Advice on what to pack to see the Matterhorn

  • SamIam
    Participant
    86 posts
    29 May 2022 at 19:24:32 #827346

    Hello it’s me again 😅. We are now packing for our trip in June ! We want to pack light but we don’t want to be caught off guard by the mountain weather. We are planning to go up to see the Matterhorn via Gornegrat. Accuweather predicts a high of 56 and a low of 37. For those who’s been up there, do we need a down jacket with or just layer up ? . Do we need winter hats and gloves? We are coming from sunny Florida and we have no experience with cold weather at all . Thanks for all the recommendations!

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    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    30 May 2022 at 3:28:16 #942534

    Hi Samlam,

    You can find practical information about what to prepare for a hiking trip in the mountains here: http://www.myswissalps.com/hiking/preparation

    Hope this helps.

    Regards,

    Anna

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    30 May 2022 at 23:39:36 #942535

    It can snow at any time throughout the year at Gornergrat (I’ve had snow there in the peak summer holiday season in August!). It can also be windy. However it can also be warm and sunny. There is no guarantee for weather at any season in the Alps. (in the same way that recently a US baseball game was postponed due to snowfall in Denver Colorado , only a day or two after there was a hot and humid ball game in Chicago!)

    At Gornergrat it is best to layer up or have a wind cheater jacket. There is however no need to remain outdoors if it is really chilly, you can go into the restaurant if necessary, or return to slightly lower altitude at Riffelberg where the Matterhorn is easily visible from the restaurant there too.

    SamIam
    Participant
    86 posts
    31 May 2022 at 0:57:40 #942536

    Thank you 1960man😊. We packed thermals, windbreakers, hooded jackets , and cotton shirts . We are excited to see the Matterhorn. BTW, we can hike down fr Gornegrat to Riffelberg right? That is where we will see a clear lake ( weather permitting) with the Matterhorn’s reflection. Is is an easy hike ? How long do you think a party of 6 with a 12 y/o take to hike down and then catch the train from there. Thanks again!

    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    31 May 2022 at 6:24:38 #942537

    Hi Samlam,

    Yes, it’s possible to hike down from Gornergrat to Riffelberg. Just follow the signposted trail. Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter hike, you can take the train to Rotenboden and follow the path to the lake (Riffelsee) before continuing to Riffelberg.

    Be sure to check the trail detailsl: http://www.myswissalps.com/hiking/rotenboden-riffelalp

    Regards,

    Anna

    SamIam
    Participant
    86 posts
    31 May 2022 at 9:59:48 #942538

    Thanks Anna! I think the Rotenboden hike to Riffelsee is what we will do! 🤗🤗

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