Four-thousanders
BREITHORN
South-west flank (F+)
Südtirolalpin
IFMGA certified mountain and ski guides
South Tyrolean Mountain and Ski Guides Association
Email suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Price from:
€1,000
for 1 person · lower price per person from 2 participants
Duration:
1 day
Breithorn – Normal route
A four-thousander to get a first taste, right in the heart of the Valais Alps.
4,164 m · Difficulty F+ / L (alpine tour) · 1 day · Valais Alps
Breithorn - normal route: The Breithorn is widely regarded as the easiest four-thousander in the Alps. It is a border peak on the main Alpine ridge, separating Italy's Aosta Valley from the Swiss canton of Valais. The area between the Breithorn and the Matterhorn is almost entirely opened up by cable cars and is promoted as having the highest ski piste in Europe. It is precisely this that the Breithorn owes many of its ascents to.
Cable cars take you comfortably up to the Klein Matterhorn. From there you descend to the Breithorn Pass and climb the south-west slope, without any notable technical difficulties, to the highest of the Breithorn's five summits. Nevertheless, the Breithorn is a beautiful mountain that should never be underestimated.
Not only does it cut an imposing figure, but thanks to its prominent neighbours it above all boasts a panorama that is truly hard to beat. Almost extravagantly, some of the most beautiful and impressive peaks in the entire Alps line up one after the other: the Matterhorn, Obergabelhorn, Zinalrothorn, Dent Blanche and Weisshorn on one side of the valley, and the Monte Rosa massif, Dom and Täschhorn on the other.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Complete organisation and guiding by an IFMGA certified mountain and ski guide
- All necessary reservations made in advance
Additional costs for participants:
- Return cable car ticket: Zermatt - Klein Matterhorn (approx. €105)
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Expenses (cable car) for the mountain guide
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per item)
Facts
Location:
Valais Alps
Best time of year:
Mid-June - end of October
Duration:
1 day
Meeting point:
Zermatt - Matterhorn Express
Requirements
Requirements:
- Sure-footedness
- Fitness for 3-4 hours of walking (approx. 300 metres of ascent)
PRICE
Participants:
max. 4 people
Price from
€1,000
for 1 person · lower price per person from 2 participants
Depends on short-term conditions on the mountain
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Up the Breithorn
We meet at 7:00 am at the valley station of the Matterhorn Express. After a quick gear check, we head to the cable car valley station and get our tickets up to the Klein Matterhorn. The Matterhorn Express takes us comfortably up in just under 40 minutes. The cable car ride alone is spectacular and unique of its kind. As soon as we arrive at the top station, we finally head out into the world of glaciers.
We first descend gently to the Breithorn Plateau and then make our way to the westernmost and also highest point of the Breithorn, which has five summits in total. Thanks to the cable car, the ascent stays manageable, and that's exactly what makes this an ideal first four-thousander in the Alps – for anyone who wants to experience that feeling once, even if they're a little less fit, have hardly any mountain experience or simply want to enjoy a great day at high altitude.
At the summit we have plenty of time to soak up the joy of the summit to the full and savour the surrounding panorama before we start our descent and return to the Klein Matterhorn.
Total time: 3.5 h | ↑ 400 m | ↓ 400 m | Difficulty: F+ / L (alpine tour)
Any changes to the programme that may become necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, availability of accommodation, etc.) are always made in consultation with the participants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is the Breithorn suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Breithorn is a great first four-thousander. The route isn't particularly difficult technically, but we're still moving through high-alpine glacier terrain. Good basic fitness and sure-footedness are helpful.
How strenuous is the tour really?
Thanks to the ride up on the Matterhorn Express, the climb remains very manageable at around 3.5 hours in total. Even so, the tour shouldn't be underestimated, as you almost always feel the altitude above 4,000 metres. But if you move at a steady pace and have a little in reserve, you're in very good shape here.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Above all, you'll need suitable mountain boots and warm clothing for a day at high altitude. You'll receive the detailed packing list with your confirmation email. Technical equipment can be borrowed from us for a small wear-and-tear fee.
Looking for a different tour? Send us your request
MOUNTAIN GUIDES FROM SOUTH TYROL
# BREITHORN # NORMAL ROUTE # MOUNTAIN GUIDE