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Matterhorn Hornli Ridge

Matterhorn Training (2-Day)

$649 plus tax

During 2 days of climbing in the ideal terrain of the Wasatch, build essential rock and mountaineering skills for scaling the “world’s most beautiful mountain.” Train on long, moderate alpine climbs, snowy peaks and couloirs in the Wasatch Range. UMA’s Matterhorn Training Course will help prepare you to efficiently climb the 4,000′ Hornli Ridge or similar alpine route.

Course Dates

  • Apr 3-4, 2026 (Friday-Saturday)

Common training venues for UMA’s Matterhorn Training Course include Mt. Olympus, Storm Mountain, Standard Ridge, Mt. Superior and the Pfeifferhorn.

Matterhorn Training Course Outcomes
  • Short-roping, short-pitching and tethering (PAS) on ledges
  • Steep snow and rock climbing in light alpine boots
  • Crampon climbing on snow and rock in exposed terrain
  • Stamina training for 4,000′ of technical climbing in 1 day at 14,000′
  • Climbing and ridge traversing in the 10-11,500′ altitude range
  • Fast, efficient movement on moderate rock with a guide
  • Tips and tricks for dealing with crowds on a steep, exposed route
  • Tips and tricks for staying in a crowded European Hut
Max Student : Instructor Ratio

2 : 1

Other suggested UMA courses for Matterhorn prep
Ice Climbing 1
Ice Climbing Camp
Course dates don’t fit your schedule?

Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.

Course Prerequisites
  • Previous rock climbing and mountaineering experience is required.
Fitness & Skill Level
  • This is an intermediate to advanced course.
  • Good overall fitness is required.

This 2-day course takes place in the Central Wasatch Mountains (expect to be in the field for 8 hours each day). Participants are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (2 liters per day). UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.

SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION

The usual meeting time and place is 7 am at the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride lot, but these are subject to change. Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to enrolled participants before the course date.

GUIDE

You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.

How To Register
Matterhorn Training COURSE EQUIPMENT LIST
  • Non-cotton top and bottom base layers
  • Puffy, hooded overcoat and/or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
  • Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants
  • Wool (and liner) socks
  • Waterproof snow gloves and mittens or spare gloves
  • Lightweight climbing and/or fleece gloves
  • Warm hat or balaclava for under your helmet
  • Baseball cap (optional)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • 2 liters of water
  • Lunch and quick energy snacks
  • Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots with rigid sole
  • Gaiters
  • Mountaineering crampons
  • Mountaineering axe
  • Backpack (25-45 liters)
  • Harness
  • Belay device
  • Helmet
  • Beacon
  • Shovel
  • Probe

Please see our Winter/Spring Mountaineering Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.

Recommended Books

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills by The Mountaineers

Please see the Mountaineering section on our main FAQ page for common course questions.

What type of Crampons should I use?

For the Matterhorn, you will need 12-point crampons that fit snugly to the boots you will be using.

What type of Ice Axe?

You will need a hybrid ice/snow axe with a curved shaft and steel pick. The preferred length is 50 cm or shorter.

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