Zermatt - From Furi Up the Slopes towards the North Face of the Matterhorn

On Thursday March 16, 2023, I started the day with the intention of capturing Zermatt's landmark at its wildest and most dangerous side. Of course I'm talking about the north face of the Matterhorn. In this video I also show you the landscape in the Furi/Zermatt region around the Zmutt creek valley. With snow shoes you move quite slowly. This way you can focus your attention on the breathtaking view. For the grand finale, I'll show you one of the greatest north faces of the alps.
I mounted my snow shoes in Furi/Zermatt and went along the slope (No. 51) Weisse Perle. I stopped at each viewpoint to capture the scenery in detail. Shortly before I reached the Hirli chairlift valley station, I turned left and climbed up a steep passage. As I got closer to the Matterhorn, I found the snowshoe trail (No. 144) North Face Trail. It follows the desired direction along the Zmuttbach valley. For touring skis, skiing or snowboarding, the red slope Stafelalp (No. 52) leads in the same direction. Both routes can be reached either via Schwarzsee or Hirli. These are the two closest mountain stations in the area.
Hirli is located above Schwarzsee. Up there, where the north face meets the east face of the Matterhorn, the Hörnli ridge begins. Here you can enter the Hörnliweg (Nr. 27). In the summer season, this very popular hiking trail leads from the Schwarzsee to the Hörnihütte. Most mountaineers stay overnight in the hut before climbing the Matterhorn, following the footsteps of Whymper. I would describe this place as the modern base camp of the Matterhorn. It is a traditional mountain inn and a first class restaurant. It has running water, electricity, WiFi and cell phone reception. For visitors it offers a mattress room, private suites and a winter room for shelter.
On the trail in between the Obere Stafelalp and the Zmutt Glacier I found the view I was looking for. The path leads along one of the greatest peaks in the Alps. Geographically you are at the foot of the north face - mind you with a little safety margin. In the shadow of the giant it is dark and cold. The imposing black wall with its own glacier is simply grandiose. It doesn't matter if it's uphill or downhill. Stop your activity for a short break, take in the scenery before continuing on perfect powder snow.
In order to plan your trip properly, you should be aware that the chairlift Hirli is only in operation for guests with a valid ski pass. Unfortunately, anyone looking for a one-way ticket to Hirli is out of luck. Without a ski pass, you could first take the Matterhorn Express cable car to Schwarzsee. Next, you can ascend on the red slope Oberer Tiefbach (Nr. 53 ) or on the black slope Hörnli (Nr. 54) with snow shoes or touring skis. In times when the slopes aren't overrun, it's absolutely worthwhile visiting. Up there, you will find a very nice photo motif. In my experience, in the summer season the chairlift to Hirli may be closed.
During this tour I had over 12 kilos or 24 pounds of camera gear, clothing, snacks and water in my backpack. That's why I decided to come back for Hirli another day.
Have fun out and about in Zermatt
and thanks for watching!
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©2023, Roman Keller
iRuleThem Media
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Subject: Zermatt - From Furi Up the Slopes towards Matterhorn North Face
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