High Trail to the Matterhorn

DAY 1

Arrive Brig

Brig is located in southwest Switzerland (The Valais). You can fly into both Zurich and Geneva Airports and take the direct train service to Brig. The journey times take (2hrs 20 mins) and (2hrs 45mins) respectively. Please check the Swiss Rail network for up to date timetables.

Brig is a small and charming town with many of its houses Italian in appearance. Your information pack including route notes and maps will be waiting for you at your Hotel in Brig, relax and unwind in the Hotel before your walking adventure!

Overnight: Brig Hotel - Ambassador - DB&B

DAY 2

Walk to Simplon

Today starts with a short bus ride then a cable car journey up to Rosswald. You pass through little quaint valleys, crossing steams and travelling across steep and rugged slopes. A head for heights is recommended! Remember to pack your bag for your overnight as no luggage transfer is included today. This is due to remote and wonderful location of your overnight stay.

Walk: 17 km, 6.5 hrs, 1140m ascent / 910m descent

Overnight: Simplon Hotel - Fletschhorn- DB&B

DAY 3

Walk to Gspon

A short transfer back to the Simplon pass then a minor ascent starts the day as you make your way across the Bistinepass (2417m). You will soon reach the beautiful untouched Nanz Valley. Alpine flowers guide the way down to the bottom of the valley with its impressive mountain range high above. Before long you will cross another pass and head down to the small village of Gspon where you will reach your guesthouse for the night. Walk: 16 km, 6 hrs, 920m ascent / 1020m descent

Overnight: Gspon Guesthouse - Alpenblick - DB&B

DAY 4

Walk to Saas Fee

Today starts by heading up to the small settlement of Oberfinilu where you can enjoy a rest stop. From here the trail follows lush green covered fields and paths surrounded by beautiful alpine flowers. Slowly you ascent to the highest point of the day as you cross the steep slopes of the Weissmies. You then head down to the bottom of the Matter Valley, Saas Grund. From here yiou can either walk or take the bus for the final stretch to Saas Fee. Walk: 18 km, 6.5 hrs, 700m ascent / 780m descent

Overnight: Saas Fee Hotel - Tenne - B&B

DAY 5

Walk to Grachen

Todays route takes you high above the Matter Valley where you are rewarded with panoramic views over to magnificent snow covered mountains. It’s a very popular walk but you need to be careful as some of the slopes can be steep and exposed. You slowly ascent the Hanningalp from where you have the choice to either walk or take the cable car to Grachen where you hotel for the night is.

Walk: 19 km, 7.5hrs, 1000m ascent/ 1110m descent

Overnight: Grachen Hotel - Sonne - DB&B

DAY 6

Walk to the Europahuette

Today you follow the start of the ‘Kings Route’ which connects Grachen with Zermatt.It is the highlight of the walk as you follow the high route along the Europaweg which is a demanding but very popular path. Staying at the Europahutte is a fabulous experience, it’s a newly built mountain hut perfect for walkers. Wonderful views and the anticipation of the sight of the Matterhorn on tomorrows walk will excite you Walk: 14 km, 7 hrs, 1030m ascent and 400 descent

Overnight: Mountain Hut - Europahuette - DB&B

The Europahuette is a wonderful new mountain hut. You will be sharing a room with others and your luggage won't be transferred today. Its worth packing a sleeping liner for the mountain hut.

DAY 7

Walk to Zermatt

Continue along the high route to Zermatt where you will finally catch a glimpse of the famous Matterhorn mountain. Its one of the highest alps in Europe standing tall at 4,478 metres. Take time to explore the small village of Zermatt which is car free to prevent air pollution.

Walk: 17km, 6hrs, 930m ascent / 950m descent

Overnight: Zermatt Hotel - Alphubel - B&B

DAY 8

Onward Travel

This morning you are free to leave after breakfast or why not add on a few extra night in Zermatt to experience the wonderful village and views of the Matterhorn.

Grade & Fitness

This walking tour is graded Moderate to Strenuous.  Many of the walks are on high mountain trails through the alps, so a head for heights is advisable.  There are always shorter options and on some sections you can use cable cars to make the day easier.  You should be a regular walker and have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this holiday.

Navigation

The routes on this holiday are way marked some of the time so you will need to follow the route notes with maps that we provide at your first hotel.  If you are unsure of a turn then you can always go back to the last note to make sure you are on the right track.

Availability

This holiday is available to start any day between the 2nd July and the 10th Sep.

Accommodation

We specifically select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We aim to give you an authentic experience and use local family run accommodations in a mixture of Hotels, Guest Houses and one Mountain Hut. The hotels are generally chalet types with wooden interior which are typical of the region.  The guest houses and mountain hut will have shared facilities.

Alternate accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same standard as those described.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

Solo Walkers

This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.

Meals

A delicious breakfast is included each morning and an evening meal is included on 3 nights. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. 

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.  Please note on Day 2 and Day 6 your accommodation is very remote and luggage transfer will not be provided on this day.  You will need to carry a day pack with overnight essentials.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Getting to Brig

Brig is located in southwest Switzerland (The Valais).

Air - You can fly into both Zurich and Geneva Airports in Switzerland. Many low cost airlines fly here from the UK and Europe.

Train - From both Zurich and Geneva you can take the direct train service to Brig. The journey times take (2hrs 20 mins) and (2hrs 45mins) respectively. Please check the Swiss Rail network for up to date timetables.

Getting from Zermatt

Zermatt is located on the south west corner of Switzerland only 10k from the Italian border. You can reach Zurich in approx. (3hrs 20 mins) by train with one change. Geneva can be reached by train in approx. (2hrs 45mins).  Please check the Swiss Rail network for up to date timetables.  

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

How fit do I need to be?

The walking is graded moderate to strenuous so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle.  Most of the paths are easy to follow with your route notes and maps but some paths are steep and stenuous.  Days can be long averaging approx 6 - 7 hrs per day.

Which is the best airport to fly to?

You can fly into either Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport in Switzerland, check out the travel details section for more detailed information.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular especially as the season is short (July - Sep).  You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.  

When is the best time of year?

The best months for walking are in the summer months between July and September when the wild flowers are in bloom and the weather is generally fair.

This holiday is available to start from 2nd July - 10th September.  To make a provisional reservation select "Book". Option & Extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour/s you are interested in on your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.