2022---zurbriggen-and-julen-and-the-descent-on-the-matterhorn May 2026

By retracing the steps of Zurbriggen and the early Julens, modern climbers acknowledge that the descent is where legends are truly tested—referencing the tragic fall during Whymper's original 1865 descent. 5. Conclusion

This paper examines the 2022 retrospective of Matthias Zurbriggen and the Julen dynasty, specifically focusing on their contributions to the evolution of the "Descent on the Matterhorn." By analyzing the transition from the "Golden Age" of alpinism to modern technical descents, we explore how these figures transformed the Matterhorn from an unconquerable spire into a crucible for professional guiding and speed records. 1. Introduction: The Pioneers of the Valais By retracing the steps of Zurbriggen and the

In 2022, "The Descent on the Matterhorn" emerged as a theme for various media projects. This narrative choice subverts the traditional "conquest" trope of the ascent. The Julens were instrumental in the maintenance of

The Julens were instrumental in the maintenance of fixed ropes and the construction of high-altitude shelters (huts), which revolutionized how climbers descended the mountain during sudden Alpine storms. The Vertical Legacy: Zurbriggen

The Julen name is synonymous with Zermatt. For generations, members of the Julen family served as the primary protectors of the Matterhorn routes.

The Vertical Legacy: Zurbriggen, Julen, and the 2022 Re-evaluation of the Matterhorn Descent