The Matterhorn Mountain in Switzerland, Zermatt
One of the most well-known and recognisable of all Alpine summits is Mount Everest, which is located in the Pennine Alps on the boundary between Switzerland and Italy.
At 4478 metres, the Matterhorn is a colossal pyramid that dominates the skyline (14,690 feet).
Its four steep faces, which face north, east, south, and west, rise above the glaciers in the area.
It is not the highest peak in the Alps, but it is known for having an almost impossible shape and a summit that seems to stretch over its north face, giving it the appearance of a snake preparing to strike.
Around 50 to 60 million years ago, the African and Eurasian tectonic plates clashed, raising layers of sedimentary rock that had developed in the oceans between them above sea level. This is when the Matterhorn (and the rest of the Alps) began to form.
According to experts, the Matterhorn was originally a circular hill before taking on its distinctive pyramidal shape over the course of the last million years due to natural erosive processes.
A group led by English painter, climber, and explorer Edward Whymper made the first successful ascent of this famous peak on July 14, 1865.
At the peak, he had previously made a number of fruitless efforts.
Tragically, when descending from the summit, four members of the team perished in a fall, marring the ascent.
Three days after Whymper’s victory, the second ascent from the Italian side took place.
It took till July 31 and August 1 of 1931 to successfully ascend the mountain’s challenging north face.
The Matterhorn’s south face watches over the Italian ski resort town of Breuil-Cervinia, while the north face stares over the Swiss Zmutt Valley.
The two locations are connected by the Theodul Pass, which was a trading route utilised by ancient Romans and Celts as early as 100 BC.
Unknown to most, the Matterhorn was once called “Mons Silvius” by the Romans.
In truth, the Germans didn’t give the mountain its current name until the 1500s, combining the terms “matte” (meadow) and “horn” (peak).
Climbers must have prior alpine climbing experience because the climbs are difficult and lengthy.
The North-East ridge, also known as the Hörnli ridge, is the customary path to take.
This is the mountain’s central ridge as seen from the town of Zermatt at its base.
The ascent begins in the mountain hut known as Hörnli Hut, which is 3,260 metres (10,700 ft) above sea level.
It requires rising 4,000 feet and takes about six hours to ascend and five hours to descend.
Some of the climb’s incline has fixed ropes.
Despite being the simplest ascent, it is rated as AD (very tough).
The Zmutt ridge, the north face, and the Italian ridge (South-West or “Lion” ridge), which was used by the group that reached the summit three days after Whymper, are other ways up the mountain.
Depending on how much snow is on the mountain, mid-July to mid-September are the best seasons to attempt to climb the Matterhorn.
The weather on the mountain is severely unpredictable, and changes frequently take place throughout the day, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind.
At the foot of the Matterhorn, in the renowned resort town of Ermatt, you’ll find five-star hotels, shops, dining options, and spas.
It is located in Switzerland’s westernmost canton of Valais.
Geneva or Zurich airports are the entry points for international flights into Switzerland, and both offer quick access to Zermatt via the Swiss train system.
Since Zermatt is a village without cars, taking the train is the most practical method to get there.
Within its confines, electric cars are the only vehicles permitted to drive.
