Spaghetti round for the Matterhorn

Valais

Spaghetti Round: Climbing skills up to UIAA 3+ are required to climb the Matterhorn. Another requirement is the safe use of crampons and ice axe. Good acclimatization and very good fitness are basic requirements. High-alpine mountain and climbing tours such as the Zinalrothorn, Breithorn crossing, climbing on the Riffelhorn or the famous complete Spaghetti Round are recommended as preparation.

Crack the Code: Understanding UIAA Grades for Spaghetti Round Success

UIAA is short, for the “Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme,” which serves as the governing body for mountain sports. The UIAA ratings are utilized to evaluate the level of challenge posed by a climbing route or, via ferrata.

A UIAA 3+ climbing route typically follows a path. It does involve some straightforward climbing sections. Climbers must possess the ability to navigate securely on the rope and employ climbing skills to conquer a UIAA 3+ route successfully.

Monte Rosa

Monte Rosa

Spaghetti round as preparation for Matterhorn ascent

The Spaghetti Round is an alpine climbing route that serves as a warm up, for those planning to tackle the Matterhorn. It winds through the Valais mountain range in Switzerland boasting a lineup of 18 peaks over four thousand meters with the being Dufourspitze at 4,634 meters. Towering 156 meters above the iconic Matterhorn at 4,478 meters. The traditional route commences at Zermatts Monte Rosa hut traverses along the Italy Switzerland border. Concludes at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station.

Over time the Spaghetti Round earned its moniker from its proximity to the side of Mt. Rosa massif despite both its start and end points residing in Switzerlands Valais canton. Climbers often spend nights at huts during their journey where they are typically treated to pasta or minestrone as an appetizer. This naming tradition of “Spaghetti Round” is rooted in this custom.

Renowned for its difficulty level the Spaghetti Round demands climbing abilities along, with top notch fitness and alpine experience. The route encompasses challenging climbing sections rated up to UIAA grades 5c and 6a as glacier crossings and rappelling segments.

The Spaghetti Round is a popular practice tour for mountaineers who want to climb the Matterhorn, as it offers a good opportunity to get used to the alpine terrain and the technical demands of such an expedition.

Video high tour in Valais: spaghetti round

The Spaghetti Round as preparation for the Matterhorn is a challenging high-altitude traverse in Valais.

Hochtour im Wallis: Spaghetti-Runde

The video is embedded by YouTube and only loads when you click on the play button. Learn more: Privacy policy

Video spaghetti round – a superlative high tour

5 Tage und acht 4.000er – Durchquerung des Monte Rosa.

Spaghetti Runde - Hochtour der Superlative - 5 Tage und acht 4.000er - Durchquerung des Monte Rosa

The video is embedded by YouTube and only loads when you click on the play button. Learn more: Privacy policy