- Brief description
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Due to its short approach, the Breithorn is one of the easiest four-thousanders to climb in summer. Even in winter, the dream of climbing a four-thousander is still achievable. The incredible 360° views and the long descent to Zermatt make the mountain a very worthwhile aim, even in the colder months.
- Difficulty
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medium
- Rating
-
- Starting point
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Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m)
- Route
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P3824 (3,824 m)0.9 kmFuri16.1 kmZum See16.7 kmBlatten17.0 kmZermatt (1,608 m)18.0 km
- Best season
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AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul
- Description
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Starting from the Klein Matterhorn, the route on skis heads across the Breithorn plateau before turning north and heading towards the Western Breithorn summit. After only a few minutes, you’ll find yourself up close to the imposing mountains of snow, ice and rock that are clearly visible from the village. Depending on the conditions, skis can be left just below the magical 4,000-metre point and the last section can be completed on foot (with crampons). On arrival at the summit, there are stunning 360° views to enjoy, stretching from the Bernese Alps to France and over to Italy.
360° views not just of the Valais Alps, but also the Bernese Alps and over to Italy and France Crampons may be needed depending on the conditions Long, exciting descent on the glacier back to Zermatt - Directions
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Klein Matterhorn – Breithornplateau – Breithorn – Breithornplateau – Theodul Glacier - Furi - Zermatt
Option: Descent via Schwarztor
We recommend to book a mountain guide who knows well the place. - Highest point
- 4,159 m
- Endpoint
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Zermatt (1,620 m)
- Exposition
- Height profile
- © outdooractive.com
- Equipment
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We recommend:
Ski touring equipment: touring ski-boots, touring skis with touring bindings, ski poles, skins, crampons Climbing harness Backpack, shovel, probe Avalanche transeiver Warm weatherproof clothing Warm gloves and warm hat Sunglasses and sunscreen Warm drinks Snack (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)Important! Requirement: very good skiing skills and abilities, ski touring experience, surefooted with no fear of heights
- Safety instructions
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Always go with a mountain guide on a tour Stay up-to-date with the weather and avalanche status: Snow Report
More information is available in the Swiss avalanche bulletins (www.slf.ch) Always maintain visual contact with accompanying persons Use key sections and extremely steep slopes individually Never go into a wild game protection zone (these are marked and one will be fined) Always switch the avalanche transceiver (LVS device) unit to transmission Always carry a shovel and a probe Pay close attention to daily atmospheric warming and continually re-evaluate the situationTip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon. - Tips
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Descent possible via Schwarztor.
- Additional information
- Directions
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Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.
Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt. - Public transportation
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By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.
Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos). - Parking
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Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.
Onward travel: see “Getting there”.
- Author
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The tour Breithorn is used by outdooractive.com provided.
General info
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Unterwallis
93
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Mattertal
38
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Zermatt
9