The "Cresta del Leone" (Lion's Ridge) is the normal climbing route to Matterhorn (Mount Cervino - 4478 meters) on the Italian side; it is the second easiest path to reach this majestic, impressive and enchanting peak, after the Swiss normal route along the ridge of Mount Hornli.

The climb mostly develops on rock and it is equipped with wires along many of its articulated stretches. It is a very long climb featuring technical issues of III° (IV max.); it calls for good physical training and mountaineering experience.

Lion's Ridge - Matterhorn Climbing Schedule

Day One
The hikers will meet the mountain guide in Cervinia and, after checking their equipment, they will take a taxi to Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi from where they will access the trail. The first stretch, featuring some short climb passages, leads to Colle del Leone from where the real ridge starts. A thrilling climb, partially equipped with wires, leads the mountaineers to hut Capanna Carrel that will welcome them in its evocative atmosphere and will give them shelter for the night.
4/5 hours with a 1030 meter elevation gain.

Day Two
The hike starts very early in the morning and it is intense and evocative right away. The first stretch, the "Corda della Sveglia" (Wake Up Rope), introduces the mountaineers to the spectacular climb. They will follow the ridge assisted by several wires through the most complex passages. After crossing the summit of Mount Pic Tyndall they will reach Mount Enjambée that foreshadows a steeper and more thrilling section on the final stretch. A marvelous climb will lead to the first Cross, on the Italian peak of Matterhorn (Mount Cervino). To reach the highest summit the climbers will keep going through the sharp top ridge until they will reach the Swiss summit, at an elevation of 4'478 meters. The spectacular view is beyond words. The descent takes place through the climb route.
Ascent: 5/6 hours with a 1400 meter elevation gain.
Descent: 6/7 hours with a 2400 meter elevation loss.

To reserve a certified IFMGA-UIAGM mountain guide for climbing the Matterhorn along Lion Ridge (Cresta del Leone) - Italian Normal Route, you must send a request that provides and specifies your contact information, the number of participants and the date/period in which you wish to take the Matterhorn climbing excursion.
We will respond immediately to confirm the availability of the guide, the deadline, if any, to confirm the option for the reservation, methods of payment, characteristics and organization of the activity.
Once the reservation is confirmed, we will send you the receipt and the presentation voucher with the details of the service, the name of the mountain guide or the mountaineering school, and all the contact information.