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The Ultimate Matterhorn Loop

Get up close and personal with Switzerland's most famous peak.

Trail Running Moderate

Distance
25 km
Ascent
2 km
Descent
2 km
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
1.6 km
High Point
2.9 km
Gradient
20˚
The Ultimate Matterhorn Loop Map

As far as dream trail runs go, this route has got to be up there among the best. The combination of an epic Matterhorn backdrop; the flowiest of flow singletrail, traversing the end of the Mattertal; a fast descent, just technical enough to keep you really present and harness that flow state before dropping back into one of the sweetest villages in the Alps.

Description

The star of this run is Monte Cervino himself. From Zermatt, just head in the direction of the famous 4,478 meter peak, standing tall and lonely between Switzerland and Italy. Once considered unconquerable, the Matterhorn was first summited in 1865. During the season, almost 300 people depart the Hörnlihütte to ascend the legendary peak.

Follow the trail as it gradually climbs up past Furi before becoming steeper, leaving the quaint villages above Zermatt behind and getting up close and personal with the Matterhorn. Continue on past Schwarzsee, sticking to the East of Hirli (2890m) before making a right instead of continuing on to the Hörnlihütte. A fun and fast gravel descent takes you down to the river before another, shorter climb up to the West side of the Matter Valley. From here, the Matterhorn is to your back as you run one of the best pieces of trail in the alps – it’s high, flowing and the stunning views in every direction will glue the smile to your face.

There are a few variations for the final descent. Take a sign leading to Zermatt and you cannot go wrong.

Difficulty

Moderate

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area