Ski Tour Nordend

Private Tour

Day 1: From the Klein Matterhorn via the Schwarztor to the Monte Rosa Hütte 2883m

After meeting in Zermatt we'll head over to the Klein Matterhorn cablecar. Just over half an hours ride will bring us to the top station (3883 m) from where we'll begin the tour. A slightly uphill traverse on skins takes us across the Breithorn plateau. A short descent then takes us to below the Rossi Bivoauc, from where we will need to skin again to gain the Schwarztor (3726 m). Now a great descent through an unforgettable glacier world awaits: one of the best in the area of Zermatt. After countless glorious turns we will come down to join the Gornergletscher. Once there, a final change to skins and a straightforward ascent will bring us to the Monte Rosa Hut at 2883 m. A cold beer is well deserved and we can enjoy the evening views from the panoramic terrace outside.

Day 2: Summit ski tour to the Nordend 4609m

Today we make an early start, then its up, up and away. By headlamp we start out across the Monte Rosa glacier. With each step high the air gets thinner (hopefully you've acclimatised for this one). A slow consistent pace will be employed this day. If we've kept this steady pace we should arrive at the Silbersattel around sunrise. Now we stand between the two highest mountains in Switzerland: the Dufourspitze to the south, Nordend (literally north end) to the north. Here we will switch from skis to crampons and make the final climb along the summit ridge. Here we are - at 4609 m above sea level! After a few selfies and bites of chocolate we can head back to our ski depot at the saddle. A long descent awaits. A pit stop back at the Monte Rosa hut for a cold drink and slice of pie is most customary! The glucose in our blood will sustain us for the rest of the descent. This can be done one of two ways: through the gorge and via Furi directly to Zermatt or, what's often done later in the season when there is less snow cover, via Rotenboden and/or Riffleberg, where from either of which we can catch the train. Back in Zermatt its time to relax and find the brasserie.

• Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
• His or her expenses
• 1 night in bunk room with half-board
• Tea for the next day
• Summit Certificate

• Your expenses
• Snacks
• Rental equipment
• Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)

Backpack

• 25-30l

Clothing

• Warm, functional clothing
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Mountaineering or hiking pants
• Sunhat
• Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
• Beanie or headband
• Extra underwear and socks
• Thermal underwear 

Footwear

• Ski touring boots or snowboard boots

The basics

• Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
• Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
• Thermos flask, drink bottle
• Silk sleeping bag liner
• Headlamp
• Toiletries
• Identity card
• SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
• GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
• Earplugs (optional)
• Camera and binoculars (optional)

Technical Equipment

• Harness
• Crampons with anti-snow plates
• Ice axe
• Ski touring skis or splitboard with skins and tele crampons
• Ski poles (preferrably telescopic)
• LVS (avalanche transceiver)
• Avalanche probe
• Avalanche shovel