Quick Summary

  • A very scenic but quite physically demanding hike to a lesser-known SAC hut near one of Switzerland’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Took the train to/from Zermatt.
  • There were virtually no flat sections to this hike — essentially the entire tour consisted of either steep inclines/declines.
  • The hut itself was quite “old-school” in the sense that it had not undergone any major renovations or additions when we visited.
    • Despite the hut being nearly full, there was only a single other person staying at the hut who was not undertaking a high-alpine mountaineering expedition.
    • This gave the hut quite a unique vibe (eg. at dinner) as everyone that was there was exceptionally passionate and knowledgeable about alpine sports.
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Day 1: Ascent to the Rothornhütte SAC via the Wisshorn

The ascent to the Wisshorn offered a unique perspective of the Matterhorn.
Sport Hiking
Difficulty T3+
Distance 12.8 km
Ascent 1920 m
Descent 380 m
Public Transit Access? Yes

Summary

  • Hiked from Zermatt to the Wisshorn.
    • We saw quite a bit of Edelweiss in the meadows on the ascent to the Wisshorn.
  • After a short lunch on the Wisshorn, we descended to slightly above Trift and then ascended to the Rothornhütte SAC.
  • While most of the hike was not especially difficult from a technical perspective, the final ascent to the Rothornhütte is extremely steep.
    • Some inclines had grades of >45%.
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Day 2: Descent to Zermatt

The broad ridge leading to the Tschima da Flix.
Sport Hiking
Difficulty T3+
Distance 10.8 km
Ascent 310 m
Descent 1840 m
Public Transit Access? Yes

Summary

  • Descended from the Rothornhütte to the Berggasthaus Trift.
  • From the Berggasthaus Trift we ascended the path to the west in the direction of Höhbalmen.
  • We stopped to enjoy the view Ufem Hohlicht.
  • Continued our descent on the eastern path towards Zermatt.
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