Although it is not Switzerland’s tallest mountain (14,692 feet, the Du Four Peak is15,634 feet), it is its most famous. Dominating the ski Mecca of Zermatt, the Matterhorn has been drawing vacationers and mountaineers to this pedestrian only town since the mid1800s. Located on the Italian border in the German-speaking zone, this is where the country’s tallest mountains soar over Europe.

None is more majestic than this twisting rock and snow encrusted monument, jutting its angry cobra head into the blue Alpine air. The four faces of the mountain are so steep that snow does not accumulate and avalanches are so common they have formed glaciers at the base.

When first seen it is an unforgettable moment that stays with you for life, like turning into the entrance of Yosemite Valley at half dome or arriving at the brink of the Grand Canyon and getting your first view of the cavernous expanse. Climbers had been testing the Matterhorn since the mid 1850s, but the first successful ascent was In1865, headed by Edward Whymper.  Seven men reached the top but unfortunately only three survived the descent. Death is a yearly part of the climbing ritual.

Thousands have scaled its four faces in all seasons since the first assault. In winter the streets are full of climbers with ropes and axes attached to their belts, heading towards the mountain. Unfortunately almost every year some don’t make it back alive. The North face is the one that is most attacked. The south face looking towards Italy is considered the most dangerous.

There are climbing schools and guides who regularly take groups up, but be warned, this is for experts only.  You are risking your life in every tricky ascent. The streets are also full of souvenir shops with almost every imaginable item emblazoned with a rendering of the Matterhorn, from pocketknives to handbags and plates.  There are also quite a number of sports shops, most specializing in climbing gear rather than skiing equipment.  Zermatt may be a skiing Mecca, but the Matterhorn rules this village.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 7:48 am and is filed under Switzerland. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.