Reviews from the Matterhorn Area.
Matterhorn - Switzerland
Directions: Take the lifts up from Zurmatt to Schwarzsee
Trails: One of the dumbest hikes I've done - a case of desire taking over from logic. After getting to the top of the lift, the trail starts above the little Schwarzsee lake and heads up the Matterhorn. It starts as a wider dirt and rock trail and gets narrower as it heads up (and all it does is head up). After the first big climb (near the start), the trail passes an inactive ski lift and then turns a corner and there is a small unpleasant rail and grating portion (includes steps) that is attached to the rock and mostly overhangs
air. After switchbacking up, the trail goes over a ridge and continues on the backside of the ridge. After a bit, the trail will likely be muddy - if you are smart, this is a good turning around point. The trail then comes to an area that doesn't get sun and is snow and ice. I continued on the trail with thoughts of reaching the hiking hut (kick off point for mountain climbers). Not only is there ice and snow, but the trail is still continuing up with switchbacks and there is a nice steep drop-off. And don't forget that however far you go, you have to come back down. I nearly chickened out about 5 times to turn around (and after the 1st time, wished I had chickened out that 1st time) - including once sitting down and saying to myself this is stupid and I'm not going any further – but kept on going. Finally the trail went back over the ridge into the sun and the trail was clear (but steeper) the rest of the way to the hut, which wasn't too much farther ahead. The views of the Matterhorn from the hut were awesome, but not worth the risk involved with this hike. Going back down was as dangerous and nerve wracking as I feared it would be. Despite going slow and cautious, I slipped at least 5 times (just plopping on my rear, not down the slope) “and had a big bruise for over a week from one of the slips” and even got down on my rear and shuffled down a number of the corners. I said a prayer of thanks when I got pasted the ice part. The hike took about 2hours 20 minus to get to the hut and 1hour 50 mins to get back down. Note that the hut isn't always open, so don't count on getting lunch there.
Elevation: 678 m from Schwarzsee (2582 m) to Berghaus Belvedere (3260 m)
Area: Above the tree line on the Matterhorn.
Recommendation: Don't be stupid and do what I did. The views are very impressive, but turn around when you hit ice and snow.
Gruensee - Switzerland
Directions: Catch the train up from Zurmatt to Gornergrat
Trails: The trail starts heading down from Gornergrat to the left of the tracks as you head down. As short ways later, there is a small tunnel that goes under the tracks - take that dirt road. On the other side of the tracks, you are above a small lake. Using the road and trails, head down to the lake. The lake itself isn't that impressive, but you should have some nice views of the mountains across the valley, including the Matterhorn. On the far side of the lake, follow the signs to Gruensee as the trail heads across and down the barren land. There are a number of switchbacks along the way. After almost 2 hours, the trail gets below the tree line and there is some greenery (instead of the brown, barren land). Where the trail comes out on a dirt road with a house visible ahead, hook a
right and then at the junction a tad ahead, hook another right and the Gruensee lake is a little ways ahead. It's really not that impressive, but it was peaceful. After having lunch there, I took the trail that headed towards and then along (but not crossing) the stream in the valley through the pretty forest and hit the Findelnbach train station - took about an hour to get from Gruensee to Findelnbach. You could hike down the rest of the way to Zermatt - not too far (but I was heading up to Riffelsee).
Elevation: 2510 m from Gornergrat (3130 m) to Zermatt (1620 m)
Area: Above tree line, mountain lakes (not that impressive), forests, and along a stream
Recommendation: It's a nice hike with variation.
Riffelsee - Switzerland
Directions: Catch the train up from Zurmatt to Gornergrat or the train up from Zurmatt to Riffelberg (the stop you want is Rotenboden, between Riffelberg and Gornergrat)
Trails: It's just a short little hike from the train station down to 2 mountain lakes. Go to the far one for some spectacular reflection pictures of the Matterhorn on the lake. Sit for a bit near the lake and enjoy the views.
Area: Above tree line, mountain lakes, lots of views
Recommendation: A short visit and very pretty lake reflection views of the Matterhorn.
Furi to Zermatt - Switzerland
Directions: Take the lift up from Zurmatt to Furi
Trails: Took the lift up to Furi and then hike the wide road down.
Elevation: 266 m from Furi (1886 m) to Zermatt (1620 m)
Area: Open area, some houses, lots of animal smells
Recommendation: Yuch.
|
