The Matterhorn with Zermatt in foreground. Photo by John Wutzer
It all began back in 2006 when a couple climbing friends and I
decided to attempt to climb the Matterhorn. We reserved a guide
but a trail climb to test our Alpine skills was first in order.
We were led on a 6 hour exhausting half traverse of the
Breithorn that challenged us beyond our imagination. We
completed the journey but lacking top fitness and more, it left
us physically drained, mentally down and beaten by the mountain.
It was determined that we were under-skilled in a variety of
mountaineering and climbing aspects thereby deemed unsuited for
the Matterhorn. I have embraced the notion that rejection is one
of the most inspiring sources of motivation. Later that same
trip, I purchased a large poster of Zermatt with the Matterhorn
ever so stately in the background. This poster would be framed
upon my return, hung in my living room and unknowingly stand as
a constant reminder that the mountain would await me, sealing
the fate of my eventual