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- Matterhorn with mountain guide and recommended training. Lion ridge.
Matterhorn with mountain guide and recommended training. Lion ridge.
MatterhornUncategorized April 30, 2021Very often the people who contact me for the ascent to the Matterhorn ask me what type of training they can do to better prepare the climb and enjoy it to the full without having to exaggerate.
This question is posed to me months in advance of the scheduled appointment for the climb to the Matterhorn. So with the time necessary to train properly.
Certainly the most important aspect is to have a good aerobic exercise training. In fact, already on the first day to reach the Capanna Carrel on the crest of the Lion, we have a difference in height of about 1000 m. This first stretch, if reached within 3h, denotes a good workout and also a good omen for the following day.
The guide of the Matterhorn has very clear the timing that must be respected and certainly the arrival in Capanna Carrel is the best test and litmus test regarding the training and preparation of your client.
What are the ideal workouts for climbing the Matterhorn?
The ideal activity would be walking uphill with sticks, if you lived in the vicinity of mid-mountain paths that can lead you to climb 1000 m of elevation gain.
If this were not possible, you could even climb 500m. get off and on again. The important thing is to have this difference in height “in the legs”.
Certainly, in addition to walking uphill on a path, running or cycling or mountain biking are also very useful sports suitable for this purpose. In fact, they are all purely aerobic activities that can also be carried out for those who do not have significant differences in height nearby.
As for the technical side, surely having already tried rock climbing can be an advantage. Trying to climb a few times even in “boulder” rooms can be useful. Taking the via ferrata can certainly be considered a useful and complete training both from the aerobic and the technical side but above all useful for training the upper limbs.
To train your arms you can do free body exercises even at home. Pull-ups are the most suitable exercise and can be performed easily even by placing the feet on the floor.
The technical side and what climbing involves but above all the numerous “abseils” can be seen with the Mountain Guide, in one or more preparation climbs.
In fact, it is advisable to make one or two preparatory climbs to the Matterhorn, where you can refine the technical aspects and also improve acclimatization to the altitude.
Usually before the ascent to the Matterhorn, for those who have the opportunity I recommend this program:
- Overnight at the refuge Guide del Cervino and ascent to western Breithorn 4165 m (aerobic training and acclimatization to altitude).
- One-day ascent of Punta Tsan to the Rey ridge 3320 m (aerobic and technical training on climbing and roped progression)
- From the Oriondé refuge 2800 m, climb to Carrel hut 3800 m and overnight.
- From Capanna Carrel 3800 m ascent to the summit of the Matterhorn and descent to Breuil Cervinia.
- * One day ascent of Mount Cervino starting from the Duca degli Abruzzi – Oriondé refuge
* Ability to go immediately to point 5 for the most trained and make the climb in one day.
To conclude with the most important aspect:
To safely climb any mountain, but above all the Matterhorn, it is good to rely on a professional such as the Alpine Guide. In partnership with the Guide and the appropriate training, you can have fun and fully enjoy this unique experience.
The mountain guide is responsible for all the technical aspects, the safety of the consortium, the choice of the itinerary, the climbing strategy based on the client’s conditions, the ascent itinerary and the weather. Getting in good physical shape will facilitate everything 🙂
Good climbs, I remain available for further details or informations.
Guide of Matterhorn Jules Pession