west to the east summit via a narrow, exposed firn ridge.
- The tour is usually part of the Spaghetti Tour, a larger high-altitude tour through the Monte Rosa region.
Special features of the Liskamm
- In the golden age of alpinism, the Liskamm was feared as a "man-eater" - because of its cornices, which dragged entire rope teams down with them.
- Today, the tour is easy to complete thanks to modern safety technology - but remains challenging from an alpinist's point of view.
- From the Zermatt valley, the Liskamm looks like a homogeneous ridge; from the west, its double summit structure is visible - often confused with Pollux and Castor.
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 vertical meters. Long, challenging tours for highly trained and high-alpine guests. -
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. 10 h -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
1 person
The Liskamm is one of the largest and most impressive four-thousand-metre peaks in the Valais Alps. With its 4,537-metre-high eastern summit, the western summit at 4,479 m and the razor-sharp, weakened ridge in between, it is one of the most impressive ridge tours in the entire Alps. In two days, this guided high tour takes you over Castor and Liskamm - a real highlight for experienced alpinists.
Highlights
Duration
- The Liskamm ascent is divided into two ascent days:
- Day 1
- Ascent to the summit of the Castor (4,223 m): approx. 3.5 - 4 hours from the Klein Matterhorn station
- Descent to the Rifugio Quintino Sella (3,585 m): approx. 1.5 hours
- 2nd day
- Ascent via Liskamm west summit (4,479 m) to Liskamm east summit (4,532 m): approx. 4 - 5 hours
- Descent to the Monte Rosa hut (2,882 m): approx. 5 hours
Description
Ascent day 1
Our high-altitude tour starts early at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station. After crossing the glaciated Breithorn plateau, we descend gently on the south side of the Breithorn, past the foot of Pollux, until we are under the imposing west flank of Castor. The ascent takes place in long traverses, in good conditions with a steeper firn passage at the end.
From the Castor summit, you already have a fantastic view of the Liskamm and the Monte Rosa massif. After crossing the ridge of the Castor, we descend on the east side to the Rifugio Quintino Sella, where we spend the night.
Ascent day 2
We set off from the Rifugio Quintino Sella before dawn. The crossing of the Liskamm begins with the ascent to the west summit and leads over the legendary firn ridge to the east summit. Absolute surefootedness, concentration and rope technique are required - you will be rewarded with one of the most intense ridge experiences in the Alps.
The descent begins at the Lisjoch via the Grenzgletscher to the Monte Rosa hut, where we rest and then descend to the Rotenboden cable car station. This is where this unforgettable high-altitude adventure ends.
Program
Day 1: Ascent of the Castor
- Meeting point with your local and IFMGA-certified mountain guide at 06:30 am at the Matterhorn Express valley station
- Drive to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
- Ascent to the Castor (4,223 m) via the west flank (Swiss normal route)
- Descent via the east side to the Rifugio Quintino Sella (3,585 m)
- Dinner and overnight stay in the Rifugio
Day 2: Ascent of the Liskamm
- Individual breakfast
- Ascent to the Liskamm west summit (4,479 m)
- Ridge crossing to the Liskamm east summit (4,537 m), normal Swiss route
- Descent via the Grenzgletscher to the Monte Rosa hut
- Further descent to the Rotenboden cable car station and individual return to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board Rifugio Quintino Sella for you and your mountain guide: from approx. CHF 90.00 per person
- Train journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn one-way: from approx. CHF 62.50
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (for more information, please contact Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - One-way train journey Rotenboden-Zermatt: from approx. CHF 20.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information from the Gornergratbahn) - Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Material
So that you are well equipped for the crossing of the Liskamm, 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 Liskamm 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.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Breithorn Traverse or on the Dom (Festigrat). 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 ice comb
General information about the Liskamm
- The Liskamm consists of two summits: the west summit (4,479 m) and the east summit (4,537 m).
- The classic traverse runs from the west to the east summit via a narrow, exposed firn ridge.
- The tour is usually part of the Spaghetti Tour, a larger high-altitude tour through the Monte Rosa region.
Special features of the Liskamm
- In the golden age of alpinism, the Liskamm was feared as a "man-eater" - because of its cornices, which dragged entire rope teams down with them.
- Today, the tour is easy to complete thanks to modern safety technology - but remains challenging from an alpinist's point of view.
- From the Zermatt valley, the Liskamm looks like a homogeneous ridge; from the west, its double summit structure is visible - often confused with Pollux and Castor.
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.
