Italy is joining France in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first ascent of Matterhorn with a series of festive events between 10 July and 19 July in Cervinia, Valtournenche and Valle d’Aosta.

“It is a big and joyous celebration of an important anniversary for climbers and mountaineers,” said Lucia Foppoli of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and a supporting partner for the event.

The celebrations in Italy and France mark the first ascent of the Matterhorn, first on 14 July 2015, 1865 on the Swiss side of the mountain by a team led by France’s Michel Croz and Englishman Edward Whymper. A few days later, 17 July, alpine guide Jean-Antoine Carrel ‘abbot Gorret climbed the peak via the Italian side, along the Cresta del Leone.

The ascents in 1865 mark the zenith of era known today as the “Golden Age of Alpinism.” It was the year, which ended a glorious decade of climbing with 65 first ascents of peaks stretching from Mont Blanc to the Dolomites.

Matterhorn, Italy

The 10-day festival on the Italian side includes mountaineering and outdoor activities, hiking as well as music, dance, cinema and theatre.

The Matterhorn will remain lit throughout the night during the festival.

The Chamonix Valley in France is also marking the occasion with a summer of tribute events that begins on 10 July called “1865 and the Golden Age of Mountaineering.”