Tour of the Matterhorn South

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded strenuous with the average daily distance being 17km. Each day has significant ascent and descent and the paths are a mixture of woodland trails, rocky mountain paths, moraine, scree, gravel tracks, glaciated terrain (guided) and paved country roads. There is some light scrambling involved in places and there are cables, ropes and chains to aid ascent/descent in some places.

Please be aware that on the highest passes, there may be some residual snow lying in patches, but this will not require any special equipment or skills; just a steady foot, walking experience and a head for heights. Walking poles are highly recommended.To get the most of this trip, you should be in good physical shape and be an experienced walker, having already done some Alpine walking. 

Navigation

All trails are very well way-marked, and together with access to our GPS-following app, route notes and maps, you will have no problem finding your way on our suggested walks.  

Experience & Fitness

This trip is graded strenuous with the average daily distance being 17km. Each day has significant ascent and descent and the paths are a mixture of woodland trails, rocky mountain paths, moraine, scree, gravel tracks, glaciated terrain (guided) and paved country roads. There is some light scrambling involved in places and there are cables, ropes and chains to aid ascent/descent in some places. Please be aware that on the highest passes, there may be some residual snow lying in patches, but this will not require any special equipment or skills; just a steady foot, walking experience and a head for heights. Walking poles are highly recommended. To get the most from this trip you should be in good physical shape and be an experienced walker, having already done some Alpine walking.

• 5 Nights in 3* hotels, 3 nights in mountain hotels and 2 nights in mixed sex dorms in mountain huts
• 5 Breakfasts
• 4 Dinners
• A qualified UIAGM guide and equipment for the glacier crossings on Day 3 & Day 5
• Detailed pre-departure information pack
• Route notes, maps, GPX tracks and access to our GPS smartphone app
• 24-hour emergency telephone assistance

• Flights to and from Switzerland
• Travel to starting point/from finish point
• Public transport such as cable cars
• Travel Insurance Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
• Any items not specifically mentioned in the program

• Extra nights

When To Go

This trip is available to start any day of the week, from the beginning of July to the middle of September. 

Getting to the Start

Zinal is not on a train line but there are regular postbuses serving the town. Fly into Geneva, Zurich or Bern then continue by train to Sierre. (2, 3.5 or 1.5 hours) From Sierre, take the postbus to Zinal (about 1.5 hours with one change)

Train timetables and details of public transportation in Switzerland are available via the excellent travel planner at www.sbb.ch.

Getting from the End

Zermatt is on a train line. From here you can reach any major European destination by train. You can connect to Geneva, Zurich or Bern airports (3.5, 3.5 or 2 hours)

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items,for example, proper rain gear (jackets and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking shoes or boots, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer and a day pack.

Can my bags be transferred?

Unfortunately bag transfer is not available on this trip. You will need to carry your things in your backpack for the duration of your hike. Keeping this in mind, you should try to pack as light as possible, we recommend a rucksack of no more than 40 litres in size to keep things manageable. You can, of course, leave excess baggage at your hotel in Zermatt and pick it up again when you finish your trek.

Equipment

You will need crampon compatible walking boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers and warm layers just to mention a few of the items required. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack. Equipment needed for the glacier crossings, i.e. crampons, ice axe etc. will be provided by the guide. 

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.