Tour of the Matterhorn. Hilary Sharp

      

      About the Author

      Hilary Sharp is British, a qualified Accompagnateur en Montagne (Trekking Guide), and is based permanently in the village of Vallorcine near Chamonix Mont Blanc in the French Alps. She runs her own trekking business, Trekking in the Alps, guiding walks in winter, spring and summer ([email protected]; www.trekkinginthealps.com). Her love of walking and climbing has taken her to many parts of Europe and further afield.

      Hilary contributes to several British walking magazines and is author of Trekking and Climbing in the Western Alps (New Holland, 2002).

      Other Cicerone guidebooks by Hilary Sharp

      Snowshoeing: Mont Blanc and the Western Alps

      Mont Blanc Walks

      Tour of Monte Rosa

      TOUR OF THE MATTERHORN

      by

      Hilary Sharp

      2 POLICE SQUARE, MILNTHORPE, CUMBRIA LA7 7PY

       www.cicerone.co.uk

      © Hilary Sharp 2006

      Reprinted 2009 (with updates)

      ISBN-10: 1 85284 472 8

      ISBN-13: 978 1 85284 472 1

      Maps: Jon de Montjoye

      Photographs: Hilary Sharp and Jon de Montjoye

      A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

      Acknowledgements

      I would like to thank everyone who has walked this route with me, and especially those who have allowed me to photograph them; also the hut guardians and hoteliers who have welcomed me and shared their vast local knowledge with me. Information was also provided by Jean-Luc Lugon, Loredana and Silvia from Aosta. I would like to thank Jonathan Williams from Cicerone for saying ‘Yes’ (and for then being patient!), and most of all my husband, Jon de Montjoye, who drew the maps, walked some of the route with me, and once again had to live with me whilst I got to grips with the project.

      Advice to Readers

      Readers are advised that while every effort is taken by the author to ensure the accuracy of this guidebook, changes can occur which may affect the contents. It is advisable to check locally on transport, accommodation, shops, and so on, but even rights of way can be altered. The publisher would welcome notes of any such changes.

      Mountain walking can be a dangerous activity, carrying a risk of personal injury or death. It should be undertaken only by those with a full understanding of the risks and with the training and/or experience to evaluate them. Whilst every care and effort has been taken in the preparation of this book, the user should be aware that conditions can be highly variable and can change quickly, thus materially affecting the seriousness of a mountain walk.

      Therefore, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law, neither Cicerone nor the author accept liability for damage of any nature (including damage to property, personal injury or death) arising directly or indirectly from the information in this book.

      Front cover: The Matterhorn seen from the route above Trift

      CONTENTS

       Introduction

       The Tour of the Matterhorn

       The Region

       Ancient Passes

       Glaciers

       How to Use this Guide

       Practicalities

       When to Go

       How to Get There

       Accommodation

       Languages

       Currencies

       Difficulty of the Trail

       Maps

       Footpaths and Waymarks

       Lifts and Buses

       Safety

       Emergencies and Rescue

       Equipment

       Glacier Travel

       Alpine Weather

       Guided Treks

       Information

       Zermatt

       The Matterhorn

       The Valleys

       4000m Summits

       Flowers and Vegetation

       Wildlife

       Things to Do and See

       Shorter Trekking Alternatives

       The Trek

       Stage 1: Zermatt to St Niklaus

       Alternative: Zermatt to St Niklaus valley route

       Stage 2: St Niklaus to Gruben-Meiden

       Stage 3: Gruben-Meiden to Zinal

       Alternative: Gruben-Meiden to Zinal via the Forcletta

       Stage 4: Zinal to Les Haudères

       Link route: Les Haudères to Arolla

       Stage 5: Arolla to Prarayer

       Stage 6: Prarayer to Breuil-Cervinia

       Stage 7: Breuil-Cervinia to Zermatt

       Information boxes