Marking 150 years since the first female ascent of the Matterhorn

Olivia Jane will climb the Matterhorn exactly 150 years to the day

Marking 150 years since the first female ascent of the Matterhorn

Lucy Walker was 35 when she climbed the Matterhorn

Back in 1871, some 150 years ago, Lucy Walker became the first woman to reach the summit of the Matterhorn.

And this coming July 22nd – to the day – Olivia Jane Wood plans to pay homage to Lucy Walker with her own ascent of the Matterhorn.

Olivia Jane grew up in Zermatt, where her parents owned a photography shop and bred St. Bernard dogs to support the mountain rescue teams.

It’s been her long term goal to climb the Matterhorn and between now and July she will be sharing her preparations on Instagram.

“I hope I am able to motivate other women to pursue their goals when it comes to similar adventures”, says Olivia Jane.

Olivia Jane

Follow @olivia.jane.x on Instagram to see how she gets on

Meanwhile if you want to go to Switzerland and join in on some climbs, then the 100% Women Peak Challenge might be for you. It’s an initiative by Switzerland Tourism and partners (Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), Swiss Mountain Guide Association and Swiss outdoor brand Mammut). They hope to get women-only teams to ascend the 48 highest peaks in the Swiss Alps this summer. The challenge will run until 8 September 2021.

Follow @olivia.jane.x and the #lucywalker150 hashtag on Instagram for updates.

Her climb is in partnership with official timekeeper Elliot Brown Watches @ebwatches along with @zermatters@myswitzerland@zermatt.matterhorn and @mammut_swiss1862

Be sure to check out some of the summer hiking kit that Mammut has made this season as they have some really amazing items for both men and women.

Main photo courtesy of the Alpine Club.