Matterhorn Highlights

This is a long-distance trek for sporty and fit people who want to do their first, or more, multi-day hike. A typical day in the mountains can be trekking for up to 8 hours with a rucksack, so you need a fairly good level of physical fitness and endurance. Training hikes will help you to prepare, ideally for a full day with a 5-7kg rucksack. If that is not an option, then undertake strength and endurance training. A positive mental attitude is the most important thing, though. If you think you can do it, our skilled and experienced guides will support you along the way. This is our least challenging 4-day trek, but it still has significant challenges and exposure. You will need to also ensure that you have nutrition and hydration. Please do not book this trip if you suffer from vertigo as there is no way around the suspension bridge.

Walking poles are available for rent. The cost is 10CHF. We ask that you request these on the trip form. Documents: - Passport - Boarding pass for flights - Money (CHF) - Credit/Debit Card Sleeping: - Sleeping bag liner - Ear Plugs Footwear: - Trekking boots/shoes: 3 or 4-season lightweight - Very lightweight shoes for the evening (or you can borrow hut slippers) Clothing: Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking. - 1 x pair of synthetic under-top and bottom (long johns or similar) - 3 x t-shirts - 1 x comfortable shirt for the evening - 4 x hiking socks - 3 - 4 pairs of underwear - 1 x fleece - Light down or Primaloft jacket - Waterproof jacket and trousers - Hiking trousers: we recommend a pair that zip off into trousers.  - Sun hat, warm hat and gloves Other: - A day bag: 35 - 45 litres - all your kit should fit into this bag and it must have a good waist belt. - Travel towel - Dry bag or liner - Water bottle: At least 2L - Sun protection: Sunglasses, suncream and sun hat - Personal medication - Toiletries - a tiny amount. - Electronics - headtorch, travel adapter, phone and charger - Hiking poles (available to rent for 10CHF - these must be requested at least 1 week before your trip). You do not require any specialist equipment for this trip.

In short, Zermatt is equidistant from 3 airports: Geneva, Zurich, and Milan. From all of these, you can reach the start and end point quickly and easily by rail than by road. So for this trip you start your journey on the wonderful Swiss Rail. We recommend that you book your train ahead of time. You can visit the swiss train (Sbb) website. We recommend getting a flexible, open, ticket, the best is a Day Saver Pass. The cheapest ticket requires you to specify a particular train, this is not flexible so we do not advise it. All the trains to Randa require a change at Visp. This is very close, efficient, and well-signed. This also supports our environmental initiative and credentials to only use road transport when there is no practical alternative. If you still want to get a pickup, you can organise this with other members of the group in the Skyhook chat and book it yourself through the many people who transfer from airports to Zermatt. Believe us, though, the train is easy, has a cafe and toilet onboard, and has great views. You're missing the Swiss experience if you don't use the legendary trains. Just don't forget to get out at Randa - you need to press a button to open the door :)

The best way to get to Randa is by train. It is one connection off the mainline from Geneva and Zurich airports. Check the website link for train times and tickets. The earlier you book, the cheaper it will be. In most cases, the day travel pass may be the most cost-effective as this allows flexibility on the time of the train. SBB also operates a good app with which you can purchase and store your tickets.

Absolutely! We also put you in touch with the other trekkers in the group before you go, with our group chat feature. Most groups have several single travellers.

The valid currency on the trip is CHF (Swiss Francs) only. Credit cards not always accepted. We recommend changing your money before you arrive as it will be difficult to do so once you start trekking. The airport has cash machines you can use.

You can see the latest NHS advice at https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/europe-russia/switzerland.

YES. If you sprain an ankle, the only way off the hill is by helicopter, which costs a small fortune without an insurance policy. You should be insured up to 30-2500m. We recommend buying insurance as soon as you book in case you need to cancel your trip at the last minute.

The route can vary a little, but as a rough guide: Day 1: 4.5km, 930m ascent, 80m descent, 2-3.5hrs Day 2: 9km compulsory plus 5km optional = 14km, 700m ascent compulsory + 500m ascent optional = 1200m ascent, 800m/ 1300m descent, 5-8hrs Day 3: 13.6km, 750m ascent, 600m descent, 6-8hrs Day 4: 8km, 200m ascent, 900 m descent, 4-6hrs

You'll need to carry everything, so pack light, read the list, and watch the video. We'll pick up food and water along the way. In total, your full pack should weigh no more than 9kgs. If you need to leave your luggage, you have two options: 1) You could leave it at a hotel if you are staying in one the night before or after. 2) You can leave it at Klien Matterhorn Hotel, Randa, where we meet. This costs 10chf, but then you will have to go back to Randa after the trip. Do watch our packing video for advice on packing light and stick to the packing list.

You stay in mountain huts on each of the nights. Please note that mountain huts are in remote regions (supplies are typically helicoptered in) and inherently quite basic, with dormitory-style rooms and shared bathrooms. Single or double supplements are, unfortunately, therefore, not available on this trip. Electricity, warm showers, a bar, and snacks are available. Two of the huts have Wi-Fi. This is all part of the mountain experience and adventure.

There is a normal maximum of 14 people and most trips sell out. There are no minimum numbers - once you are booked on the trip is guaranteed to run.

During the summer in the Alps (June – September) you can experience usually fair and quite warm weather. It is often sunny and the temperatures can reach 30° Celsius. Sun protection is necessary with a sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream. However, the weather in the mountains can be quite unpredictable, and weather situations can change very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to be always prepared for such a change. On a rainy day, temperatures can drop quite low (0 Celsius), and it is necessary to have a good rain jacket and sometimes even a hat and a pair of gloves. See the kit list for full details.

Start: You need to meet your guide at the Klein Matterhorn Hotel in Randa at 2:30 PM. You'll find it next door to the train station. You must ensure that you leave the airport, no later than 11:00 AM. We recommend completing the journey by train. End: We will finish at Zermatt station by 2:00 PM for you to catch your train to the airport or to continue your stay in Zermatt.

Check out this quick video from your guides.

Water: During the summer it can be quite warm in the Alps so it is important to carry enough water. We strongly recommend taking two litres of water. The tap water at the accommodations you will stay is usually drinkable, but there are limited resources along the way to fill up your bottle. Your guide can give you advice on this for each day. Food: While trekking, you will have the chance to taste a great variety of local specialties. The breakfast is continental, often with a variety of juices, tea, and coffee. The three-course dinner in the evening is hearty, and the plates are quite big. During the day, your guide will advise on whether we plan to stop or whether you should order a packed lunch that will be freshly prepared for you. You can also buy snacks at the huts. This gives you control over how luxurious you want to be about lunch. If you have any food restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance, etc.), please make us aware of this when completing your registration form, found on your Skyhook dashboard. The huts will do their best to cater for you.

Yes - It is not mandatory but often expected. In the Alps, there is no fixed amount and it really depends on what you would like to give to show your satisfaction. They work exceedingly hard to ensure your enjoyment and tips are an important part of their income - so please be generous and reflect their hard work and 18-hour days.

Due to the distances and ascents covered on this trip, it is geared towards adults. Therefore the minimum age for this trek is 18 years. However, those aged 16-18 years are welcome to attend in the company of a responsible adult.

The huts are getting better all the time at catering to special dietary requirements. Should you have dietary requirements, please ensure you complete this on the trip form, and we will inform the accommodation ahead of our arrival. We normally arrive in the afternoon with time to check and discuss our requirements with the hut wardens as necessary. If you have a very specific requirement, it may be a good idea to pack suitable lightweight snacks to supplement the food you can be provided with.

Because this is a linear trip leaving luggage is a challenge. You have 3 options if you want other luggage for an extended stay in Zermatt post trip. 1) Visit your hotel before the trip starts and leave your luggage there. 2) Leave your luggage at the Klien Matterhorn hotel - small charge - at the end of the trip return to the hotel to collect it on the train and reverse your journey. Expect this to take 2 hours. 3) Arrange for a baggage transfer from Randa to your hotel. Swiss Rail offer this service and some taxi firms do but we have no experience of it.