LOWA Matterhorn Adventure

Two scholarship recipients. An iconic peak. An experience that goes far beyond the mountain. 

As part of the Summit Scholarship Foundation, the LOWA Matterhorn Adventure 2026 brought together women from diverse backgrounds. The goal: the Matterhorn. But it was about much more than just reaching the summit. It was about learning new things, building self-confidence, taking on challenges, and growing as a team. 

The documentary “Where She Belongs” follows the women on their remarkable adventure. 

Rising 4,478 m between Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn stands majestic and solitary, unmistakably shaping the Alpine landscape.

But it is more than a world‑famous photo motif: it is a mountain where courage, technique and mental strength must all come together. The best-known route, the Hörnligrat, is considered the classic normal route for experienced and well-trained alpinists.

The ascent via the Hörnligrat is demanding and requires respect: over roughly 1,200 vertical metres, steep rock steps, exposed ridges and firn-covered sections alternate. Navigation skills, endurance, precise climbing technique and realistic self‑assessment are crucial - especially as weather changes can occur quickly and unexpectedly on this free‑standing summit.

And the challenge does not end at the top: the long descent requires full concentration and sufficient reserves.

Motivated female mountaineers will continue to have the opportunity to pursue their alpine paths with professional support in 2027 and beyond. Follow the updates here to stay informed about future scholarships, application periods and new formats.

“This opportunity would be life changing for me and also for my girls to see their mom following her dreams, challengingherself, and working towards something she truly loves. While this is a deeply personal goal, the courage and drive to fully go for it comes from my daughters. Expeditions like this are something I will always be chasing, but at the moment, I am a stay-at-home mom (..). The finances are a huge obstacle currently. Matterhorn is special to me because it is me proving to myself (and others) that becoming a mother doesn’t mean that you need to give up on your dreams.”

“I want to join this Matterhorn guided climb as part of an all-women team because, despite spending much of my life in the mountains, I have rarely experienced alpine spaces intentionally centered around women. Most of my alpine climbing I have done with my sister, but otherwise I have only climbed in mixed-gender groups, which were largely male-dominated. These experiences shaped me as a climber but also highlighted how confidence, leadership, and group dynamics are strongly influenced by gendered expectations.”

1) Women, lesbians, intersex, non‑binary, transgender, and agender people.
The asterisk serves as a placeholder for all individuals who do not identify with any of the aforementioned groups but are nevertheless marginalized due to their gender identity.

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