Simplon Pass to Zermatt on the High Trails

Hike to the Matterhorn

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On this grand Alps adventure, we hike to the Matterhorn following a continuation of the legendary Haute Route trail between the Simplon Pass and Zermatt. Our route brings us through the classic alpine village of Saas Fee on the amazing Gsponer and Saasataler Hohnweg hiking paths, two of Switzerland’s classic trails built on traces of shepherds’ paths just below the glaciers. Our grand finale is on the recently completed Europaweg, a truly spectacular trail with astonishing views of the Matterhorn. This great massif provides our inspiration as we hike ever closer to it, but there are many other treasures along the way, including fascinating alpine villages, delicious mountain cuisine, wonderful hotels, and an overnight at the Europa Hut, a hike-in lodge with panoramic views.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Brig, Switzerland / Visperterminen / Saas Fee

We gather in historic Brig on the Rhone River. This graceful town has roots dating back to Roman times when it was a staging point for travelers crossing the Simplon Pass. Our hike starts from the Simplon Hospice, founded by monks in 1235. We cross Sistinen Pass (8,000') with jaw-dropping views of the Bernese Oberland and Valais Alps, then continue on an ancient pilgrim trail to the alpine village of Visperterminen, which has the highest vineyards in Switzerland. The next day, from the mountain village of Gspon, with its wooden chalets and 17th century church, we hike the Gsponer Hohenweg, a fantastic route at 7,000 feet that traverses the Saastal Valley to Saas Grund. The route hugs the eastern flanks of the valley and brings us through fragrant forests of arolla and mountain pine. Panoramas of 13,000-foot peaks surround us here, and the setting is one of indescribable beauty. From Saas Grund, we can take the shuttle or hike right to our hotel in Saas Fee, an alpine resort with a fairytale setting in a horseshoe-shaped amphitheater of peaks at the foot of the Feegletscher, or Fairy Glacier. Auto traffic is banned from this classic village, one of four linked villages at the end of the Saastal Valley. As on all our Alps hiking adventures, we carry only a daypack on the trail each day.

Days 4-6
Grachen / Europa Hut / Zermatt

The Saastaler Hohenweg trail, at an average altitude of 7,000 feet, connects Saas Fee with the village of Grachen in the adjoining valley. We follow this trail to Grachen with fantastic views en route. Our last two hiking days bring us across the Europaweg, a challenging high-level route that climbs high above the Mattertal Valley as it offers one tremendous vista after another. Along this route, the great spire of the Matterhorn reveals itself dramatically, standing alone at the head of the valley. Overnight on Day 5 is at the Europa Hut, a hike-in lodge at 7,300 feet with panoramic views. The next day, the mighty Matterhorn is a beacon for us all day as we traverse a challenging route down to Zermatt, entering this classic mountain resort on foot.

Days 7-8
Zermatt

Back in the 1820s, British mountaineers fell in love with the isolated hamlet of Zermatt and used it as a base for their climbs. The Matterhorn put Zermatt squarely on the map in 1865 when British alpinist Edward Whymper first summited this “unclimbable” spire. This beloved peak rises 9,000 sheer feet directly above town, standing alone in the skyline and a mesmerizing sight from any angle. No automobiles are allowed here, so all visitors are on foot, giving the town a welcoming atmosphere. We enjoy a day to hike or relax in town. Depart on Day 8.

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Tour Costs $3395 (12-14 members) $3595 (9-11 members) $3795 (5-8 members) Single supplement: $270 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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