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Footpaths and Waymarks
The Tour of the Matterhorn has been very well signed and publicised since its inauguration in 2002. To my horror, for a few months during its setting up large signs appeared along some paths, announcing that you were indeed on the Tour of the Matterhorn. Thankfully these have now disappeared and the trail has settled down. In Switzerland the paths are generally waymarked in red and white paint flashes, indicating that this is a long-distance trek. In Italy the waymarks are yellow.
You're unlikely to miss this turn-off en route to Perrucca-Vuillermoz (Stage 6)
However, do not expect simply to step onto the path and follow the paint flashes until the end of the tour. This would be reckless and, surely, part of the fun of hiking is to use the map and decide which route to take. There are quite often route options, or you may decide you'd like to include a nearby summit or visit an interesting village. Equally some path junctions are not signed – thank goodness. Having said that, if you plan to follow the main trail and the path you're on is very indistinct you should check to see it you haven't missed a turning. Although most of the trails for the Tour of the Matterhorn are well used, you do need to use a map. Fog and snow can occur at any time in the Alps, and at such times those friendly little paint flashes tend to disappear. It is important to try to stay on the path as the terrain ‘off piste’ can be very rough and difficult. In snow or bad visibility you will need to use map and compass (and maybe GPS if that's what you're used to).
Swiss signposts are always very precise
The Italian maps often number footpaths, and whilst these may correspond to numbers painted on the trail signs, do not bank on it. It's far better to use the map to see which direction a path should take rather than trying to blindly follow unreliable numbers on the ground.
Lifts and Buses
There are several possibilities for using a variety of lifts during the Tour of the Matterhorn. These can be very useful for several reasons:
If you are pressed for time using a lift could cut off several hours of walking and enable you to cover more ground that day.
If knees are hurting, taking a lift down could make all the difference to the rest of the trip.
Lifts are inevitably in ski areas, some of which look a lot better in winter when covered in snow. It's a bit like removing clothes from a body that is best left dressed – inadvisable to say the least! So to avoid walking up bulldozed pistes it may be a good idea to take the lift – the ascent from Plan Maison to the Theodulpass springs to mind.
However, it is important to bear in mind that the lifts have a very limited open season in the summer. Typically this may be from the first week of July to the first week of September, so if these are an integral part of your trek planning you need to be absolutely sure they will be running. If they are just an option this is less crucial. Nevertheless, do bear in mind that once you've decided to take a lift, finding it closed can be a very traumatic experience! It's worth knowing that some lifts have a timetable in the summer (rather than running continuously), and they tend to close for lunch.
Buses are a useful means of escape if you have to abandon the trek for some reason, or if you only plan to do part of it. Most of the bus services mentioned here are year-round regular services, but the frequency can change radically outside the high summer season. Tourist offices will have details.
This flat rock below Forcletta provides a pleasant resting place (Stage 3 variant)
Emergencies and Rescue
Rescue telephone numbers: Europe 112; Switzerland 144; Italy 118
Whilst trekking should not be a high-risk activity there are increasing numbers of accidents, even on non-glaciated terrain. This is partly because more and more people walk in the Alps, but it is also a factor of the adventurous terrain that is being accessed by footpaths. Glaciated terrain brings its own objective hazards, but these are minimal on the gentle slopes encountered on the Tour of the Matterhorn. Nevertheless, for all Alpine walking you need to consider emergencies that could arise. If you are well equipped and prepared you will hopefully avoid, or at least know how to deal with, most situations.
Note There are no pharmacy facilities between Zermatt and Cervinia (at least seven days' walking).
First aid
All walkers should carry a basic first aid kit in their rucksacks. However, although the trek described here is multi-day, there are opportunities to get medical supplies if needed or to abandon the route for a few days. In addition there are good and reliable rescue services in the Swiss and Italian regions covered, so the first aid kit can be kept to the essentials:
plasters
painkillers
aspirin
treatment for diarrhoea
antiseptic cream
crêpe bandage
fly repellent
antihistamine cream
scissors
tweezers
antiseptic wipes
wound dressing
blister kit
latex gloves
triangular bandage (or use a scarf or bandana)
bivvy bag or space blanket (shiny foil)
This kit allows treatment of most emergencies that could be encountered during this walk. Resourcefulness is most useful: for example, a trekking pole can be used to splint an injured arm or leg. However, if a problem becomes serious then you should be prepared to leave the trek. It is not recommended to continue if, for example, you have an upset stomach which prevents you eating properly or risks leading to dehydration, or some form of infection, such as a blister that has become ulcerated. Continuing to hike day after day with an ongoing condition could cause long-term damage.
Potential problems on the hill
As well as carrying the gear it's also crucial to know what to do in the event of incidents that can happen during mountain walks:
Heart attack Everyone should have basic first aid knowledge. Treatment of a heart attack victim
