PROGRAM
Breithorn lies on the Switzerland-Aosta Valley border, about halfway between the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa group; the Western peak is higher and more popular than the other two (Central and Eastern), both also above 4,000 metres.
The meeting point is reachable by car (highway exit: Chatillon-Saint Vincent), following the Valtournenche to Cervinia. From here, we take the cable car to the Plateau Rosa and the Guide del Cervino hut (3,480 m).
Difference in altitude: 685 metres
Ascent time: 2 1/2 hours approx.
Meeting point: Cervinia, ticket office parking area for equipment check and a short briefing.
Note: Given the considerable altitude gain, you may decide to travel part of the itinerary by foot (the cable car route is divided in three segments).
Our climb begins with a comfortable, mildly-sloping stretch. A tunnel will lead us onto the snow-covered piste that connects the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m) with the Gobba di Rollin (3,899 m). Leaving the trail that leads to Klein Matterhorn, we’ll move slightly downhill through the ample Colle del Breithorn plateau. We’ll cross the Bergschrund (3,950 m) and begin the most challenging portion of the climb. The rightmost trail leads to a pass between the two Breithorn peaks (Western and Central – 4,081 m), which in turn will take us to the crest. We’ll turn left and, moving up along the airy ridge, quickly reach the Western Breithorn summit.
The view from the top is incredible, with striking vistas of the Matterhorn (4,478 m) and the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m), 280 metres below. A spectacular panorama unfolds all around us, with every peak in the Monte Rosa massif, as well as the Dent Blanche and the Weisshorn.
The return trip (2 hours max) will take us along the route that rope parties usually follow on the way up: a fairly easy descent that will take us back to Colle del Breithorn, where we may stop for a well-earned break for a snack, before continuing towards the Plateau Rosa in time to catch the cable car down.
Difference in altitude: 685 metres
Ascent time: 2 1/2 hours approx.
Meeting point: Cervinia, ticket office parking area for equipment check and a short briefing.
Note: Given the considerable altitude gain, you may decide to travel part of the itinerary by foot (the cable car route is divided in three segments).
Our climb begins with a comfortable, mildly-sloping stretch. A tunnel will lead us onto the snow-covered piste that connects the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m) with the Gobba di Rollin (3,899 m). Leaving the trail that leads to Klein Matterhorn, we’ll move slightly downhill through the ample Colle del Breithorn plateau. We’ll cross the Bergschrund (3,950 m) and begin the most challenging portion of the climb. The rightmost trail leads to a pass between the two Breithorn peaks (Western and Central – 4,081 m), which in turn will take us to the crest. We’ll turn left and, moving up along the airy ridge, quickly reach the Western Breithorn summit.
The view from the top is incredible, with striking vistas of the Matterhorn (4,478 m) and the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m), 280 metres below. A spectacular panorama unfolds all around us, with every peak in the Monte Rosa massif, as well as the Dent Blanche and the Weisshorn.
The return trip (2 hours max) will take us along the route that rope parties usually follow on the way up: a fairly easy descent that will take us back to Colle del Breithorn, where we may stop for a well-earned break for a snack, before continuing towards the Plateau Rosa in time to catch the cable car down.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM certified Mountain Guide
- liability insurance
- loan of shared safety material
- the hiring of any personal equipment (harness, ice axe, and crampons)
- tickets for lift facilities
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
