Ninety seconds on the Matterhorn
Before nine on a still summer morning, you can see the Matterhorn's Italian face twice: on the skyline above the resort street, and upside down in Lago Blu, a short walk from town.
Plan Maison, the first lift station above the resort, is where most summer walks begin. From there a medium-easy trail leads up to the Oriondé hut, right under the south face, which serves lunch.
The cable car carries on by way of Laghi Cime Bianche to Plateau Rosa, on the glacier at the foot of the peak. A yellow line on the ground there marks the Swiss border. Take a warm layer, even in July.
The summit itself is a guided climb, not a walk. The local guides lead the Lion Ridge from July to September, conditions permitting, with a night at the Carrel hut, and they ask for excellent fitness and experience on mixed alpine ground.
Lago Blu is a 30-minute walk below the resort. Go early, before the wind breaks the reflection.
Breuil-Cervinia, and further afield
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