Modern descendants of the Julen family continue to influence Zermatt’s guiding culture, blending traditional mountain craft with modern rescue technology. 4. The "Descent" as a Narrative Device
The Julen name is synonymous with Zermatt. For generations, members of the Julen family served as the primary protectors of the Matterhorn routes. Modern descendants of the Julen family continue to
The 2022 focus on Zurbriggen and Julen serves as more than just a historical tribute; it is a reminder of the enduring human connection to the Matterhorn. Their legacies demonstrate that the true art of the mountain lies not just in standing at the peak, but in the skill, poise, and safety of the return to the valley below. For generations, members of the Julen family served
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. In 2022, "The Descent on the Matterhorn" emerged
Zurbriggen was arguably the first "global" mountain guide. Though his roots were in the Saas Valley and Macugnaga, his influence on the Matterhorn was profound.
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.