THE MATTERHORN CIRCUIT

9 days from GBP1,369 to GBP1,389 including flights
Tripcode: TWW

Countries Visited: Italy, Switzerland

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 7 reviews.

Brian Bottomley

THE MATTERHORN CIRCUIT
Written August 2009
An excellent trek through over a mix of different terains from meadows and pasture lands to high mountain passes using the quieter and less popular routes using a variety of accomodation.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Crossing the glacier from Arolla to Prarayer and the remoteness of the whole day being away from the hoards of trekers experienced on many popular routes.
Enjoying the whole trek and experiences with similarly minded people.
What did you think of your group leader?
Charlie Boscoe was a fantastic leader who had an excellent knowledge of the area, good communication and interpersonal skills and ensured that we made timely public transport connections when required. I hope Charlie can again be our leader on some future trek.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take ear plugs - the snoring can be loud in the huts!!
Pack as light as you can, the spare clothes transfer was very usefull - although not detailed well in the trip notes that it is the same bag which is moved to both Arolla & Zermatt.
A flask was very usefull and can be fill at all hotels (free) & huts (small charge)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The trip notes require a better explanation regarding the baggage transfer to Arolla & Zermatt.
Overall an excellent trek which I would is recommend before it becomes too popular like the Tour Du Mont Blanc.
Jonathan Rowe

THE MATTERHORN CIRCUIT
Written July 2008
This was my second time with Exodus and I enjoyed the same high standard of guiding, food and accommodation - excellent company to go trekking with. Switzerland does sometimes have bad weather and the Matterhorn Circuit is challenging - but still a great experience and one to be recommended!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting onto glaciers, cutting foot-holds with an ice-axe to descend a snowy coll, savouring the wildness of the Alps up-close.... great experience!
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent - knowledgeable, experienced, approachable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do train a bit before a "C" or "D" hike but they are enjoyable and worth the effort.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Exodus top marks yet again...
Jonathan Sketchley

THE MATTERHORN CIRCUIT
Written July 2008
A tough but superb walking tour through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Alps. Good mix of hotel and simpler accommodation: it was very welcome to be able to spread out in a bit more comfort every few days. The tour would be much improved by being spread over two or three more days, shortening one or two very long and hard days, and introducing one or two rest days, on which one could explore the other superb walks available in places like Zinal.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Glacier crossing from Arolla to Prarayer: even if you've been on glaciers before this is impressive.
Europaweg especially the second day: a spectacular path!

What did you think of your group leader?
Hmm: cheerful and helpful but not a reliable leader in the hills. Too little attention at the start to anyone who dropped behind, who might have gone astray or fallen: one member had to be helped down the mountain by passing strangers. Did he really leave the rope behind in Arolla, or was that in jest? Some surprising gaps in local knowledge. I had more confidence in some of the more experienced hill leaders who happened to be in the group. To be fair he took their hints and looked after the party better in the later part.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack really light for the actual trek: 12kg as suggested by Exodus is really too much for this demanding walking with long days, long ascents and descents and much rough ground. (Exodus advice on access arrangements for luggage at Arolla and Zinal could usefully have been clearer in detail.)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Despite the above this was a superb tour. It is very tough but the Exodus notes describe it correctly. It is good to start it at St Niklaus as you do. Don't be tempted to shift to a Zermatt start: the Europaweg would be too tough for the first two days but makes a splendid finish.
Exodus Response
We are glad to read that Mr Sketchley enjoyed the Matterhorn Circuit. The leader for this trip is a very experienced International Mountain Leader who has traditionally received positive feedback from his trips. We do appreciate all feedback given and will investigate the key points as we are always striving to improve and enhance our trips.
- Exodus Staff
David Tong

THE MATTERHORN CIRCUIT
Written July 2008
Amazing trip. The was scenery was great, varying from mountain meadows to alpine glaciers and the walking was challenging, but without being too tough.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
A rosy coloured Matterhorn at morning sunrise was obviously a highlight, but the final days walk from Europahutt to St Nicklaus was the most memorable. At daybreak our mountain hut was high above the morning clouds. It was amazing to be under bright blue skies as we following the high rocky path above a sea of cloud hiding the valley floor.
What did you think of your group leader?
Top man. Our group was a very random mix of personalities and walking abilities so he had a tough task to keep everyone happy, but from my perspective he did a grand job. He was very knowledgeable about the region and always happy to chat. I felt confident in his abilities as a guide and he was also a good crack when it came to a couple of beers in the evening. Thanks for a great trip Gaz.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack light. Anything you can do to keep you travelling weight down is recommended. My digital SLR took up a very large precentage of my pack weight and although i'm really happy with the photos I'd strongly consider taking a quality compact next time. Weight aside it's difficult to carry an SLR on a trip like this anywhere but in your rucksack. Not the easiest place to get to when that perfect shot comes along. BTW, wearing an SLR round your neck whilst carrying a rucksack = very uncomfortable.
Judith Yarrow

Snowy peaks and Alpine flowers
Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being in the high mountains. Amazing views everyday for 8 days, wonderful flowers and changes in vegetation as you go up and down in altitude. Wonderful views of glaciers, + mountain streams, haymaking, cowbells, Ibex ,eagles and lots more. Stunning scenery and often a very remote feel. A fantastic trip.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Absolutely exceptional. A wonderful leader in all ways
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I kept my rucksack as light as possible. You need much less than you think. The part of the trip I was uncertain about was having to carry a rucksack, but I didn't notice it. 1 change of clothes, light weight gortex waterproof coat and trousers and no bedtime book - but don't forget the earplugs for dormitory sleeping.
This is a physically demanding trip and it pays off to be fit - I had been going to the gym for a few months.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I worried about the "daring river crossings" - but there aren't any. Also the fixed ladders - which aren't difficult. We didn't need crampons or ice axes. Better to hire them if needed as some people had bought them specially and didn't need them.
Tthe accomodation is sometimes dormitory/mixed sleeping with mattresses very close together. Some people found this the hardest aspect. Personally I quite liked it and had expected more basic remote climbers huts than we actually had. the mattresses were comfortable and there were always hot showers, lots of good food and a friendly atmosphere.
David Mccrea

better do it yourself
Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
the scenery was excellent
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What did you think of your group leader?
she was an inspiration. she was knowledgeable, capable and helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
it's much, much cheaper do organize this trip by yourself. a wide choice of mountain huts are located at appropriate intervals and there is no terrain that a confidant trekker could not cope with. also, exodus use several cable cars to ascend in the early morning leading to awful descents in the afternoon, (1900M) on one occasion.
Exodus Response
We are glad to see that Mr Mccrea enjoyed the trip. It is possible to plan a similar walk independently however we feel it would lack the knowledge and safety of having a trained leader with you. Exodus work hard to provide itineraries that are interesting, safety aware and provide the great atmosphere of a group holiday, we have a strong focus on setting the best price for a trip with value for money and quality of service being key. Although it may be possible to book the route independently it would not include all the elements that we believe make 'The Matterhorn Circuit' a great trip.
- Exodus Staff
Robin Pitcher

Fantastic views on every day
Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
This was a fairly tough trip, not because we walked long distances (averaged 17 Km) or climbed very big heights (averaged 4000 ft), but because a significant amount was on quite difficult terrain with no real paths (even the first two days when the trail was under snow). But I would class it as probably the best I've done with Exodus because of the really incredible views and scenery round every corner. Up till now I've thought that Chamonix Zermatt Haute Route was best, but I think this was better.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Carey Faulkner - a very smart cookie! She is extremely competent as a leader, excellent knowledge of the mountains (we didn't see a peak she didn't know), and very good in front of the (video) camera - not an easy thing to do (I've been making videos of trips for years and lots of leaders dry up). Also very good at the social side - personal interaction. I've had lots of good leaders before with Exodus, but she is the model........
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack light, make sure you're fit, and take poles and earplugs!