Trail running

Via Valais Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu - Zermatt (Stage 9)

Am letzten Tag erreichen Sie das Matterhorn aus einer ungewöhnlichen Schrägung

Zermatt

3/11°

The 27 kilometres of the last leg of the Via Valais take you on a magnificent single track to the foot of the Matterhorn, before arriving in the famous mountain town of Zermatt.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

26.78 km

Duration

5:45 h
Am letzten Tag erreichen Sie das Matterhorn aus einer ungewöhnlichen Schrägung
Neben dem Matterhorn können Sie auch Gipfel wie das Breithorn und den Liskamm bewundern
Blick auf das Matterhorn

Description

Stage 9 begins by continuing the traverse towards the Matterhorn. After the first five kilometers of short ups and downs, the trail descends toward the Furi lift station. You’ll follow a short section of tarred road until crossing the river to the village of Zmutt with a number of cafes worth stopping at in order to regain your strength before the ascent which awaits you. Tackle the 800-meter climb towards the Edelweissweg before starting your descent to Zermatt, during which you can admire the view of the Obergabelhorn, the Matterhorn, the Breithorn and the Liskamm The final kilometers drop steeply through the river gorge, from Trift directly down to Zermatt. After completing all nine challenging legs of the Via Valais, it’s time to celebrate in town, put your feet up, and admire your achievement.

Turn-by-turn directions

From Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu, follow a path with short up and downhills to Riffelalp, an area just above the Furi lifts. Take the tarred road to the Zmutt Dam and cross the river to reach the village of Zmutt. Find the path that climbs steadily up to Arbenbach, just before which it turns and becomes steeper as it reaches the Edelweissweg. The ascent quickly gives way to a flatter path and then to a single track that descends to Trift. The last part of the route is a steep descent through narrow gorges before reaching Zermatt.

 

Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu - Riffelalp - Zmutt - Chalbermatta - Edelweissweg - Trift - Zermatt

Start

Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu (2291m)

Destination

Zermatt (1614m)

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Author's recommendation

If you are short of time, there are countless options to get to Zermatt quicker, but you won’t want to miss the panorama and the grand finale trail!

Technical information

Altitude

2744m

1620m

Ascent

+1123m

Descent

-1807m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Fauna
  • Insider tip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

For the 1st Stage Via Valais : Take the train to Martigny station, then to Le Châble. Take a first gondola lift between Le Châble and Verbier, then a second one from Verbier to Les Ruinettes in order to get to the start of the trail.

Approach

For the 1st Stage Via Valais : Take the A9/E62 motorway to Martigny, then continue on the Grand-Saint-Bernard/route 21 via Sembrancher to Le Châble. It is advisable to use public transport however as this is a multi-leg route that ends in Zermatt.

Parking

For the 1st Stage Via Valais : 240 free parking spaces are available at the Le Châble Aerial Cableway station for a maximum of 10 days.

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or peak cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Hiking poles

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

 

For all trails:

  • Use marked trails only, and take note of all signposting – for both your own safety as well as that of grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please treat other trail users, as well as the plants and animals, with respect.

 

For mountain trails:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at high altitudes. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your trail carefully: take the fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season into consideration.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In case of uncertain weather conditions, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Take note of warning signs indicating the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist office in Zermatt will provide information regarding trail running in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo Maps:

1:50’000 : 5003 Mont Blanc – Grand Combin 

1:50’000 : 5006 Matterhorn – Mischabel

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion