The Matterhorn // The Most Recognizable Mountain in the World

When I was young some of the first mountains I heard about were Everest, K2, and the Matterhorn. I think I recognized the Matterhorn before I knew the name of most my local mountains. I only recently looked into climbing the Matterhorn. Up until a few years ago I thought it’s pointy summit was unobtainable. Crowds, costs and technical skills made the peak seem out of reach. I had heard that long lines up the Hörnli Route could turn a day out into a horrible 20 hour nightmare. People I spoke with who had climbed it claimed that route finding after the Hörnlihütte was impossible without a guide. A guide in Zermatt lectured me with a strong parental tone about the dangers of climbing it’s 4,000ft razor ridge with even a dusting of snow. All these things can be true but in the back of my mind I kept replaying the video I saw of Killian running down from its summit in shorts. So I rolled the dice for a 3rd time and convinced Chase and Aaron to go out there and give it a shot. It was the driest, hottest summer on record in parts of Europe but of course the week before our departure it rained and snowed heavily across Italy and Switzerland. We were certain that once again this summit would be out of reach but decided to give it a go anyway. Our hopes were bolstered by a video posted by Amateur fan @adventurestothemax who climbed the Matterhorn 2 weeks before our arrival in conditions we hoped would be similar.
I mention in the video choices that we made that worked out FOR US. I was referring to the Decision to start late in the morning and to not put on our crampons until further up the mountain. When we got to Zermatt at 12:30am we debated starting late or waiting until the following morning (we even went as far as to get a reservation at the Hornlihut the following day). In the end we decided to start late. Our thinking was that starting late would give the ice time to thaw since the forecast called for warm conditions and sun. We also thought starting late would allow those who started early to clear off the summit and technical sections by the time we arrived at that point. For the most part both those predictions came true and we only encountered about an hour to an hour and a half of delay due to crowding on the route. The snow and ice was relatively soft until 14,000ft and that meant we could go crampon free for most the mountain. Being crampon free resulted in a faster pace. In the end these were decisions that worked well FOR US and it made for an awesome day. For some these choices could result in death or an expensive rescue.

[@Logan-kj8be]

I firmly believe there has never been a better time in history to be a wannabe mountaineer stuck behind a computer doing a day job. Just between MA and the Fifty, the quality of content coming out on a weekly basis is unreal! Thanks for giving us computer dwellers something to look forward to every other week and giving us hope that we can do it ourselves one day!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I hope my channel one day is added to your list.

[@chanelking4203]

@@IdRatherBeHiking I'll take your comment as an investment ， subbed :)

[@patricenorwood2332]

His content is a bit less mountaineering heavy but I'd rec Forestry Forest's hiking vids for awesome remote mountain views as well, particularly his latest vids in Yukon, BC, and Alaska.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

@@chanelking4203 thanks King I appreciate that

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

@@patricenorwood2332 Foresty is a champ, bags some amazing peaks.

[@mikeweintz]

Awesome, You Guys! Back in 1989, when I was 18, my best friend and I were on summer break trip to Europe. My first. While tripping through Switzerland, we took a bus from Interlaken to Grindelwald just to pitch out tent beneath the Eiger and spend a night or two in that amazing place. In town, we happened to walk by the local mountain guide shop. A flyer on the window said, "Climb the Monch for $120". John and I had no experience but we were fit. We entered the store, told the old guy behind the counter we wanted to climb the Monch, but had no climbing gear, no heavy jackets and no experience. He looked us over for a second, went to the back of the shop and returned with boots, crampons, gaiters and even jackets - all on the house. Told us to meet our guide the next morning at 5am at the train station. The cog rail ride up to the Jungfraujoch was truly mind bending - Yes, right out of Disney. As we started up the climb, the clouds rolled in thick. We could only see each other, the rope and the narrow ridge leading up. We made it to the summit but could not see a thing. Got down safely and back to the railway car. The ride down back through the Eiger tunnel was a moment I will never forget. John and I had done something pretty damn cool, we thought. We were not tired, we were obliterated! I had never felt more satisfied though. It was a moment that made an indelible mark on me and certainly set the tone for many years of outdoor adventure in the future. Thank you guys for sharing these videos and bringing back a truly great memory! I know how hard they are to make but you are making it look easy. And, thank you old man in the guide shop. I know what you did for us now. Cheers!

[@PAZPERDEE]

Love this

[@emilie1977]

north face!

[@halflink]

These people in Switzerland, they are really made of gold. When I was in the Jungfrau region this year, I desperately wanted to do the famous Murren Via Ferrata (the one that goes over Lauterbrunnen valley). I have never done a Via Ferrata before and, while I'm fit, have quite a lot of hiking experience, good balance and no vertigo or fear of heights, I was quite apprehensive of doing it alone (and didn't want to go with the group). I relayed my struggles to my BnB host (an 68 yo Swiss, who is a keen hiker and mountaineer himself). He strongly advised against going onto that Via Ferrata alone and also said that I should do an easier one (Rotstock, near Eiger North face) first. Fast forward a couple of days and he's telling me: 'I did the Rotstock Via Ferrata yesterday with you in mind (I'm quite short) and I think you can do it. If you want, we can go together'. So we did that Ferrata together, he volunteered to take pictures and videos, arranged gear renting for me (and even lent me his helmet so it would be cheaper for me), paid for his (not cheap) train tickets. Then some time later he's: "I did Murren Via Ferrata today with you in mind and, I think, you could do it. If you want, we can do it together". So we did Murren Via Ferrata together! It was an incredible experience and I'm so grateful to him.

[@PerfDayToday]

Your collective calm in the obvious ‘spicy’ areas continues to blow my mind. 👊🏻

[@kevinstarski1598]

One's idea of spicy is another one's death wish lol

[@user-hj8zj5dg4s]

Don't make me laugh! - This walk would be "acute" when descending into a thunderstorm, when the surrounding atmosphere roars from static electricity, hail the size of a walnut is pounding from above, but at the same time it's hot as Hell, and on vertical descents you start to confuse the top with the bottom...

[@theworldhiker1]

Not only doing these adventures...but also filming and narrating the entire experience...Thanks for the constant inspiration guys!

[@TheHooligan-5]

I'll never have the guts to do what you guys do, but I love watching you guys crush these peaks. Your videos have given me the motivation to speed up my hikes to a point where I can do my version of trail running. The motivation shows me that with a lot of effort I will be able to do a small percentage of what you can do. Keep at it and stay safe

[@thepandaknows]

For a group of people who continuously completes insane and awesome challenges, seeing the pure stoke from everyone is heartwarming and inspiring. Way to go and thank you for sharing all the adventures (and especially the misadventures!)

[@robmills7611]

Wow! I literally felt like I was there with you! Never had that experience before! Love ALL your videos but this was definitely something special and that's on you guys! Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@0kkin]

🎉 congrats on this summit! Danny, we chatted in 2020 about camera/video equipment while I was preparing for my Matterhorn summit. But seeing how you captured this glorious climb, it’s 1000x better than what I got! I’ll be sure to show people THIS video next time I’m asked what climbing the Matterhorn feels like. Cheers and stay well!

[@michaelb1761]

Wow, you're last 2 videos have been amazing. Thank you so much for sharing them. You are inspiring to this old wannabe. While my goals may not be as big as the Matterhorne, you inspire me to continue striving towards completing them and setting new ones.

[@aarondgallegos]

So psyched for y'all! Thanks for the awesome vid!

[@machete123412]

Congrats on making the Matterhorn! Some info for all viewers of this clip - you were actually doing more or less free climbing on the wall and this is the reason why you managed to do it fast. It is more common to do a an alipine belaying style on such climbs -> its much more safer. I would consider your climbing style rather little risky and not suitable for beginners/complete amateurs. Just FYI

[@juliobelic5939]

I think no begginer goes on peaks like Matterhorn :)

[@machete123412]

Hi, just saying - such videos can be misleading for people with not mich experience

[@zigakastelic8647]

Its easier to free climb it. The only tricky part is going up over bivy and the last section with ropes. And if people see the video and thinks they can go up without guide or experience...

[@jamest1103]

Free climbing isn't pulling yourself up with fixed ropes

[@alan4sure]

Most of the ascent from Hornli hut is scrambling terrain if it's dry and you're a moderately capable mountaineer. We both climbed frequently in the Canadian Rockies. I and a friend did it back in 1986. There were only fixed ropes at the very top. The route was busy. Busy with many incapable people, best avoided.

[@MrOso36]

Thanks for taking us along on your adventures. You guys go places that I would never be able. What an amazing accomplishment. You guys are the best!

[@clivem24]

Wow! Stunning footage, I've skied in Zermatt many times, and always wanted to see what the great Matterhorn looked like from a climbers point of view , well this has done it, absolutely awesome guys thanks !

[@00peter000000]

As someone who both loves being in the mountains, but has a fear of shear drops, I'm in awe of you guys just WALKING up the Matterhorn. Thanks so much for the video, you guys are amazing!

[@altaris2000]

I don't know if I have ever seen you guys so happy at a peak before. Nice Work!

[@ozix2403]

This was insane. Summer of 2022 i have started taking alpine climbing courses with experianced guides. And in my experiance climbing up the mountain isnt really the issue, but going down is the hard part. Every step u take on a mountain needs to be precise, that is why I personally like watching you guys. Keep it up!

[@Naafun]

Stunning! Stoked for you guys!

[@flok.1205]

I respect how you got up there so quickly and agile. But for me it's a double sided sword to go up there without using ropes once. Not many people do that and that's for a reason. You guys might be certainly good and experienced enough, but a small disclaimer at the end wouldn't be a bad thing so people don't underestimate such a dangerous mountain. But your channel is godlike nonetheless. 🙏 Greetings from Germany.

[@Logan-kj8be]

He actually put a disclaimer in the video description

[@juand515]

I believe in Strava he mentioned they did rope up for a couple of sections

[@TobiasMeyer_Basel]

@@juand515 They are not carrying a rope.

[@n0pe213]

Yea I don’t know these guys strike me as “fast and light bros” that aren’t very concerned about safety. I’ve watched some of his content and I think he does enough sorta technical climbing to feel confident, but not enough actual ice climbing or rock climbing to know when not to feel confident. Just my observation

[@HieronymousLex]

Looked sketchy af to me. Even that scramble section at the bottom, that’s where most people get complacent and that would certainly be a fatal mistake.

[@ianb1850]

Awesome achievement guys, so iconic...congrats...You all make it look so easy!

[@paulg3595]

Loved this film gents. Thank you for taking the time to create and share content like this.

[@yuliyanikiforets]

My favorite part of this channel is the commentary. Thank you for showing us the awesome views and explaining things along the way!

[@ArnBek]

Congrats on the summit👍🔥 Well done. With the Snow, it looks Scary as hell!

[@bryceh7469]

There is nothing mediocre about your channel. I’m always impressed that you get up and down with, what appears to be, ease. Thanks for the video!

[@johnmaxwell1750]

I agree, Bryce. One can learn a lot from the Mediocre amateurs, especially about the safety margin one can dip into with great fitness and doing things which are within your ability and experience levels.

[@organdonor1962]

Great to enjoy the journey with you guys, thanks for sharing. My insane fear of heights would prevent me from experiencing the joy you guys enjoyed

[@deivclayton]

You made me almost believe I could do it . . . almost, I'm definitely not up to Mediocre Amateur level, but I'm thrilled everytime another of your video's pops into my feed. Congrats on summiting Matterhorn!

[@2112Tix]

Really stoked for you guys, looked amazing, spiritual in fact. Always inspired by your pragmatism and optimism - you take the rough with the smooth and always with a smile and boy did you win the smiles on that one.

[@wills2552]

Amazing you guys are so light on your feet and seemingly fearless, well done.

[@sigean100]

What an incredible achievement and video. Congratulations to y’all. Much respect for taking us along with you 🤘

[@BackyardHiker]

Congrats on the summit! It looks amazing up there!

[@pagewhite8177]

You climbed the Matterhorn!! Amazing!! Thanks for filming it, that was so cool! Woohoo, stoked for you guys!

[@robvino]

So happy for you guys, this was a big goal. I know you guys rock, so not very surprised to see you climbing the Matterhorn like this, even without a guide. But still, chapeau! And thanks for sharing

[@jakekaiser1399]

Was waiting for this one and did not disappoint!

[@tomjdesigns1280]

Nicely edited, shows so many part of climb like nowhere else in YT - good effort.

[@elevationwithginahikingpnw]

This is so freaking awesome. I recently got into peak bagging and this isn’t in the cards for me, but love seeing your footage, thank you!

[@JaguarFeatherStudios]

Your video was a fun refresher for me of that route. I climbed the Matterhorn in August of 1974 when I was 19. I won't be doing it again. What an amazing mountain!

[@andromeda1439]

Congrats guys! Huge accomplishment 🤘

[@DanielGarcia-tg2ko]

So proud of y’all! Y’all truly make us happy with your content, and so proud and happy y’all got to summit what is arguably the most famous mountain the world!

[@shmoopiesadventures662]

As a Swiss Guy: I am impressed! Well done, great video and content! Love it!

[@Mars_Life_and_Beings]

Congratulations on summiting the Matterhorn. Your video made my night. Peace.

[@shelleydiamond6468]

And I thought I was having fun in Malibu today ! Fantastic video from you guys !

[@JJ-mf8ru]

I’m a mere hiker, not a climber. I do not know how much skill, courage, or confidence goes into climbing an iconic peak such as the Matterhorn. But you guys just made it look easy. No drama, ha ha ha! Bravo!

[@mcats8]

Real happy for you guys! As always, thanks for taking us real amateurs along

[@hobbyglass]

Awesome climb. Stood on the summit myself July 20 this year. Beyond description. You make great videos.

[@matthewparker7515]

Another great video, thanks for sharing and congrats on getting to the top of the Matterhorn!

[@teamblair466]

You guys rock. Thanks for the great adventures.

[@kilo11881]

So sick. Thanks for sharing guys.

[@WillN2Go1]

Climbing the Matterhorn? Epic. Absolutely epic. Well done.

[@svnyt]

Thanks to you, I am scaling all these peaks, sitting in my chair! Your videos are amazing! Best of luck for scaling many more peaks!

[@doriswlongAgoandfarAway]

holy smokes thanks!! Views from the top of the Matterhorn - what an amazing gift. You guys rock.

[@rishidesai9755]

Simply iconic !!

[@surferdude44444]

Did this in ‘72. No fixed ropes and no tram (that would have been a really nice treat.) Similar to a Rainier climb.......trek up to Hornli hut from Zermatt to get some sleep and start at midnight via the Whymper Route to the summit at around sunrise. Then back down to Zermatt. Legs were on fire during decent. All I had was a Kodak Instamatic and some frozen fingers to snap off two or three pics of me and my four man rope team. I sure wish I had the photo technology then that you have now. Great climb. Great vid. Thanks for bringing back some pleasant memories.

[@darren6110]

Love you guys!!! My favourite KZbinrs!!!

[@Bw1Nt]

I’m so glad you guys climbed this so I didn’t have to. Holy hell, talk about spicy. This was epic!!!

[@fredericperrin3279]

FANTASTIC video! Thank you guys.

[@jamtastx]

The views are outstanding. Making a hit list for next summer from here in London. Thank you.

[@Axemanvan]

Again neither mediocre nor amateur

[@karupt422]

Very homerotic tho.

[@namelastname2449]

I agree fully!

[@ConquerYou]

For real!

[@NazriB]

Lies again? PS4 Face Highest Points

[@ConfusedBeignets-tt9kk]

Coolest climb, climbers and video coming back down too. Adrenaline even for me. I have to get my knees and back fixed so I can at least walk in the Southern Appalachian with some well-behaved wolf 🐺 type dogs again.

[@angelaspencer25]

This made me smile lots - very jealous and so pleased for you Thanks for sharing

[@kenwbrenner]

Hi. I've always enjoyed your climbing videos and this one was fun to watch as well. I'm thankful you got to climb the Matterhorn and do so safely. I'm a long-time hiker but often enjoyed doing "scrambles" on trails where it was fun but also safe (and didn't require aids). There was a time I wished I could have done so, but at 70 - those times are past... Look forward to your next adventure - thank you for such a good channel. God Bless!

[@coryhowell3135]

So stoked you finally got it, Danny!

[@lastofthemohicans1]

Great episode! Congrats boys!

[@silasmarner7586]

Such a great video and you guys did it in such style. Congratulations on your fantastic trip!

[@bendyer1465]

I love the music on your videos, you guys are so amazing and your videos are truly inspiring and awesome

[@biit1260]

I thought anyone who could walk could also climb the Matterhorn. This thought has now evaporated. Now I'm scared. Well done, guys.

[@pauldoan180]

Thanks for this video as a 7 year old in 69 -70 I lived In Geneva my Dad was a climber so he took the family 4 kids for a hike up the trail to the base of the mountain I haven't seen video footage of that trail brings back great memories like stopping at a trail Cafe and drinking cold cider 😀

[@rugged9769]

Congrats on the summit. Such an iconic mountain

[@tomgrove8491]

I failed the matterhorn in 1985 cos of a blizzard. Still on my list 38 years later. You guys are all fine climbers with no fear at all which is the single most important thing on this mountain. Dang you made it look like a stroll in the shopping Mall ! Well done wish i had been with you

[@johnj5985]

I'm sitting here in front of my tv getting dizzy watching you guys climb. But there you go, jet lag and all. eating it up like a piece of cake. Now you're looking for some fondu. Congrats guys. Fantastic climb!

[@ata1811]

A truly awesome achievement guys! Inspirational!!

[@ericmenocal3768]

Phenomenal, guys. Well done all around! 🏔🥾

[@garyhoffman1]

Ya’ cracked a million! Congratulations! Here’s hoping that they’ll all go watch your other vids.

[@ItaiGanor]

amazing video as always guys! i was at Zermatt 3 years ago, such an amazing place :D

[@Cmoredebris]

This was by far the best Matterhorn climbing video I have seen on KZbin.

[@jbilly24]

Congrats guys! Keep up the great work!

[@gastondeveaux3783]

Amazing images. I felt a little dizzy and stressed just watching you near and on the summit. Terrifying really. The descent looks like no bargain either. I'm probably gonna have scary dreams of falling tonight.

[@OldLadyAngler]

Wow! That's quite a feat to just decide on a whim! Congrats. I spent a couple of days in Zermatt and all I could do was stare at the Matterhorn and dream about climbing it. Maybe in my next life!

[@beautifulflorida]

Wow! Such a beautiful and interesting video! Thank you for sharing!

[@richh650]

All I can say after seeing this is..... BRAVO! Very well-done gentlemen!

[@WillemExplores]

Amazing video you made this technical mountain look so easy!

[@jonmassey]

Up and down from Zermatt in one day is impressive. Obviously very fit, competent and confident (unroped). Great effort. (I did it in 2003 from the Hornli hut).

[@uelisteinemann]

The record from a local is 4 hours. He started 8 am from de Chileplatz and was back for lunch.

[@uelisteinemann]

Chileplatz is where the chuch is. Like a village square.

[@breevwhyman2985]

Guys. You have immense courage. to even attempt. A feat of that nature. It's truly overwhelming, just even looking at the damn thing on a postcard. I can't begin to imagine the physical strength and stamina that you have to need 2 complete such a task. It would require Joe Public months of training. you must not have any fear..... That's self-evident. What more can I say than I stand in huge respect for your success. .....such a mammoth task. And you execute it so perfectly. An so safely. Thanks so very much for sharing a unique view of an experience that very few people will get in their life. And I get to watch it and see it from your eyes. Something like the Matterhorn is a life or death thing. So very kind of you to share. Many, Many thanks.

[@Scott7169]

Another bally good show chaps.

[@alpinesnowboardfan5369]

Amazing movie guys ! Inspiring and even spiritual 👏

[@steel_sailing]

Makes it look like I could climb this tomorrow! Love this Channel

[@13WhiteFang37]

This is why I subscribed. Keep crushing it guys. I was depressed after failing to summit Manaslu this year, but your video made me happy again.

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

I didn’t realize Matterhorn’s prominence is only 3400 feet. So it’s the height of a small mountain from its base. Just very narrow. Lol that said, my palms and feet are soaked after watching this, great job guys! Huge accomplishment

[@ncuxap12444]

This is absolutely incredible, such perfect weather, also you guys are nuts to climb it like that. Made it look like a regular mountain while actually it's a challenging and dangerous climb. Makes me wanna try it myself.

[@sdemosi]

This is very much "Matterhorn as leisurely hillwalking". I'm blown away by this video. The agility is impressive but the calm way the route is analysed and traversed is the clincher.

[@InBonesWeTrust]

Stunning 🥰

[@ricksadventure1605]

you guys are incredible, your videos are something else! Can't even imagine how you can climb it from the bottom to the top in a matter of hours :)

[@CasparHarmer]

There's a huge rope. Anyone fit could do it.

[@doncoddington3246]

you guys make this look too easy!!! love your videos! I've done it and it's not as easy as you make it look!

[@mastheadmike]

Amazing to have friends to adventure with like this - and be able to just decide at a moments notice to climb the Matterhorn. I’m trying to arrange a trip to Zermatt in a couple years to climb if and will need a guide for my wife’s peace of mind!

[@teleroel]

Perfect conditions, I've been to Zermatt several times and only once had views like this without any clouds. And you guys are fast!

[@jasonwooden]

Congratulations on another epic day in the mountains, thanks for sharing! Definitely a bucket list item for sure. FWIW, I would harvest snow before paying $10 for a bottle of water....or even $5 for that matter.

[@MrTheRabber]

Awesome adventure! Btw, this mountain is also called in italian Monte Cervino, which i find way better than Matternhorn. The reason is that the mount is half italian as well. So sad no one ever remembers that (and the same holds for Monte Bianco)

[@TheNibbiobruno]

It's true. But do not tell to the swiss people that their most iconic mountain in half italian. They'll cry.

[@stevienewm4950]

Come, come. It is called le Cervin in French.

[@andreazonin]

@@stevienewm4950 Yeah because french is a neolatin language like italian, so the names are very similar.

[@marki7275]

Nicely done. That was cool.

[@atlantisfunktions]

amazing stuff gentlemen!!!! you guys are the dream team

[@BiesenbachKlein]

Wonderful shots. Congratulations and respect.👍🌈

[@Blue-P51]

Wow! Amazing images. Seriously impressive climb. But Scarring me trying to watch it! Be careful guys. Can’t believe how calm you are around those cliff edges. Congrats.

[@MrWoody135]

Great footage, well done guys.

[@andyman127]

"there is no way I am going to be able to do that" describes some many of the greatest adventures I have had lately, and your videos have been a big part in me pushing myself to try more things

[@jzwbeach]

It’s like the algorithm somehow hasn’t realized the awesomeness of MA content. Always look forward to it and some of the best on KZbin.