Guide Note: The Matterhorn which lies on the border between Switzerland and Italy, is one of the most familiar mountain peaks in the Alps. Known as the Matterhorn in German, it is known as Cervino in Italian, and Mont Cervin in French. It's distinct shape makes it a familiar and favorite photographic subject.
The Matterhorn has four faces and is known as a horn. The steepness of the sides keeps snow and ice from clinging, and avalanches are frequent. It has an AD rating, and although a difficult climb, it is not a hard climb for seasoned climbers. Most climbers climb the Swiss side.
Each of the four faces has a route. The Hörnligrat, or Hornli Ridge, on the northeast ridge, the Italian Ridge or Liongrat, on the southwest ridge, the Zmuttgrat on the northwest ridge, and the Furggengrat on the southeast ridge.
After many failed attempts, Edward Whymper and his party were the first to successfully climb the Matterhorn, but during the descent four of the climbers slipped and fell to their death. The controversy surrounding this made the mountain well known.
Many other prominent mountains in the world are nicknamed the Matterhorn, including Mount Assinibone, in North America, Machapuchare, in Nepal, Mount Yari of Japan, Ushba of the Caucasus Mountains and Ama Dablamof the Himalayans.
The Matterhorn originated in Africa, but moved with the Alps when the African plate moved over the European plate, 90 million years ago.
Fast Facts:
- 14,692 feet high
- First ascended in 1985
- The Hornli Ridge, on the northeast, is the usual climbing route
- Several climbers die each year
- Falling rock has become a problem
- Glaciers are rapidly melting
- Disneyland has a miniature, bobsled variation of it
