Hut trekking in the mountain paradise surrounding Zermatt – 4 days
This hut trek is a streamlined version of the challenging 5-day Matterhorn Trek. By cleverly incorporating cable cars, the most strenuous sections of the original route have been removed, reducing the trek’s difficulty to T2. This ‘light’ version takes you through the high alpine paradise at the base of the majestic Matterhorn. For 4 days you’ll be surrounded by Switzerland’s highest peaks and largest glaciers.
This hut hike starts and ends in Zermatt at the valley station of the Matterhorn Express. It is not a budget-friendly trip. The huts around the Matterhorn are quite pricey and for the gondolas you will also have to dig deep into your pockets.
Day 1: Zermatt valley station Matterhorn Express to Berggasthaus Trift (2337 m.): 4 km, 3:00, ↑ 720 m. Level T2
From the Matterhorn Express valley station, the trail climbs steadily through alpine forests and rocky terrain, offering stunning views of the valley below. About halfway up, you’ll reach Bergpension Edelweiss , a good spot to enjoy lunch. Continue the ascent toward Berggasthaus Trift (2337 m).
Day 2: Berggasthaus Trift (2337 m) to the Schönbielhütte (SAC, 2694 m): 5 hours – 10.7 km, 5:30, ↑ 780 m, ↓ 415 m. Level: T2
Leaving Berggasthaus Trift, the trail winds through breathtaking alpine landscapes with towering peaks all around. The hike involves gradual ascents and descents, leading through high alpine meadows, glacier-fed streams, and rocky paths. Expect magnificent views of the Matterhorn’s north face as you approach the Schönbielhütte (2694 m), an SAC hut perched on a ridge with panoramic views of glaciers and peaks.
Day 3: Schönbielhütte (2694 m) to Schwarzsee gondola station – 9.1 km, 4:30, ↑ 425 m, ↓ 540 m – level T2. Gondola from Schwarzsee station to Trockener Steg gondola station (2939 m). Trockener Steg to the Gandegghütte (private, 3029 m.): 1.2 km, 1:00, ↑ 120 m, ↓ 15 m – level T2.
The descent from Schönbielhütte passes through Stafelalp, a scenic high-altitude meadow with views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. As you make your way to Schwarzsee gondola station, you’ll pass through rocky paths and grassy terrain. From Schwarzsee, take the gondola to Trockener Steg (2939 m). From Trockener Steg, it’s a short but steep 1.2 km hike to Gandegghütte (3029 m). The high-altitude landscape here is stark and glacial, with incredible views of the Theodul Glacier and Breithorn.
Day 4: The final morning features a short descent back to Trockener Steg gondola station – 1.2 km, 0:30 h, ↑ 15 m, ↓ 120 m – level T2. From here, you have two options:
Option A: Take the gondola to Furi, then enjoy a gentle walk back to Zermatt, descending through forests and meadows – 2.2 km, 1:00, ↑ 20 m, ↓ 240 m.
Option B: Take the gondola from Trockener Steg (2939 m) to Zermatt, skipping the final hike.
Inportant: Bring your own drinking water. There’s no free drinking water at the huts, and purchasing bottled water can be expensive!
