Join one of the IFMGA-certified guides in the Peakshunter team on this 1-day climbing trip to Breithorn, the easiest 4000-meter peak you can climb in the Alps.
Private
1 Day
May - Oct
Low
Beginner
Breithorn is the perfect ascent for entry-level mountaineers looking for the challenge of their first 4000 meters: this peak rises majestically between the Aosta Valley and Switzerland at an altitude of 4,165 meters, within the Monte Rosa massif.
Breithorn consists of many summits, all of which are above 4000 meters. In our one-day program, we’ll climb the Occidental one. This is popular for being the easiest mountain at this height that you can climb in the Alps. That’s because a cable car takes you up to 3480 m, where you can find Guide del Cervino hut in the Rosa Plateau.
The starting point of this trip is Cervinia, an alpine resort in the Aosta Valley. You can reach this place by car, taking the highway exit Chatillon-Saint Vincent and following the Valtournenche.
Send us a message if you want to join the summit of this amazing peak or join us on other amazing climbs in the Monte Rosa massif.
Drop: 685 meters
Ascent time: 2 1/2 hours approx.
Meeting point: meeting in Cervinia for equipment check and a short briefing.
Note: Given the considerable altitude gain, you may opt to travel part of the way on foot (the cable car route is divided in three segments).
Our climb begins with a comfortable, mildly-sloping stretch. A tunnel will lead us onto the snow-covered piste that connects the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m) with the Gobba di Rollin (3,899 m).
Leaving the trail that leads to Klein Matterhorn, we’ll move slightly downhill through the ample Colle del Breithorn plateau.
We’ll cross the Bergschrund (3,950 m) and begin the most challenging portion of the climb. The rightmost trail leads to a pass between the two Breithorn peaks (Western and Central – 4,081 m), which in turn will take us to the crest.
We’ll turn left and, moving up along the airy ridge, quickly reach the Western Breithorn summit.
The view from the top is incredible, with striking vistas of the Matterhorn (4,478 m) and the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m), 280 meters below. A spectacular panorama unfolds all around us, with every peak in the Monte Rosa massif, as well as the Dent Blanche and the Weisshorn.
The return trip (2 hours max) will take us along the route that rope parties usually follow on the way up: a fairly easy descent that will take us back to Colle del Breithorn, where we may stop for a well-earned break for a snack, before continuing towards the Plateau Rosa in time to catch the cable car down.
More info
Meeting point
Personal equipment: -Energy bars or dried fruit/nuts -Collapsible trekking poles -Water bottle (1 l min) or thermos -Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and UV protection lip balm -Harness -Personal first aid kit -Camera -Ice-axe -Standard crampons with anti-balling plates -Mineral salts -Mountaineering boots -Backpack 30 l Clothing -Wool cap/beanie or fleece-lined hat -Buff -Hiking socks (2 pairs) -Sun hat -Wicking turtleneck (2nd layer) -Gaiters -Waterproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex, Paclite, Conduit, etc.) (4th layer) -Light backup gloves, 1 pair -Heavy insulated gloves 1 pair -Insulating garment made of Windstopper® or Primaloft® (3rd layer) -Mountaineering/glacier sunglasses -Shoeller climbing pants -Down jacket (optional) -Waterproof overtrousers (Gore-Tex, Paclite, Conduit, K-Way) -Breathable T-shirt (1st layer) 2x
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
The Breithorn ascent doesn’t require any particular previous mountaineering experience. On the contrary, this is the perfect choice for those seeking a first experience at 4,000 meters altitude. Of course, some previous knowledge and frequentation of the mountains are a plus.
About your fitness, you should consider an effort of 5/6 hours in a day. Therefore, a good workout in the months leading up to the trip is recommended so that you can experience the adventure to the fullest and not get too fatigued.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
In the months leading up to the trip, we recommend some training to improve your endurance and your cardiovascular fitness. When you confirm the trip, we will send you specific recommendations about the training.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
The technical equipment is included in this trip. We will provide it to you on the day of departure during the initial briefing. The equipment consists of the helmet, harness, ice axes, crampons, and trekking poles. In addition, the guide will bring the common safety material, such as rope and carabiners.
All you need to bring is your personal clothing, suitable for glacier and high mountain scenarios, including technical mountaineering boots. After your booking confirmation, we will provide you with a list of recommended clothing and, if you need anything, we will refer you to some rentals where you can hire the necessary.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
Absolutely no porters are expected for this ascent. Each participant should bring a personal backpack and technical equipment, including a thermos for tea/water and energy bars/dried fruit and energy food for the trip.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Please consider that weather and conditions can change unexpectedly and, especially in recent years due to climate change, there are not always the best conditions for a safe ascent. In such cases, because your and our safety is our priority, we will propose an alternative trip to nearby mountains with better conditions. Note that you are booking our availability for the duration of the tour, which means that it will not be possible to cancel due to poor conditions. We will be careful to arrange an experience that lives up to your expectations. We understand that this may be a frustrating outcome. However, safety is a top priority, and every mountain has a lesson to teach.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
Yes, there are several special requirements that you need to consider for this trip. Here are some of them:
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
The maximum number of clients per single Guide is five, thus giving a ratio of 1:5. This is the maximum number in order to ensure your safety and that of the guide. If you are in a group of more than five people, we have more guides available to undertake the adventure.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The best time to realize this adventure is between June and October.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can choose to book a private tour or decide to join a group, to reduce the costs.
We have already confirmed and planned group trips, departing in 2023, on the following dates:
Before confirming a group tour, please remember that you will share the ascent with other climbers, that could have a different fit and previous experience than you. The guide will be responsible for the entire team and in any case or reason, he could guarantee the summit, if only 1 participant has physical problems or isn’t enough fit to respect the timetable for ascent and descent. The decision to share a trip with others to reduce the total costs requires accepting to be part of a team, in which adaptation and capacity for mutual support are essential requirements for all participants.
If you evaluate your fitness level and your technical skills as too low or inadequate to the abilities and efforts that this ascent requires, you probably should take the PRIVATE trip, as the best option for you.
How can I reach the meeting point?
The meeting point is Breuil-Cervinia, in Aosta Valley (Italy). If you are not familiar with this area, let us give you some more information. Aosta Valley is the smallest but highest Italian region. This is the realm of the Alps. Here the most famous peaks of Europe arise: the Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa summits, the Gran Paradiso, and many other less-known.
You can reach Aosta Valley from three countries:
To get around Aosta Valley, if you don't have a car and don't want to use private transfers, you can rely on the regional bus service, with daily runs to all municipalities of Aosta Valley. For instance, you can reach Breuil-Cervinia by bus from Aosta town or Saint-Vincent municipality.
At what time does the trip start? At what time will we be back to the parking area?
The meeting with the guide on the first day will be around 7.00-7.30 am at the ticket office of the cable car. The trip will take 6-7 hours in total. We go back to the parking area at around 3.00-3.30 pm.
What additional costs should I consider?
Renting of the boots (around 20-22€/day). If needed, the renting has to be done by the customers the day before the trip in one of the shops in Cervinia. We will send you more details in case of needing them.
After the ascent, we generally have a break (light lunch) at Guide del Cervino refuge, to have something to eat together and celebrate the day with a beer with the guide. the costs for the lunch and beverages are NOT included and have to be covered on the spots, sharing the guide’s fee between all the participants.
Is this trip suitable for children? Which is the minimum age for participants?
Yes, the ascent could be done even by young people (the minimum age is 12-14 years, depending on fitness and skills). They must be accompanied by at least 1 parent. We ask to both parents to fill and sign a release form for their children, with the privacy consent and self-declaration of responsibility.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
4.7
(237)
Mountain Guide
Founded in 2013 by Elis and Silvia, PEAKSHUNTER is a team of IFMGA-certified mountain guides.
Although we all have different backgrounds and experiences, we share the same goals and projects and, more than anything, love our job and share a deep passion for the mountains.
Professionalism and safety are our core values because we love our job and we are passionate about Mountain and Nature.
We are enthusiastic to share new adventures and guarantee the most memorable emotions to all our clients.
If you are interested in experience the beauty of Nature and the power of the Mountains, Peakshunter Mountain Guides will be happy to guide you! We want to provide you with intense emotions and want to be there to share them with you. We feel we've done our job when there are big, cheesy smiles on everybody's faces at the end of the day.
We want to build a strong, long-lasting relationship with our clients, based on the respect we feel for everyone who joins us in the exploration of this striking vertical world.
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Monterosa, Dufourspitze and Margherita Hut, Gran Paradiso, Breithorn, Castor and Pollux are only a few of several 4000 Alps summits next to the area we live and work: the beautiful little Aosta Valley region, close to French and Swiss borders and not far from Geneva, Milan and Turin international airports.
Realize your dreams, discovering breathtaking views or simply living an extraordinary day: you just need to use your imagination and we will realize your trip as you desire to live it!
Peakshunter Mountain Guides team will be happy to guide you, sharing adventures and being you companions, personal trainers, consultants and expertise supporters for all you need in planning the next Mountain dream!
Languages
Italian | French | English
Certificates
IFMGA
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.
Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
Cami
Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
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