Switzerland's classic alpine villages and peaks: Zermatt, Gornergrat, and Matterhorn—minus strenuous hiking—with the travel company that has specialized in the Alps for decades!

Have you always wanted to see the Swiss Alps in all their glory—giant snowcapped peaks over 13,000-feet, and the Matterhorn—but you’re not interested in or ready for strenuous hiking?  Then look no further! This trip is designed for the active, outdoor enthusiast who prefers a gentler experience.  You’ll still be able to enjoy all there is to love about the Alps—sparkling mountain lakes, charming and meticulous Swiss villages preserved in time, crackling glaciers, and majestic peaks (including the mighty Matterhorn)—but we’ve shortened hikes and long ascents with the assist of cog trains and lifts, so you don’t have to be a diehard to soak it all in! Our guides make it all easy and seamless, and they provide terrific naturalist insights into your days on the trail. Topped with four-star hotels, you’ll be hard-pressed not to join us on this journey to some of this range’s most classic destinations!

Activities

7 days of easy to moderate hiking, touring, and train rides (Hikes are 2-3 ½  hours; 131-738’ of ascent, 738-3,087’ of descent. All hikes can be shortened or assisted with lifts.)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy walking through the classic Swiss Alps without the strain or intimidation of hiking too long or too hard
• Learn about mountain lore, glacial geology, and local flora and fauna from MTS’ professional mountaineer guides—the best of the best!
• Explore charming, old Swiss villages with traditional wooden homes, and flowerpots overflowing with geraniums – Zmutt, Törbel, and more!
• Take in sweeping views from the Gornergrat view point, including the massive Gornerglacier and the Matterhorn!
• Stay in well-appointed, four-star hotels and dine on delicious, hearty regional cuisine like raclette!

Duration: 9 days Start Location: Brig End Location: Zermatt

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Zurich or Geneva and Transfer to Brig

  Arrive in Zurich or Geneva and take a train to Brig.

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  Day 2 : Simplon Pass

  We'll take a bus to Simplon Pass, the water divide between the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. We’ll hike around the area, then make our way to Bettmeralp. (2 ½ hours hiking, elevation gain of 131 feet, loss of 1870 feet)

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  Day 3 : Great Aletsch Glacier

  We’ll start our day with a gondola ride to Bettmerhorn. From here, we'll begin an alpine hike to see Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe. Easier hiking option is available. (2 ½ hours hiking, elevation gain of 492 feet, loss of 2,355 feet)

• Day 4 : Lauchernalp

  Today we'll hike from Lauchernalp to Fafleralp. (3 ½ hours hiking, elevation gain of 430 feet, loss of 1023 feet)

• Day 5 : Langgletscher

  Today we'll hike to touch the glacier at Langgletscher. (3 hours hiking, elevation gain of 738 feet, loss of 738 feet)

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  Day 6 : Zermatt Matterhorn Experience

  We'll bus to Moosalp and hike to Stand, known for the broadest and best view of the Rhone Valley and Valais Mountains. We'll enjoy a traditional meal of Raclette, visit Törbel, and end our day in Zermatt. (2 ½ hours hiking, elevation gain of 410 feet, loss of 2060 feet)

• Day 7 : Gornergrat and Gorner Glacier

  We'll ascend Gornergrat (10’134') via rail for panoramic views that include the mighty Matterhorn. We'll hike to Riffelberg, then train back to Zermatt. (2 hours hiking, elevation gain of 164 feet, loss of 1643 feet)

• Day 8 : Matterhorn

  We'll take a cable car ride to Schwarzsee and hike to Zmutt for another spectacular view of the Matterhorn. After lunch, hike back to Zermatt. (3 hours hiking, elevation gain of 492 feet, loss of 3087 feet)

• Day 9 : Depart Zermatt for Zürich or Geneva

  After breakfast, take a train from Zermatt to Visp, then transfer trains to either Zürich or Geneva airport.

• Hotel Bellerive

  Zermatt
   

   
  Offering views of the Matterhorn mountain from its south-facing rooms with balconies, the Bellerive Superior hotel in the center of Zermatt also features a spa area and free internet access.  Rooms include 32-inch TVs with a stereo CD/DVD system. DVDs are available free of charge in the Hotel Bellerive Superior.  The rooms are either facing south offering Matterhorn views from the balcony, or north with views of the Mischabel mountains.  After a day of hiking, the garden or the atrium invite you to relax, before enjoying fine local and international cuisine in the Avena restaurant.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Men Wieland

  Men has been guiding in Switzerland for many years, leading snowshoe, trekking, hiking and cycling groups in Italy, Switzerland as well as overseas. He grew up in the Engadine in Switzerland, studied Biology at University in Zurich, and has a postgraduate degree for his teaching credentials. His hobbies include hiking, biking, wildlife biology, plant science and chess. Men's goal is to provide, "the combination of socializing, exercise and interest for the treasures of nature that should make every trip an unforgettable experience of happiness."

photo credits: Patitucci Photo