ZERMATT - SWITZERLAND June 20 - June 28, 2009 $1590 Dick Ernenwein, Trip Leader The mountain village of “Zur Matte”, on the morning pasture, is nestled in a green valley at a 5,315 ft. elevation, enclosed between steeply screed  mountains and dominated by the mountain of mountains, the huge and gracefully curved pyramid of the Matterhorn. This village without a single auto is located in the Valaison region of Southern Switzerland near the Italian border. Zermatt was a magnet for resolute mountaineers in the golden age of Alpinism. Basically, Zermatt still retains this character today. Above Zermatt rises the Matterhorn at 14,692 ft., the sphinx of the Alps. In addition to the Matterhorn are over sixteen other 4000 meter peaks including the famous Monte Rosa, the Dom, and the Zinalrothorn. Zermatt is characterized by dry, pure air with very long periods of constant fine weather with little rain or fog. It has 388 km of hiking paths, 8 summer mountain lifts, 6 mountain lakes, and about 30 mountain restaurants and /or huts. Our Swiss adventure will be based at the Hotel Butterfly. Lodging in a double room (or single room – extra). All rooms have a large balcony and are equipped with cable TV, direct dial phone, hair dryer, safe, coffee & tea making facility. There is free use of the hotel’s small wellness area with Finnish & infrared sauna and steam bath. There is an extra charge for use of the sun bed or for a massage. The level of daily hiking will be moderate to strenuous with easy choices along the way for those who wish to use additional mountain lifts beyond the scheduled itinerary. Each day we will hike 4-8 hours using the mountain lifts when we wish and taking advantage of the wonderful mountain restaurants along the hiking trails.  One of the highlights of the trip will be the hike up to the Matterhorn Hornlihut at 10,696 ft. on the east ridge of the Matterhorn which will be guaranteed to hold your attention! It is from this point that the final 4 to 6 hour technical ascent for the summit is begun by climbers. I will lead a scheduled hike on 6 days with one day off. On the day off, I will lead an additional hike for any coalition of the willing, but will also arrange an excursion to Saas-Fee for those who may want a break from Zermatt Cost Includes: 8 daily buffet breakfasts, 8 daily four course dinners, Swiss Card (2nd Class) which includes round trip from any point in Switzerland and unlimited purchase of train, postal bus, and lake steamer tickets at half price as well as 50% reduction on most mountain lifts, all taxes and service charge. Not included: Airfare, All lunches, drinks, and beverages at dinner, Mountain transportation (50% reduction is included with the Swiss Travel Card) All items of a personal nature Travel insurance Click HERE for a detailed daily itinerary. For more information including a detailed itinerary, contact Dick Ernenwein, 845-565-3866, 4 Commonwealth Ave, Newburgh, NY 12550. e-mail:  rernenwein@msn.com PRICING: THIS TRIP IS SUBJECT TO AN INCREASE IN COST AT ANY TIME UNTIL THE TRIP'S DEPARTURE DATE. BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP AND THE PRICE FOR THIS TRIP WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH OF 2008, IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR A SURCHARGE IF THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR CONTINUES ITS STEADY 3 YEAR DECLINE AGAINST THE EURO. Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control. All registration fees are non-refundable. Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information. MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION  MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION