Matterhorn Lion Ridge – Italian Normal Route

The Matterhorn Lion Ridge climb is the legendary Italian Normal Route, offering an unforgettable alpine challenge on one of the world’s most iconic peaks. This Matterhorn Lion Ridge ascent follows the historic south-west ridge from Breuil-Cervinia, combining technical rock sections and exposed snowy ridges. For a slightly easier alternative, mountaineers can also experience the Matterhorn Hörnli Ridge climb, the classic route from the Swiss side.

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Duration
2 Days
duration
Period
Jul - Sep
ratio
Guide ratio
Max 1 for each Mountain Guide
price
From
1550€
Level
Level
high
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fitness
Fitness
very good
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THE PROGRAM:

Embark on the Matterhorn Lion Ridge climb, one of the most iconic and demanding routes in the Alps.
Starting from Breuil-Cervinia, the Matterhorn Lion Ridge ascent follows the historic Italian Normal Route, a line rich in history and mountaineering heritage. The route climbs the exposed south-west ridge, crossing mixed rock and snow terrain, fixed ropes, and narrow passages leading to the legendary summit at 4,478 m.

During this unforgettable Matterhorn Lion Ridge mountaineering adventure, you will traverse dramatic sections such as Pic Tyndall and the final summit tower, enjoying breathtaking views over the Alps. Our certified IFMGA guides will support you throughout, ensuring maximum safety and technical efficiency on every step of this world-class climb.

This route requires excellent fitness and previous experience with crampons and rock climbing techniques, as well as confidence in exposed terrain.
However, for those looking for a slightly easier option, there’s also the possibility to reach the summit via the Matterhorn Hörnli Ridge, which offers a more accessible but still challenging alternative from the Swiss side.

Choose the Matterhorn Lion Ridge climb to experience one of Europe’s most famous mountains in its purest, most authentic way. From the Carrel Hut to the summit cross, every meter of this ridge tells a story of adventure, courage, and mountain spirit.

Matterhorn Lion Ridge – Italian Normal Route GROUP DEPARTURES

RATES

PRIVATE TOUR
  • 1550€ per person with 1 participant

THE RATE INCLUDES

  • the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
  • liability insurance
  • booking assistance service (including assistance for refuges and lifts reservation)

THE RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
  • the hiring of any personal equipment (harness, ice axe, crampons and helmet): €30/day per person while supplies last
  • tickets for lift facilities
  • the Mountain Guide’s expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation)
  • transfers, meals and accommodation
  • overnight accommodation at Carrel Refuge €30/40 per person
  • nonspecificato

LIVE THE ADVENTURE, SHARE THE EXPERIENCE

We believe that adventure is the soul of life. Our mission is to inspire people to be able to overcome their limits. Such as the spirit created between rope partners, we believe in the value of sharing experiences and emotions

LIVE THE ADVENTURE

We believe that adventure is the soul of life. Our mission is to inspire people to be able to overcome their limits.

SHARE THE EXPERIENCE

Such as the spirit created between rope partners, we believe in the value of sharing experiences and emotions

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Matterhorn Lion Ridge – Italian Normal Route ASCENT DAY BY DAY

Difference in altitude: 1,028 m
Ascent time: 4 hours
Meeting point: Cervinia, for equipment check and a short briefing with the Guide

We take lift from Breuil-Cervinia to Plan Maison and then walking to the Oriondé Duca degli Abruzzi Hut (2,802 m). From here, the route winds its way up a series of slabs until Lion Col, where the final climb towards the summit begins. After a few challenging stretches, we’ll reach the Carrel Refuge (3,830 m), where we’ll spend the night and gather our strength for the following day’s demanding ascent.

Difference in altitude: 650 m
Ascent/descent time: 12-14 hours

We set out from the refuge around 4.30 am. The itinerary is intense and challenging
from the start, but once we reach Pic Tyndall we can enjoy a truly dizzying panorama. Another series of unique stretches, like the Enjambée and the Jordan Ladder, lead us to the summit. After having reached the cross erected in 1902 at 4,478 m, we need to be extremely careful during the descent, which is no less demanding or complex than the ascent.

Note: a challenging leg due to its technical difficulty and the often-unpredictable weather conditions.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

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mountaineering boots
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backpack 30 l
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climbing helmet
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harness
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(+39) 3337681414 / (+39) 3289720451
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NOTES

  • It is crucial that participants follow all instructions provided by the mountain guides before and during the activities, and that they accept any changes made to the programme in order to guarantee their safety.
  • Fees for lift facilities, transfers and mountain lodges are subject to changes established and applied by the respective owners without any liability attributable to PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides.
  • The rates listed in the “The rate does not include” section are to be considered merely indicative and are therefore subject to changes.
  • PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides reserves the right to change any route or activity programme based on conditions (weather, accessibility, refuge) and participants’ fitness level.
  • The dates indicated for the activities may change due to weather, snow, or soil conditions, etc. In addition, they depend on the date of opening/closing of the lift facilities, which are established seasonally/yearly by the managing entities of the same and, therefore, are not in any way attributable to PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides.