Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is an iconic mountain located along the border of Switzerland and Italy, known for its distinctive pyramid shape and challenging climbing conditions. Standing at approximately 15,000 feet, it attracts thousands of climbers each year, many of whom rely on local guides to navigate its steep and treacherous routes. The first successful ascent occurred on July 14, 1865, but the descent was tragic, resulting in five climbers' deaths, a stark reminder of the mountain's inherent dangers. Despite its allure, the Matterhorn poses significant risks, with an estimated 500 climbers having lost their lives during attempts to reach its summit.
Zermatt, a charming resort village at the foot of the mountain, serves as a popular base for climbers, offering accommodations and amenities. However, the Matterhorn faces threats from climate change, as rising temperatures lead to the melting of glaciers and permafrost, resulting in increased erosion and rockfalls. This environmental change has raised concerns about the long-term stability of the mountain and its accessibility for future climbers. The unique natural beauty and cultural significance of the Matterhorn continue to inspire awe, making it a key destination in the Alps.
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Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is a famous mountain located in the Alps along the border of Switzerland and Italy. It is known for the dramatic shape of its peak, as well as for the difficulty inherent in reaching the summit. Thousands of climbers flock to the Matterhorn annually, recruiting local guides and attempting to climb to the top of the mountain. However, the process is extremely dangerous and has resulted in hundreds of deaths.
Hikers use several paths to attempt to climb the Matterhorn but even the easiest path is a difficult climb. The steeper routes require extensive skills. For this reason, climbers are expected to have prior alpine climbing experience before attempting to climb the Matterhorn.
Zermatt, a popular village, is located at the foot of the Matterhorn. Numerous hotels and restaurants are in the village. Climbers commonly stay in Zermatt before and after attempting to ascend the mountain.
The Matterhorn is at risk of damage from global climate change. Increasing global temperatures have caused the permafrost at the top of the mountain to melt. Experts estimated that between 2015 and 2022, 15 percent of the permafrost melted. Melting ice caused water to sink into the crevices along the mountain, eroding them.
Background
The Alps are a famous mountain range in Europe that stretches more than 750 miles across Germany, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Austria, France, Slovenia, Italy, and Switzerland. The mountains in the Alps were formed from a collision between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. As the plates pressed against one another, they began to fold, creating heat and pressure. This led to the creation of jagged mountain peaks. During the ice age, glaciers slid through the region, creating valleys, rivers, and lakes.
The Alps are the most settled mountain range in Europe. They occupy roughly 80,000 square miles of territory, on which roughly 20 million people live. The Alps have some of the greatest biodiversity in Europe. Many of their forested regions remain untouched by people and industry, allowing natural life to thrive. However, numerous ski resorts and tourist destinations are also in the Alps. Increased travel to the Alps for tourism is commonly considered a threat to the region’s biodiversity.
The lower elevations of the Alps have a temperate climate. Forests, wildlife, and towns are in these areas. As the elevation increases, the temperature of the Alps decreases. The climate on the many mountains within the Alps is often dangerously cold and sometimes compared to polar regions.
The main chain of the Alps runs westward from Colle di Calibona to Col de Tende. It then heads north toward the border of Switzerland and ends near Vienne. However, several other chains of mountains exist within the Alps. These include the Eastern Graians, the Western Graians, the Albula group, the Amadello range, the Dolomites, and the Bernese Alps. Additionally, the entire range is sometimes divided into the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps.
Overview
The Matterhorn is one of the most famous mountains in the Alps. Its name means “peak in the meadows” in German. The Matterhorn is located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its peak is roughly 15,000 feet tall and extremely steep. Though smaller than several other famous mountains, including Mount Everest, the dramatic steepness of the Matterhorn’s peak made it famous worldwide.
Climbers flock from all over the world to attempt to climb to the top of the Matterhorn. The first successful group of climbers to ascend to its peak did so on July 14, 1865. However, the descent proved far more dangerous than they expected. Five of the seven climbers fell to their deaths on their way back down the mountain. Since then, many other climbers have attempted to ascend to the peak. Roughly three thousand people climb the mountain each summer. More than five hundred climbers have died while attempting to do this. Their deaths are commemorated by a large metal cross at the mountain’s summit.
The Matterhorn’s summit has four faces that align with the four cardinal directions. Most climbers ascend through a predetermined route with the assistance of local guides. They climb along the Northeast ridge, beginning at Hornli Hut, which is a staffed hut 10,700 feet above sea level. This route takes eleven hours to ascend and return and involves more than 4,000 feet of climbing. Some climbers seek an even more difficult climb. They tend to ascend the mountain’s north face or southwest ridge. Regardless of the route they choose, climbers are warned that the process is extremely dangerous and are usually required to have prior alpine climbing experience.
Zermatt, a popular resort village, is located at the foot of the Matterhorn. Numerous spas, restaurants, and hotels can be found there. Zermatt is a popular place for climbers to stay before and after attempting to climb the Matterhorn.
Though the Matterhorn has existed at least since humans have inhabited the area, environmental scientists have warned that its peak is in severe danger. Climate change is significantly altering environments throughout the Alps, including the Matterhorn. The glaciers that traditionally surround the famous mountain are rapidly melting. Additionally, the permafrost that covers the peak of the mountain is melting. This has caused water to enter the cracks and crevices along the mountain, which results in rapid erosion. Experts predicted that over time, this process would cause the disintegration of the mountain, increasing the number of rockfalls encountered by climbers as they attempt to reach the summit. Over time, scientists believed that climate change would destroy the Matterhorn’s peak and possibly make the mountain too unstable to safely climb.
Bibliography
“Matterhorn Mountain,” Beautiful World, 2019, www.beautifulworld.com/europe/switzerland/matterhorn/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
Potter, Steven. "Three Climbers Died on the Matterhorn Last Week." Climbing, 29 Aug. 2024, www.climbing.com/news/three-dead-matterhorn/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
“Seven Surprising Facts About the Matterhorn,” Smithsonian, 2016, www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/seven-surprising-facts-about-matterhorn-180958192/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
“The Alps,” Collet’s Mountain Holidays, www.colletts.co.uk/blog/blog/alps-history-climate/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
“Tragedy and Triumph on the Matterhorn,” Financial Times, 2015, www.ft.com/content/8c7802de-b5d3-11e4-a577-00144feab7de. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
“Will Climate Change Close the Matterhorn?” Outside, 2019, https://www.outsideonline.com/2400768/climate-change-matterhorn-climbing-dangerous. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.