Rimpfischhorn
Mountain tour on the Rimpfischhorn
-
Endurance
4Walking time 8-9 hours. Up to approx. 1600 vertical meters. For experienced alpinists with very good stamina. -
Technik
4You've already climbed several 4000-meter peaks and are well acclimatized. Handling ice axe and crampons is second nature to you. Ridge climbs up to grade III and steep terrain on rock and ice pose no problem. -
Duration
approx. 10 h -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
1-2 persons
The Rimpfischhorn (4,199 m) is a striking four-thousand-metre peak in the Allalin group - you can recognize it from afar by its distinctive, jagged silhouette. Our route takes you from Fluhalp near Zermatt over glacier, rock and firn to the summit. An ideal tour for experienced mountaineers in good physical condition - and a perfect intermediate step before the Matterhorn.
Highlights
Description
Our tour starts at Fluhalp, which you can reach individually from Blauherd or Sunnegga. From here, an alpine hiking trail leads to Pfulwe, where the first small climbing section awaits. We descend via fixed ropes and rocky passages into a basin that takes us to the Längflue Glacier.
After a short rest at the so-called Frühstücksplatz, the route leads over a well-stepped rock rib up to the twisted Rimpfischsattel - where we meet rope teams that have come via Täsch- or Britanniahütte. From here, the final ascent to the summit begins: a snow couloir combined with easy rock climbing over black, pitted lava rock - until you reach the summit cross.
The descent follows the same route. For very experienced alpinists, a traverse is also possible in safe conditions - a challenging but impressive variant.
Program
Day 1: Individual ascent to the Fluhalp mountain restaurant
- Individual hike to Fluhalp from Blauherd or Sunnegga
- Meeting point with your local, IFMGA-certified mountain guide approx. 18:00 at the Fluhalp mountain restaurant
Day 2: Ascent of the Rimpfischhorn
- Individual breakfast at Fluhalp
- Departure around 03:00 (depending on the season)
- Ascent of the Rimpfischhorn via the normal route (south-east ridge)
- Descent to Fluhalp, farewell
- Return to Zermatt via Blauherd or Sunnegga
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the Fluhalp mountain restaurant for you and your mountain guide: from approx. CHF 95.00 per person
- Rail journey Zermatt-Sunnegga return or Zermatt-Blauherd return: from approx. CHF 32.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - 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 Rimpfischhorn is a long 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 Alphubel, Pollux or Riffelhorn. 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 Rimpfischhorn
General information about the Rimpfischhorn
- The Rimpfischhorn is 4,199 m high and part of the Allalin group between Zermatt and Saas-Fee.
- Its striking shape makes it easily recognizable from afar - especially from Zermatt.
- The tour is ideal for preparing for the Matterhorn: physically demanding, with crampons and easy to moderately difficult climbing passages.
Special features of the Rimpfischhorn
- The rock of the Rimpfischhorn originates from a submarine lava eruption. The black rocks with small cavities are known as pillow lava.
- On the final ascent, you will recognize the volcanic origin from the striking, porous rock structures - a geological highlight in the middle of the high mountains.
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 alpinists with very good stamina. -
Technik
4You've already climbed several 4000-meter peaks and are well acclimatized. Handling ice axe and crampons is second nature to you. Ridge climbs up to grade III and steep terrain on rock and ice pose no problem. -
Duration
approx. 10 h -
Date
Mid-July - Mid-September -
Participants
1-2 persons
The Rimpfischhorn (4,199 m) is a striking four-thousand-metre peak in the Allalin group - you can recognize it from afar by its distinctive, jagged silhouette. Our route takes you from Fluhalp near Zermatt over glacier, rock and firn to the summit. An ideal tour for experienced mountaineers in good physical condition - and a perfect intermediate step before the Matterhorn.
Highlights
Duration
- Ascent to the summit of the Rimpfischhorn (4,199 m): approx. 5 - 6 hours from the Fluhalp mountain restaurant
- Descent back to the Fluhalp mountain restaurant (2,606 m): approx. 5 hours
Description
Our tour starts at Fluhalp, which you can reach individually from Blauherd or Sunnegga. From here, an alpine hiking trail leads to Pfulwe, where the first small climbing section awaits. We descend via fixed ropes and rocky passages into a basin that takes us to the Längflue Glacier.
After a short rest at the so-called Frühstücksplatz, the route leads over a well-stepped rock rib up to the twisted Rimpfischsattel - where we meet rope teams that have come via Täsch- or Britanniahütte. From here, the final ascent to the summit begins: a snow couloir combined with easy rock climbing over black, pitted lava rock - until you reach the summit cross.
The descent follows the same route. For very experienced alpinists, a traverse is also possible in safe conditions - a challenging but impressive variant.
Program
Day 1: Individual ascent to the Fluhalp mountain restaurant
- Individual hike to Fluhalp from Blauherd or Sunnegga
- Meeting point with your local, IFMGA-certified mountain guide approx. 18:00 at the Fluhalp mountain restaurant
Day 2: Ascent of the Rimpfischhorn
- Individual breakfast at Fluhalp
- Departure around 03:00 (depending on the season)
- Ascent of the Rimpfischhorn via the normal route (south-east ridge)
- Descent to Fluhalp, farewell
- Return to Zermatt via Blauherd or Sunnegga
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the Fluhalp mountain restaurant for you and your mountain guide: from approx. CHF 95.00 per person
- Rail journey Zermatt-Sunnegga return or Zermatt-Blauherd return: from approx. CHF 32.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - 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 Rimpfischhorn is a long 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 Alphubel, Pollux or Riffelhorn. 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 Rimpfischhorn
General information about the Rimpfischhorn
- The Rimpfischhorn is 4,199 m high and part of the Allalin group between Zermatt and Saas-Fee.
- Its striking shape makes it easily recognizable from afar - especially from Zermatt.
- The tour is ideal for preparing for the Matterhorn: physically demanding, with crampons and easy to moderately difficult climbing passages.
Special features of the Rimpfischhorn
- The rock of the Rimpfischhorn originates from a submarine lava eruption. The black rocks with small cavities are known as pillow lava.
- On the final ascent, you will recognize the volcanic origin from the striking, porous rock structures - a geological highlight in the middle of the high mountains.
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.



