"The ascent of Swiss 4000m peaks is one of the classic challenges of alpine mountaineering. On this guided climbing week, flexibility is the key - as we climb different objectives each year, allowing people to build up their tally of 4000ers."
6 days
Intermediate
3:1
Dates:
01 - 06 Jul
15 - 20 Jul
29Jul- 3Aug
Price:
£895
Fitness:
2-3
Experience: You need to be competent in the use of ice axe and crampons. Scottish winter climbing or an Alpine Intro course are suitable preparation.
Included:Guiding Fees and Expenses.
Other Costs:Accommodation, food, travel and uplift ~ £500
A varied week of 4000m peak climbing in the Swiss Alps, based in Saas and Zermatt. Routes are selected to allow access to 4000m summits without undue technical difficulty.
Please tell us of any 4000m peaks you have already climbed, so we can plan accordingly. Typically grades are in the range F to PD+ depending on the mountain.
We start and finish the week in Saas Grund, visiting the Saas and Zermatt valleys to climb during the week.
Sample Itinerary
Subject to weather and conditions, we follow the general format below:
Day 0 - Sat
PM, meet in Saas Grund - discuss plans, sort equipment and overnight in valley.
Day 1 - Sun
Acclimatisation Climb. Recap of existing skills and ascent of an acclimatisation peak.
Days 2 - 6 Mon - Fri
Climbing Days. Ascents of classic 4000m peaks in the Swiss Alps:
Possible summits may include: Weissmies, Lagginhorn, Alphubel, Nadelhorn, Dom, Allalinhorn, Stralhorn, Breithorn, Castor, Pollux, Bishorn - choice of peaks to be determined by current climbing conditions and what you have climbed before!
Don't forget to tell us of any 4000m peaks you have already climbed when booking, so we can plan accordingly.
We run all of our courses on a guiding & instruction only basis. Food and accommodation must be paid for seperately. Details of our recommended accommodation in Saas Grund are provided with your joining instructions. The guide will book accommodation for the week, which you pay for direct as we go along.
Travel
Chamonix is easily reached by flights to Geneva and an airport transfer, both of which are bookable online.
Ability and Experience
You need to be competent in the use of ice axe and crampons. Scottish winter climbing or an Alpine Intro course are suitable preparation. A good level of general fitness is required to enjoy the week, as summit days involve 5-9 hours climbing at altitude (see fitness level 2-3) so we advise you to prepare well in advance with days out in the UK hills, or other regular exercise.
Acclimatisation
Due to the altitude of our objectives, pre acclimatisation for this course is helpful (either on a preparation course the week before, or by arriving a couple of days in advance).
Equipment
We will supply you with a full kit list. All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. You are expected to come equiped with personal clothing and climbing equipment. For the more technical items (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, boots etc) local equipment hire is also available.
