This walk is part of the trek The Matterhorn Tour.
A Tour du Cervin alternative today, visiting the north side of the colossal peak before reaching Zermatt.
Calculated time: 5h05[?] 
Distance : 15.56km
Vertical gain : 214m
Vertical drop : 1630m
Highest point : 3019m
Lowest point : 1596m Start heading down due north until you get to the Matterhorn trail crossing (D). Take a left down a path which remains pretty much flat until Furggsee Lake (1).
Then go down a slight hill towards Hirli gondola lift upper station (2). Head east bypassing Scharzsee Hamlet Lake , you'll come across another gondola lift, take the trail to the left. Cross the Hirli gondola lift line near high point 2500 (3). Carry on, heading west before taking the trail to the right leading to Hirli lower station (4).
After several twists and turns, walk along a large path reaching a trail crossing which leads to Zmuttbach River dam (5).
Take this trail which is on the left, cross over the dam and take the trail to the right leading to Zmutt village (6), reaching an access ramp towards Tour du Cervin.
Take the ramp (7) leading to Zermatt and the Youth Hostile (8), and that's it for today.
Waypoints :
D : km 0 - alt. 3018m
1 : km 0.77 - alt. 2874m
2 : km 3.69 - alt. 2865m
3 : km 5.86 - alt. 2752m
4 : km 7.88 - alt. 2453m
5 : km 9.19 - alt. 2316m
6 : km 10.74 - alt. 2037m
7 : km 11.77 - alt. 1928m
8 : km 13.98 - alt. 1631m
A : km 15.56 - alt. 1597m
Lots of water found in the streams, be careful as the water comes straight from the glaciers and could cause digestive unpleasantness.
A break at one of the several Zmutt refreshment bars is a must for 2 reasons:
- there's a stunning view of the northern side of the Cervin
- complete with the opportunity to enjoy a local drink.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Zmutt, it's chalets and lanes, a small gem at the foot of the Cervin.
Zermatt, it's shops and anything relating to this hot spot for mountaineers. And the finishing touch has to be the electric cars, but be careful... you don't hear them coming.
16.78km
+1491m
-822m
9h05
Moderate 
Starting point in Zermatt - Valais An easy climb reaching part of Zermatt ski slopes, extending to an uphill-downhill balcony trail leading to the famous Europahutte (Hut).
Watch out: The Himalayan footbridge just before Europahutte is currently out of service. You'll need to head down to Randa valley along the second blue marked trail on the map before heading back up to the hut (allow for 2 extra hours).
19.33km
+1570m
-1422m
10h00
Difficult
Starting point in Valtournenche - Province de Aosta Discover the giant that resides here, the splendid Matterhorn itself, before getting a closer look in the evening at the Gandeg cabin.
5.81km
+1100m
-221m
4h50
Very difficult
Starting point in Bionaz - Province de Aosta Stage starting in pasture which quickly heads into the high mountains passing through the Valcornera pass.
15.1km
+856m
-1997m
6h45
Difficult
Starting point in Randa - Valais A new balcony stage at the foot of high summits separating the Zermatt and Saas Fee valleys.
156.13km
+11626m
-11485m
10 days
Difficult
Starting point in Bionaz - Province de Aosta Undertaken over 10 days, this circuit around the Matterhorn is outstanding. Each day it takes you over the 4000 m peaks of this alpine range. As it is located in 2 countries, Italy and Switzerland, it also brings you into contact with three European languages: Italian, German and also French in Valais in Switzerland.
4.46km
+184m
-134m
1h50
Easy
Starting point in Bionaz - Province de Aosta Warm-up walk to reach the Prarayer refuge along the right bank of the lake.
16.78km
+1206m
-1167m
8h15
Very difficult
Starting point in Evolène - Valais A high mountain stage which requires hiking boots with crampons to cross the Arolla glacier. You should get an early start for this long stage of the hike.
26.12km
+2156m
-1798m
13h35
Very difficult
Starting point in Ayer - Valais A long stage through two passes however, shortened by the cable car link in Zinal and the coach transfer between Villa Evolène and Arolla.
Warning: Taking into account the cable car transport, the positive altitude isn't 2156 m as indicated but only 1380 m.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
Back to starting point : No
Walking
Area : 
Location : 
Ending point : N 46.023526° / E 7.751879°