Italy & Switzerland | Matterhorn Trek

Ascend the rugged border country of Italy and Switzerland.

"The overall experience (scenery, people, guides, lodging, etc.) was truly outstanding. The thing I loved most was sharing the experience with my daughter and seeing how much see enjoyed the trip. She told me it was the best vacation she has had - even though, at 26, she has traveled pretty extensively!"- Henry J.
"I loved the diversity of the trails. Each day had new sights, which kept the trek interesting. I loved that our group was large and fairly well-matched in pace. Our guides were also very interesting and engaging which made even the most grueling days fun and enjoyable. I generally liked the huts we stopped at for lunch. I also enjoyed that the hike was fairly strenuous - it was a perfect level of difficulty. Guides were EXCELLENT!"- Dana R.
"The trail and scenery was just perfect. Each day we had perfect postcard weather too. Lakes, glaciers, roman cart paths, field full of grazing cows and wildflowers were just some of the things we passed as we walked along each day. Although it was hard to leave a wonderful hotel each morning, it was fun to go and experiece so many hotels in the area each day. All hotels were clean and food was fantastic. I loved being able to shower, sleep in a bed and have a wonderful dinner and glass of wine each night after a long day hiking."- Kathryn LeBey

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Trip Highlights:

Top notch accommodations, maximum effort and challenging terrain.
Hiking beneath two famous mountains, the Matterhorn, and the Monte Rosa, the highest mountain in Switzerland.
Medieval hamlets with cobbled streets, authentic shops and delicious restaurants.
Roman footpaths, quiet valleys and a Walser history, one of Europe's wildest ethnicities, dating back one thousand years.

The highest mountains in Western Europe, the Pennine Alps, offer hikers an opportunity to explore a spectacular alpine world. This hike begins in Italy beneath the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the world. The tour also partially circumnavigates the Monte Rosa, the highest mountain in Switzerland and the second highest peak in Western Europe. The Tour de Monte Rosa has become a much sought after achievement, and our itinerary follows much of the same route. In Macugnaga, Italy we are treated to perhaps the Alps’ most spectacular mountain view, the east face of the Monte Rosa, which is truly Himalayan in proportion rising 10,000 vertical feet above the valley floor. The hike finishes beneath the north face of the Matterhorn in legendary Zermatt, Switzerland.

Ryder-Walker offers the Matterhorn Trek from Cervinia, Italy to Zermatt, Switzerland in an eight-day trip. Along the way, we use the finest accommodations, some of which are truly exceptional. We visit five towns in Italy and two in Switzerland, beginning and finishing the tour at the base of the majestic Matterhorn on opposite sides of the Swiss/Italian border.

Hiking days are challenging, but the scenery is breathtaking, and at the end of the day a comfortable bed, hot shower, a good meal, a glass of local wine or beer and the company of other hikers awaits. If you like a trip with top-notch accommodations, maximum effort, and a healthy dose of challenging terrain, then this is the trip for you.

Learn more about the Italian-Swiss Alps: the Matterhorn destination

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Cervinia

Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi transfer from Chivasso Train Station to the hotel in Breuil-Cervinia. Check in to your welcoming hotel in this alpine resort in the Valle d’Aosta region of northwest Italy located directly under the South face of the Matterhorn.

Day 2 - Cervinia to Mascognaz/Ayas-Champoluc

A glorious hike today following the Alta Via 1 trail from Val Tournanche to the Val d’Ayas by way of the Col di Nana. We start with a taxi transfer to the trailhead below the farmstead of Cheneil. Now a solid climb brings hikers to the Col des Fontaines and further to the Col di Nana, two very traditional alpine passes. A stop at the Rifugio Tournalin in the afternoon makes a great respite before finishing the hike in beautiful St. Jacques. Finish with a 30-minute taxi ride down the valley and then up to the hamlet of Mascognaz, high above Champoluc.

Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500/3560 ft.

Day 3 - Mascognaz/Ayas-Champoluc to Gressoney-La-Trinité

Today’s hike begins with a climb to the remote herder’s hamlet of Cuneaz, then ascends to the panoramic Pentacol and Col Pinter with views stretching across the Alps. We cross into the Walser stronghold of Val di Gressoney beneath the mighty Lyskamm, one of the Alps’ most commanding peaks. We finish the day with a scenic walk past traditional Walser farms, arriving at our charming hotel on the outskirts of town.

Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4000/3750 ft.

Day 4 - Gressoney-La-Trinité to Alagna

Today’s hike begins with a climb to Lake Gabiet and the Col d’Olen, where we cross into the enchanting Val Sesia and gaze down nearly 6,000 feet to Alagna below. Descend—partly assisted by cable car—through alpine meadows and timeless Walser villages to a valley seemingly untouched by time. Overnight in Alagna’s finest hotel.

Distance: up to 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4000/up to 5000 ft.

Day 5 - Alagna to Macugnaga

We hike over the dramatic Turlo Pass today, once the site of many WWI skirmishes, and follow an old Roman road to the historic village of Macugnaga. Nestled beneath the staggering 10,000-foot east face of the Monte Rosa, this storied village is where we overnight in a charming three-star hotel.

Distance: 12 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4700/4880 ft.

Day 6 - Macugnaga to Saas Fee

This spectacular day hike crosses from Italy’s Val Anzasca into Switzerland’s Saastal, beginning with a cable car ride to near the Monte Moro Pass. Enter Swiss territory beneath the famed Madonna della Nevi statue, then descend to and circle the beautiful Mattmark reservoir. From there, either hike or take the Swiss Postbus to the picturesque village of Saas-Almagell, continuing on to Saas-Fee. Tonight’s stay is in an outstanding hotel in the heart of this charming village.

Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 900/2000 ft.

Day 7 - Saas Fee - Kreuzboden - Almagelleralp to Zermatt

Today’s spectacular alpine route—known as the Hohenweg—offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Mischabel range, including the Dom, one of the highest peaks in the Alps. Enjoy hiking high alpine slopes as you pass through rocky outcrops, meadows, and sections of narrow path with some exposure.

End the day with a dramatic and rewarding route above the Saas Valley, then transfer to Zermatt and one of the town’s finest hotels.

Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500/2100 ft.

Day 8 - Zermatt to Schwarzee

The lake of Schwarzsee is iconic – its position just below the Hornli ridge of the Matterhorn makes for a dramatic finish to your trek. Today’s hike begins directly out of Zermatt, passing ancient barns en route to the charming village of Zmutt. We enjoy a picnic under the North Face of the Matterhorn before climbing to Schwarzsee. Our return to Zermatt is via the Matterhorn Express cable car.

Distance: 6 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 3500/500 ft.