Just Glad to Be Alive: Zermatt's Oberrothorn Traverse 

Hi guys, we've seen a few comments suggesting that we were clueless and unprepared in terms of researching this hike, and we want to be very clear: we ALWAYS research every route we do thoroughly. However, as we said in the video, there was virtually no beta on this traverse. The one guy who did it brought no rope or extra gear, and he didn't mention needing any. That was the only beta we had to go on. As you saw in the video, once we were on the traverse ourselves we reached a point where we decided we would need harnesses and rope to continue safely. That is where and why we turned around. We talked about it very clearly and specifically in the video because that is how we build beta as a community. Now others who contemplate this traverse will know that one guy did it without any gear, but that two other people felt that they would need ropes and harnesses in order to continue past the second peak. That is not "stupid" or "irresponsible" -- it is good community practice. We went as far as we were safely able to go given our ability levels, and then turned around when we felt it wouldn't be safe to continue. We then shared that experience so that others could factor it into making their own decisions, rather than just reading the one report by a guy who did the whole thing with no gear. So please, consider that before posting cruel words and unfounded insults.

The most important skill of the mountaineer: knowing when to turn around. Well executed! Awesome views!

As a swiss mountaineer, please for your own safety- don't do stuff like this alone. Glad you turned around, that could've turned ugly real quick. In this kind of terrain, you need ropes and gear (including clothing(!)), knowledge and experience beforehand. A huge percentage of those killed in the swiss mountains are inadequately equipped foreigners with little or no mountain experience. So please, next time you want to do something like this, hire a mountain guide and get the right gear. Stay safe

The level of composure demonstrated here will leave the 99% of people who have no idea how intense this must have been, utterly in the dark. Respect.

I am so glad you turned back. You both have the wisdom born of experience! Still, thank you for the majestic vistas of this perfect day. All these recent alpine adventures have been so fun to watch. Love you both!

As a fellow adventurer, I can say this from personal experience - there is a fine line between daring adventure and foolishness. Glad you made the call to turn back.

Awesome, spectacular hike and half the traverse. But the biggest congratulation is in finding your limit and turning around when you reached it. I was almost at that level myself and can completely appreciate the struggle.

To be honest, when I started watching the video I was a bit skeptical of this couple hiking in the Alps in gym clothing, but after watching I have to say you guys are not only lovely people, but also experienced enough to stop at the right time, and your conversations during the climb were really supportive, calm and light-hearted, and that's what most people need during stressful moments. Overall the video is a great lesson for people who are getting into hiking on more technical terrain: you didn't back off from a challenge but you also didn't die.

This is how people die in the mountains. You'll never know when a rock will break or slide. Next time protect yourselves with adequate technique and material. This is bad example.

Gotta say that halfway through that, and with any weather changes, it would not matter how skilled you are. Forward or back, you'd be hosed. One of the things I learned on Outward Bound in Colorado at 16 hiking and climbing in the Collegiate Range for a month, is that weather changes could mean death. Happened twice. Once with hypothermia that happened within 15 minutes after a severe weather change, and once where 5 people had to jump off a mountain peak when they were suddenly trapped in a cloud with ground currents popping rocks. The jumped down a 100' scree patch and lived. Also on the trip, a random rock the size of a door also almost took out 2 rope teams of five on Ice Mountain as it bounced off the walls of the crack we were in. I was the last guy on the second rope team and it came down and hit 3 feet in front of us as we all huddled together to reduce risk of one guy getting hit and taking all of us with him. Weather and lose rock, even with gear which we had, can suddenly take a turn for the worse. This is the first video I've seen from you two. All it did was bring back those learning curves for me. You guys are super entertaining and I'm looking for filmmakers for a new movie network. Maybe the less heart attack creating stories might be a more sustainable and survivable approach. That said great film. Ambulance should arrive shortly with the shocker paddle things. Chris

As a 60 year old with very bad spinal arthritis, I can barely walk 10 steps without difficulty. I WISH I HAD TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF MY MOBILITY WHEN YOUNGER. So, whilst not suggesting that you go to this extreme, definitely make use of your abilities while you have them and go walking, hiking or whatever. Unfortunately you never know what is around the corner. This was crazy, for sure - but VERY impressive!! Well done guys.

Thanks for sharing! We used to do this traverse during winter time with our skis on our shoulders and our ski boots on to get from the Sunnegga area to Rothorn and finally to Klein Matterhorn, thus connecting the 3 ski areas of Zermatt. A spectacular traverse! It's maybe even a bit easier during winter time with the snow, gives you more grip. It's nevertheless incredibly steep with no securities...! You definetely need to be swindle free and in good physical shape to do this. And kudos to you for your good assessment, most ot the mountain accidents happen due to human failure/overestimation/bad assessment and decision making.

Thank you for sharing your adventures and advice and ignore those who don’t know what they are talking about. You all are experienced climbers and adventure comes with risks!! Driving a car, hiking, kayaking, racing, horseback riding. My husband was thrown from a mule in the Grand Canyon in 2018 and had 5 compression fractures in his back. He is fine but crap happens. Keep on doing your thing!!

One more detail to keep in mind: in Switzerland, if they have to come and rescue you, you pay the helicopter. Nothing is cheap in Switzerland and certainly not the helicopter.

I think the runner Paula Radcliffe said it better than me: "When I stopped (in the 2004 Olympic marathon), my mum told me she was GLAD... that I was able to override that instinct of just 'push,push, no matter what'". Really happy you experienced those insane views and also that you didn't take things too far on the traverse. Needless to say, I was a jelly just watching it - let alone how it must have felt doing it. With the sheer drops and the wind blowing also. Very easy to get to the point of no return! Thanks again for taking us there :)

Recently, we went hiking in the Canadian Rockies around the Lake Louise basin. We encountered several German couples along the way, and I remember asking them “why travel such a long distance to come here when you have the similar looking Alps in your own ‘backyard?’” They all responded that they were more impressed with the Rockies, as they were “less tame” than the Alps. By “less tame” I gathered that they were referring to the Rockies’ wildlife, i.e., grizzlies, elk, etc. One of them even suggested that the Rockies were more impressive looking. But, upon seeing the spectacular footage you captured, I’m amazed that they felt this way. Granted, there may not be grizzlies over there, but the the beauty and scale of that backdrop is jaw-dropping beautiful. Now I want to make the long haul in the opposite direction to see this beauty for myself!

What you two share, and what you share together, is just purely beautiful...thank you for sharing

Amazing videography under these stressful circumstances. It was definitely a wise decision to call it a day and return. Luckily the weather was perfect, imagine doing that traverse during strong winds on slippery rocks. Thank you for taking us with you!

This is the most impressed I have ever been with the two of you. You new your limits and turned around.

Oh my God, you guys scared the heck out of me. What a great video and a great couple you guys are.

SPECTACULAR, STUNNING LANDSCAPE AND PLACES ONLY WITHIN REACH OF A FEW PEOPLE! There is a motto in my work that says "you are the main person responsible for your safety" and the decisions are up to us. Thank you for showing us these fantastic views and above all for showing great responsibility in what you do. Well done.

Part of the 'new reality' in the mountains. Complete lack of equipment, underestimated routes and plenty of instagramable scenery. Those who will minimize everything, except the scenery, will win. The one who will do this route next time in a bathing costume will probably get more likes. Do not underestimate the mountains. Stay safe.

looked like she had a clear look at the traverse and seemed to grasp immediately that it was a possible no go.

You guys made the decision to turn around waaaay later than I would have. The first signs of one step being fatal to me should be the trigger to turn around. You only live once and that's a reason to go out and do stuff but at the same time to stop when you need to. Glad you made it back in one piece.

The ability to turn back is well appreciated. anyone that treks and likes to take himself to the limit knows that is easier said than done. I really liked your decision making and the fact you were willing to share. Thanks!

what an ending enjoying that delicious Pita 😋

The landscape is gorgeous. I remember seeing all of that back in the early 80's when I was stationed in Germany.

You two are the best. 🏅🏅 You provide so much inspiration to all of us. And we have to remember being some of the best in any skill can be a magnet... for the estimated 6% of the world's people who have a narcissistic outlook. They get fixated on diminishing other's excellence. I did see one time a t-shirt that an elite athlete was wearing - "I'm running low on haters, need more" 😀

Looks like a perfect day!

Thank you for those amazing views of my grandfathers home country, that I am pretty sure, I will never see with my own eyes 🙃 This was really snack-spot-heaven! I am so glad that you never lose your senses for survival 🫣 And I wanted to let you guys know that I MADE UP TO HALF DOME last weeks Thursday! It was a great experience that I will never forget and I definitely want to repeat one day 🤩 It was so great having that feeling on the cables - somewhere between felling save and fearing for my life - I can understand much better now why you guys switched from trail running more to climbing some time ago - I guess this feeling is highly addictive 😜 Thanks again for all you inspiration - I love you guys! 😘

12:15 gave me the shivers just from the video. Spectacular video.

Omg, that was genuinely amazing!! You have a great ability to really pull the viewer into scenery and the atmosphere! Masterpiece!!!

Epic. This is a once in a lifetime deal. So cool.

I can understand the excited but queasy feeling. I was feeling it just watching you guys! I'm glad you had the wisdom to turn around when things got really gnarly. What an amazing view though!

That quite a treacherous hike but I feel like it hit a whole new level of danger at the 12:00 mark. Had I been there, I would have been very concerned about Elise's safety.

Epic video well done guys!! A stunning climb with amazing weather and views, a good climber always knows when to turn back and live. So many people die because they make the wrong decisions up there.

Knowing when to turn around is part of the skill! Well played!

Great Tour... my wife and I went to Oberrothorn in 2020. On the way down I saw this beautiful ridge towards Fluehorn and we decided to give it a try without any beta. We also ended up turning around, I think at that horrible slab. But until then we had a lot of fun!

Thanks for the trip. I feel like I've been there now.

It's crazy that anywhere on our planet has those spectacular views! Like, I'm over here in the states surrounded by one thing, but out there in the world are these amazing other things. Holy heck, guys!

Wow wow wow!!! This place has definitely been added to the bucket list…

A beautiful ridge is like a meditation. Looks nice and airy. Used to do a lot of this stuff. You are an impressive pair

What a great adventure. Had the pleasure of staying 4 days in Zermatt last year. What a delightful village! Like a sensation of " part- ski lodge,part- movie set, part- fairy tale".😅. Loved it

What does one do when they are up at 3 am to fly to Phoenix? Catch some Adam and Elise ! Home run , home run, home run! That is what this video is! Switzerland is my favorite spot on the earth (but Alaska is a very close second). I was stationed in Germany. I was deploying quite a bit; and we had a new born son. So, I would scarf up my 6 month old son and take him camping down by Grindewald, at the base of the Eiger Mtn. It was about a 4 hr drive from Stuttgart, where we lived. I even toted him down there so I could run the Jung Frau Marathon on the base of the Eiger. Good call to get off the hill. My buddy and I were south of Munich to lay a wreath ( it was done annually) to remember one of our unit members that skied off a cliff while doing winter training. I had never been….and it had been several years since my buddy had been there; so our navigation was not supreme. Anyways….our scale up, which was class 3, kind of became class 4……and the sun was going down. So….we eventually called it as it was just about dark….laid the wreath where we were…..and got out of there. I remember clinging to the side and envisioning that the options had departed. Superb snack spots, by the way!

You guys deserve 3.41M fans. All your trails are exceptional.👍

A wise sage once said, “danger attracts adventurers and those who take mid afternoon naps”. Such was the case when Elise took a much deserved break while Adam schemed of a way to return to his new favorite bistro for the, “Repeat-A-Pita” sandwich. Those with a fear of heights should think twice or three times about conquering this path. It’s breathtaking but deadly and lucky are the few, quite possibly only Adam & Elise, who are able to finish this daring course and live to tell their story. The trail has dramatic views at its disposal, but at its zenith is a series of steep, narrow, and very rocky ledges that put Adam & Elise on very high alert. The disquietude and anxiety is palpable as they grip razor thin & rocky ledges while their legs & feet must find just the right balance to survive the traverse. And once It was completed it was great to see them enjoying a glass of wine. However, note to Elise, sleep with one eye open lest Adam has other ideas for a “Three-Peat-A-Pita”sandwich.

More than anything else, I respect the head you have on your shoulders to make the decision to turn back. Too often hikers/climbers let ego get the better of them and that's when bad things happen...Still a phenomenal hike!! Glad you made it back safely!

My palms were so sweaty watching this!

Wow, this defines “over the top”. I sure glad you turned around as it look impossible from your camera. I most say you both are the most interesting outdoors adventure people on RU-vid. Keep having fun! Love your adventures! Dave

Y'all are nuts! I would've done that pre-head injuries, & loss of balance, but not more..

You two are amazing! Glad to see you made it out safe, that trek was not for the faint of heart!

That is looking incredible!

You guys are amazingly insane. I think I was holding my breath the entire video. Well done!

As a Swiss I tell you this is one of the best places of Switzerland. When I was younger I was skiing on this glacier (Theodul glacier) up to Klein Matterhorn (Little Matterhorn). We even went down to Italy (Cervinia). It's a super exiting area. Go there and have a look.

The backdrops in this video are unreal. I think I lost an entire hike's-worth of sweat through my palms watching. Amazing work both hiking and filming as always. Pretty sure I'll watch this several times. It's a re-pita! :)

That was nerve racking watching this video. Gorgeous views

Wow the traverse at the end was really thrilling 😮 You captured it very well!

Piece of cake to a mountain goat, Horse for courses as they say, spectacular to say the least! an upstairs window is probably my limit!

That was nuts! The scenery was spectacular my palms are still sweating after watching that video, glad you made is safely. Please tell Adam not to re-pita that pun ever again! Be safe.

Stunning work. You live to climb another day. That's perfect. You are writing the book. Switzerland is the home of the Gods.

I've was on Oberrothorn just a couple of weeks ago and have been to Zermatt many times but have never heard of anyone attempting a traverse from the summit of Oberrothorn. You were very wise to turn back. The drops from Oberrothorn are enormous and the rock looks crumbly and loose. Certainly what you were attempting was way, way beyond anything I would wish to try. But really fun to see Zermatt and Oberrothorn in a video and shame I didn't bump into you guys. There are many great hikes in Zermatt: for example to the Hornlihutte, the Hohbalmen, the hike to the Schoenbiel hut amd many others.

Absolutely gorgeous! 😀

Please get training on climbing. Drop the back pack. Learn to climb down backwards. Get some climbing clothing and gear.

So epic, just amazing

Fantastic filming, the danger and steepness really did come through big time. Thank you for demonstrating the exhilarating risk taking in such a spectacular setting, AND the ability to make good decisions to live for another snack!

Epic epic , epic views... wow !!!!!

You lucky guys really had great weather conditions. Thank you for the great shots! You turned around at the right moment. Always safety first. We also want to enjoy many more wonderful adventures with you.

Wow......Over the years, you guys have progressed to stuff that is so far beyond what I would consider. Some of this stuff makes me scared for you. That's just gnarly beyond belief. Still, what amazing views. Glad you made it off there safely.

Oh wow! Beautifully terrifying. I'm glad you're both safe.

Even the contrails are aligned 💞 perfectly! Love the Adam turtle move on slope. It was turtlely enough for me.

I'm glad you two called it.....yes, way too dicey. Way too much risk As experienced as you two are, safety is the most important thing. Stay alive for that next adventure around the corner.

It's beautiful!!! Look like a painting 💞

Holy cow!! Such an amazing landscape!! Your awesome technical skills combined with the experience to know when enough is enough is a great lesson for your viewers. These vlogs are top notch and provide not only entertainment but valuable hiking/climbing insights and beta. Looks like you are having the time of your life, and thank you once again for sharing with us!! ❤❤

This makes Angel's Landing look like an anthill.

Damn you guys! I find my heart racing, my spine tinging as I curl up my toes just watching this video. I have to force my self to not stop watching it to see if you succeed! That had to have been the best tasting glass of wine you ever had after that climb! 😘

Flip me,that's a crazy hike..sweating watching this while sitting in my chair in Northern Ireland

Wow, a route that was too scary even for you!! Spectacular effort though and those views! I haven't been to Zermatt in 30 years, this video makes me think I should return. Keep up the amazing and inspiring videos

Proud of you guys for knowing when enough is enough!

What a gnarly climb! Glad y’all are safe

Wow......this is SOOOOOOOO beautiful, it almost looks fake!

No ropes, no gear?

I just watched this in Zermatt - my hands and feet were sweating - that traverse is terrifying !!!!!!! stay SAFE and love you guys xoxxoo kate

Wow! Amazing climb...great-full you are well and turned back...absolutely gorgeous views, thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us. Much love to you both!!💙

Wow to the snacking spot!

The great Elise and Adam met their match on this mountain. I honestly did not think that was possible!

Love Switzerland. Thanks for the piggy back.

Elise and Adam, I just want to say Thank you so much for taking all of us with you!!! I will never nor do I want to do anything like this!!! But I enjoy your videos so very much!!! Absolutely Love you Both!!! ❤️

Truly amazing! Every time I think I’ve seen your scariest video, you top it.

The modern irresponsibility of these Egogrammers risking their lifes to film this. Centuries of experience in our mountains ditched for what? Clicks? Be sure, one of you falling to death would go viral. No helmets, no ropes, gym clothes. Bad example for others. Harsh words, and I am not sorry.

Wooo beautiful view and great adventure I love this. Going to Zermatt this December for ski. 🎉❤

1st video I've seen of you two. Not a huge hiker but kudos on you for reaching your limits while still keeping your whits and composure. Good life lesson

Great video! Glad you erred on the side of safety. "A mans got to know his limitations."

Her dress does not make a big difference to being naked.

Yer both beautiful. Awesomeness

Love seeing these videos. I especially like to see the normalization of reassessing risks as conditions change. Trusting those gut feelings have done me well, even if incomplete adventures tend to live on in my mind long after. It at least drives me to improve gear, training, etc, for next time. Awesome video!

I'm glad you turned around. There is a difference between thinking, "If I fell here...(but I won't)" and thinking, "I may fall here...(and probably will)." Have you ever read the book, "Freedom of the Hills"? Lots of good stuff in there. Decades ago the mountain rescue group I was in taught folks in a summer class how to tie in with a double bowline and use tie-able slings and oval carabiners to safely protect traverses of ridges and climbs of summit blocks for very little money. The gear could be divided up among a party of four and that way with a 25 meter rope you could safely climb 4th and low 5th class with lots of exposure. We even used to make a harness out of tie-able slings. With the light weight harnesses and pro of today much of this has become a lost art. But it was fun to see how much you could climb without a 70 meter rope, a harness, and a full rack of gear and still be safe. 😄

Whyis she going up the mountain in her Pyjamas?

About 8 minutes in my feet were sweating so much they were dripping.... beautiful but I'm glad you guys are doing that and not me, thanks for sharing.

I'm in the process of inventorying all human remains on a certain popular mountain, and I was very upset watching you two climbing this! Please, don't anyone try this!

Amazing adventure and footage, glad you guys are safe, especially for documenting under precarious conditions.