| Summer 2010 > Randonnée & Trekking >> Around the Matterhorn : |  |
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TOUR OF THE MATTERHORNThe pyramid-like shape of the Matterhorn makes it instantly recognisable to everyone. The ascent of its north face was considered as one of the last great exploits in alpinism in the Alps, along with the Eiger and the Grandes Jorasses. Its four sides meet 400 meters below the summit in an ultimate pyramid-shaped point called “the roof”. The summit is a large arête of around 2 meters in width by 250 meters in length, on which we can distinguish two summits: the Swiss summit to the east which culminates at 4477m, and the Italian summit on the western part of the arête which culminates at 4476m. They are separated by a hollow cove in which a cross was placed in September 1901. It is here around this mythical peak that we will undertake a magnificent trek in altitude which will allow us to admire the Matterhorn from every angle while discovering two different communities and two different cultures. The entire trek takes place at an altitude of between 2000m and 3330m in wild landscapes rich with Alpine flora and fauna. The accommodation has been chosen for its “mountain” atmosphere.Technical Ability : The Tour of the Matterhorn is a six day long trek of 6-8 hours of walking per day on footpaths and trails of varied terrain with an average daily acclivity/declivity of 1000 meters. Participants must carry their belongings and their picnics. This trek is aimed at practised hikers with experience of walking in the mountains. Accomodation : 4 nights in mountain huts and auberges plus one night in a basic hotel. Typically in dormitories. |
The Mattehorn from Zermatt. |
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Itinerary : Day 1 : Chamonix – Les Hauderes (Val d’Herens) – Arolla (Val d’Arolla) Morning transfer to the picturesque village of Les Hauderes in the Val d’Herens. Preamble through the village before the hike which will take us to Lake Bleu and the hamlet of Arolla. Up : 650 m. Around : 4 hours Day 2 : Arolla to Prarayer (Valpelline) A fabulous day on the Arolla glacier under the North and East faces of Mont Collon. We cross the itinerary of the famous Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, near the Collon mountain pass which gives access to Italy. The descent follows some pretty torrents and through alpine meadows to reach our welcoming Valdontaine auberge of Prarayer, located near the lake Place Moulin. Up : 1000 m Down : 1000 m Around 7 hours. Day 3 : Prarayer to Perruca (Valtournanche) We hike up the Valcornera coomb, the most desolate part of the Tour of the Matterhorn, in order to reach the Valcornera mountain pass which gives a magnificent view of the lakes near our mountain hut. The difficult descent is equipped with a handrail to help us reach the small but pleasant Perruca mountain hut. The afternoon will be devoted to observing the mountain ibex in these wonderful surroundings. Up : 1000 m / Down : 100 m Around : 5 hours. Day 4 : Perruca to Théodule hut (Valtournanche) Some beautiful waterfalls punctuate the descent towards Lake Cignana. On the bends in the path rich with edelweiss, the view of the Matterhorn and the Mont Rose is simply stunning. After visiting Cervinia we will take the cable car for a trek under the Matterhorn and the Italian/Swiss border where we will find the Théodule mountain hut, whose panoramic dining room has breathtaking views of the Lion ridge. Up : 400 m / Down : 900 m Around : 6 hours. Day 5 : Théodule hut to Zermatt The scenery around 4000m is spectacular. We are right next to the Matterhorn and can pick out the classic route of the Hörnli ridge. We descend towards the green pastures in Zmutt, situated under the North Face, in order to reach Zermatt. Up : 200 m / Down : 1700 m Around : 5 hours. Day 6. Zermatt - Täshalp – Randa (Val Mattertal) From Zermatt, we head towards the Täech meadows following an amazing footpath cut out of the rock face and protected by ropes and tunnels. The view of the prestigious Weisshorn is quite remarkable. End of the trek in Randa. Up : 700 m / Down : 800 m / Around 7 hours. |
Note : the altitudes of the tour necessitate good equipment. Documentation : Valid passport or ID card The Meals : The evening meal will be taken in the mountain huts or hotels. The trekking guide will take care of preparing the picnics. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any medical restrictions. The water in all the mountain huts is fit to drink, however, please check with your trekking guide before drinking water from other sources in the mountains. RENDEZVOUS : Departure on Day 1 at 8.30am in front of the guide company or 10.30am in Les Hauderes. An optional meeting with your trekking guide is arranged at 6pm the evening before departure at the guide company. The Supervision : The groups will have between six and 10 participants maximum per trekking guide, all State qualified, in order to guarantee maximum security and comfort, as well as better dialogue and transmission of information. Price summer 2010 : 705 € per person (minimum 6 people). This price includes : - The supervision of a trekking guide - Half-board mountain hut or hotel accommodation - The picnics - Lift passes - Transfer from Chamonix to Les Hauderes and return - Transportation of baggage as far as the final point of the trek The price does not include - Drinks and personal expenditure. Date 2010 : 25th July & 22nd august. We ask the hereunder deposit payment at the reservation. The remaining has to be paid 21 days before the beginning of the course. |
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