Kleine Matterhorn is without a doubt one of the highest destinations in Switzerland that you can easily, and quickly get to. It sits at a lofty height of 3,883 m above sea level and is lower in oxygen than down in the Zermatt Valley.
I remember the first time I took the gondola to the top of the Kleine Matterhorn and had to walk up some stairs carrying my skis. I was out of breath in seconds! And back in those days, I was only 26 years old :>
So, it makes sense to be a little concerned about altitude when you are heading somewhere as high as the Kleine Matterhorn. Especially since altitude sickness can kick in as low as 2400m, which is 2/3 of the way up to the top!
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What Influences Altitude Sickness
Some people can experience a range of different symptoms from altitude sickness. It depends on
- what height you are at
- how quickly you got there
- how long you stay there for
- whether you acclimatized at other altitudes beforehand
And certainly, even fit people are not immune from having issues. Well-trained mountaineers have been known to have issues in the Himalayas, although bear in mind that is 7000-8000m!
What Are Some Of The Symptoms
Some of the things to watch out for when you are concerned about altitude sickness include
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- Headache: This is often the first symptom.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Loss of appetite.
From my limited experience, I can tell you that shortness of breath is the most common symptom, and the more serious symptoms don’t happen until you hit higher altitudes or stay there for longer.
However, having said that, I once hiked up to 4500m and was nauseous as hell, so once I managed to stop and assess my situation, I quickly returned down to 3000m and soon recovered.
How To Prepare For The Jungfraujoch’s Altitude
There are no easy fixes for altitude sickness, but you can be smart about it and prepare a little ahead if possible.
Here are some suggestions if you’re planning a visit:
- Acclimatization: Try to spend a few days at a moderate altitude before going to Kleine Matterhorn. This lets your body adjust to the decrease in oxygen. For example, go to a lower altitude say around 2000-2500m first, then perhaps head to the Gornergrat (3,089 m) a day or two later. This is already potentially somewhere you will feel the lack or oxygen.
- Stay Hydrated: Always try to drink plenty of water before and during your visit.
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can intensify the effects of altitude sickness, so don’t overindulge the night before.
- Limit Physical Activity: Don’t exert yourself at first, until you can assess how you feel.
- Listen to Your Body: If you start feeling any symptoms, it’s essential to take them seriously. If symptoms are mild, it may help to rest and drink water. However, if symptoms become severe or don’t improve with rest, it’s crucial to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. Altitude sickness can be serious, so don’t take it too lightly.
- Medication: Some people take medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox) to help prevent altitude sickness. Consult with a doctor before your trip if you think you might need medication as you won’t be able to just grab them at the pharmacy in Grindelwald.
I have also read that there is oxygen available on the Kleine Matterhorn and that the staff are trained on how to administer it. I was not able to confirm this, so if you think you need it, ask the restaurant or gondola staff about the option.
Otherwise, if you are that short of breath, head back down on the next gondola. Losing altitude fast is the best solution for altitude sickness hands down.
