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Ski Touring recommended route

Breithorn

Ski Touring · Zermatt
Logo Zermatt - Matterhorn
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  • On the summit of Breithorn
    On the summit of Breithorn
    Photo: Mario Felder, Zermatt Tourismus
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m 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 km Gletscher-Palast Furri Breithorn Shred Coffee Weiler Furi Aroleid Restaurant Blatten
Due to its short approach, the Breithorn is one of the easiest four-thousanders to climb in summer. Even in winter, the dream of climbing a four-thousander is still achievable. The incredible 360° views and the long descent to Zermatt make the mountain a very worthwhile aim, even in the colder months.
moderate
Distance 17.8 km
4:00 h
366 m
2,572 m
4,164 m
1,615 m

Starting from the Klein Matterhorn, the route on skis heads across the Breithorn plateau before turning north and heading towards the Western Breithorn summit. After only a few minutes, you’ll find yourself up close to the imposing mountains of snow, ice and rock that are clearly visible from the village. Depending on the conditions, skis can be left just below the magical 4,000-metre point and the last section can be completed on foot (with crampons). On arrival at the summit, there are stunning 360° views to enjoy, stretching from the Bernese Alps to France and over to Italy.

  • 360° views not just of the Valais Alps, but also the Bernese Alps and over to Italy and France
  • Crampons may be needed depending on the conditions
  • Long, exciting descent on the glacier back to Zermatt

Author’s recommendation

Descent possible via Schwarztor.

Profile picture of Zermatt Tourismus
Author
Zermatt Tourismus
Update: November 04, 2020
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Breithorn, 4,164 m
Lowest point
1,615 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cardinal direction
NESW

Track types

Asphalt 0.50%Trackless 99.49%
Asphalt
0.1 km
Trackless
17.7 km
Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Shred Coffee
Aroleid Restaurant
Furri
Farmerhaus
Blatten
Hennu Stall

Safety information

  • Always go with a mountain guide on a tour
  • Stay up-to-date with the weather and avalanche status: Snow Report
    More information is available in the Swiss avalanche bulletins (www.slf.ch)
  • Always maintain visual contact with accompanying persons
  • Use key sections and extremely steep slopes individually
  • Never go into a wild game protection zone (these are marked and one will be fined)
  • Always switch the avalanche transceiver (LVS device) unit to transmission
  • Always carry a shovel and a probe
  • Pay close attention to daily atmospheric warming and continually re-evaluate the situation

Tip: “Be searchable”. Equip yourself with an additional RECCO rescue reflector*. Whether summer or winter. Available in our Online-Shop or our information desk.
*The additional reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon.

Tips and hints

Further information & mountain guide agency

Start

Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m) (3,820 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'622'557E 1'087'354N
DD
45.937399, 7.729476
DMS
45°56'14.6"N 7°43'46.1"E
UTM
32T 401509 5087876
w3w 
///automatic.beaten.argument
Show on Map

Destination

Zermatt (1,620 m)

Turn-by-turn directions

Klein Matterhorn – Breithornplateau – Breithorn – Breithornplateau – Theodul Glacier - Furi - Zermatt
Option: Descent via Schwarztor

We recommend to book a mountain guide who knows well the place.

Note


all notes on protected areas

Public transport

By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.

Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).

Getting there

Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.

Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.

Parking

Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.

Onward travel: see “Getting there”.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'622'557E 1'087'354N
DD
45.937399, 7.729476
DMS
45°56'14.6"N 7°43'46.1"E
UTM
32T 401509 5087876
w3w 
///automatic.beaten.argument
Show on Map
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Ski touring equipment: touring ski-boots, touring skis with touring bindings, ski poles, skins, crampons
  • Climbing harness
  • Backpack, shovel, probe
  • Avalanche transeiver
  • Warm weatherproof clothing
  • Warm gloves and warm hat
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Warm drinks
  • Snack (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)

Important! Requirement: very good skiing skills and abilities, ski touring experience, surefooted with no fear of heights

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Rating

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Photos from others

Difficulty
moderate
Distance
17.8 km
Duration
4:00 h
Ascent
366 m
Descent
2,572 m
Highest point
4,164 m
Lowest point
1,615 m
Scenic Refreshment stops available Geological highlights Cableway ascent/descent Summit route High-altitude ski tour Linear route Clear area
1600 m 1800 m
Morning
1600 m 1800 m
Afternoon

Avalanche conditions

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  • 14 Waypoints
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Lowest point  m
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