Riffelhorn group

Riffelhorn climbing routes in the group

  • Endurance
    2
    Walking time 4-5 hours. Up to approx. 900 vertical meters. For sporty mountain hikers with good basic fitness.
  • Technique
    individual
  • Duration
    3-4 hours
  • Date
    June - October
  • Participants
    2 participants

Plaisir climbing with a panorama: the Riffelhorn near Zermatt is considered one of the best alpine training areas in Switzerland. Here you can feel the rock under your fingers, look out over the Gorner Glacier - and gain alpine climbing experience in a safe environment with a magnificent view of the Matterhorn.


About this tour



Duration

3 - 4 hours


Date

Daily from June - October, depending on the conditions


Number of participants

The group offer requires a minimum number of 2 participants. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, it is possible that the tour cannot take place.


Minimum age

For a group tour, the minimum age is 18 years.


Description

The Riffelhorn lies at 2,930 m above Zermatt and offers the best conditions for alpine climbing. On the south face you will find a variety of multi-pitch routes in plaisir style, ideal for building up technique, practising rope team sequences or as an introduction to alpine terrain.

Your mountain guide will pick you up at the Gornergratbahn at 07:45, followed by a short equipment check and the trip to Rotenboden. From there, you will reach the Riffelhorn after a short ascent on foot. The climbing tour itself takes around 3 to 4 hours - depending on the route and level chosen. You can gain valuable experience in belaying, rope handling and climbing technique - all against an impressive high alpine backdrop.

In addition to the south face of the Riffelhorn, there are other exciting but lesser-known climbing areas nearby, such as the Gornerflueh or a route on the north face of the Riffelhorn. Our mountain guides will also take you to these "insider tips".


Meeting point

07:45 at the Gornergratbahn station, opposite Zermatt station.

Meeting point on Google Maps

Gornergrat Railway Zermatt


Program

1

Welcome at the entrance to the Gornergrat Bahn at 07:45 by your mountain guide

2

Equipment check and cable car ride to Rotenboden

3

Plaisir climbing on the Riffelhorn for 3-4 hours with climbing finches

4

Return to Zermatt


"The dream of the summit begins on the Riffelhorn - a first step into the world of the mountains."

Martin Lehner

ZERMATTERS mountain guide, has opened many routes on the Riffelhorn


Additional costs

  • Rail journey Zermatt-Rotenboden return, from CHF 114.00
    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 optimally equipped for the climbing tour on the Riffelhorn:


  • For Riffelhorn Matterhorn training: mountain boots with Vibram soles
  • For sport climbing (Riffelhorn, Fluhalp or Eschelbalme) Climbing finches
  • Climbing harness
  • Climbing helmet
  • Small rucksack
  • Clothing suitable for the weather
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
  • drinks
  • Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)

Climbing harness and helmet 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.


The Riffelhorn - Alpine climbing

  • Climbing is more important than summits: After the First World War, many of today's classic climbing routes were climbed for the first time, including the route on the "Thermometereck" in the south face of the Riffelhorn - climbing as an activity became more important.
  • Small but mighty: At 2,930 m, the Riffelhorn is small compared to its neighbors - but thanks to the various routes and the diversity of the rock, even experienced climbers can reach their limits here.
  • Made for training: The Riffelhorn is a popular mountain in the Alps for training - there is a specific training course to prepare for the Matterhorn.


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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