Zermatt Magazin 2017

56 Zermatt Magazin | Zermatt Tourismus
The Matterhorn Trek
Relaxed hut trekking in close
contact with this most famous
of mountains is the promise of
a multi-day tour put together
by four hut wardens. The tour
is organised by Zermatt Tourism.
All hikers need to do is tie
their boot laces, pack their
rucksacks and pick a date.
Hut trekking sounds like an outdoor
activity verging on an expedition.
Like scouting out passable
paths and trying to secure a bed
in the right hut. The Matterhorn
Trek – a joint venture between the
tourist board and the hut wardens
– takes away all the stress of organising
a high alpine Matterhorn adventure
and takes full advantage of
the network of pathways that crisscross
the Zermatt region.
A few years ago, the hut wardens
from Berggasthaus Trift, Schönbielhütte,
Hörnlihütte and Gandegghütte
worked out a five-day
route that offers hikers superb
panoramic views of the Matterhorn
on a medium-difficulty trek.
The tour was designed to show the
mountain from various perspectives:
looking across to the Matterhorn
from different directions,
from close up, and again from a
distance. The Matterhorn Trek
was born. Since 2015 Zermatt
Tourism has offered the breathtakingly
beautiful tour through its
booking system. “Guests really appreciate
the fact that everything is
organised in advanced through the
tourist office”, explains Yolanda
Biner, hut warden at Schönbielhütte.
“It’s a very relaxing way of
getting a high Alpine hiking experience.”
Day 1
Zermatt – Berggasthaus Trift
2 – 3 hours
A good 700 metres
altitude difference, 1620 m–2337 m
metres above sea level
Walking up to Trift, situated in the
western part of Zermatt that is not
accessible by mountain railway, is
a lovely way to start the trek. The
terrain is relatively easy, even
though the ascent is steep. Back in
the 18th century, the scholar Albrecht
von Haller used to send his
assistants to Trift, which boasts
a unique flora. The nature trail
provides a botany lesson on the
way up.
The Matterhorn is still hidden
at this point, but the Monte Rosa
massif is a splendid sight. On
arrival, hut warden Hugo Biner
is happy to direct hikers doing
the Matterhorn Trek on to Schweifinen
or up to the 2900 m Wisshorn
peak. “From there you get
a wonderful view of the Matterhorn
and the 4000 m peaks in the
Trift Valley. I don’t advise them
to attempt the Mettelhorn. The
physical effort is likely to catch up
with them over the following days.”
The hut wardens are a considerate
bunch. They look after their hikers.
They like to talk about historical
backgrounds and family matters.
And they know their hiking
areas like the back of their hands.
They leave you wanting more.