One of the most famous Mountain in the world. On the border Switzerland/Italy the Matterhorn dominates the area. The normal routes, Lion Ridge from the Italian side and Hörnli Ridge from Swiss attract a couple of hundred climbers per day during high season July/August. An ascent from the Italian side ends at the summit of Monte Cervino, 2 metres less than the summit of Matterhorn on the Swiss side, and after 30-40 metres on a crest the snowdressed Matterhorn is under your feet.
Visitors in general use two days for the ascent. The first afternoon with the long walk from Cervinia to the hut J-A Carrel at 3800 m. Then early next day start the harder part to ascend the summits of Monte Cervino and Matterhorn.
Usually it is surprisingly cold as you get closer to the top, winter gear is needed, crampons, axe and of course helmet; stonefall is an ever-present threat.
In the Topos you will find all necessary information for the ascent, with pictures, information and detailed maps.

Matterhorn main pagepictures from Matterhorn