"Zermatt is ringed by many of the most famous 4000m peaks in the Alps - the aim of this week is to climb some of the more sought after technical 4000ers in the Swiss Valais from our base in Zermatt, but also visiting neighbouring valleys nearby."
6 days
Advanced
2:1
Dates:
15 - 20 Jul 2012
29Jul - 3Aug 2012
12 - 17 Aug 2012
Price:
£1195
Fitness:
3-4
Experience: Rock and Ice climbing ability, plus previous alpine AD climbing experience required.
Included:Guiding Fees and Expenses.
Other Costs:Accommodation, food, travel and uplift ~ £500
A challenging week climbing technical 4000m peaks in the Swiss Valais, based in Zermatt. Peaks are selected to make best use of current weather and conditions.
Please tell us of any 4000m peaks you have already climbed, so we can plan accordingly. Typical grades are in the range PD+ to AD.
Course Base
We meet in Zermatt to start the week. Hut accommodation will be arranged by the guide to suit chosen climbing objectives.
Sample Itinerary
Subject to weather and conditions, we follow the general format below:
Day 0 - Sat
PM, meet in Zermatt - discuss plans, sort equipment and overnight in valley.
Days 1 - 6 Sun - Fri
Zermatt Technical 4000ers. A week of technical alpinism, tailored to your ability and ambitions.
Possible summits may include: Zinalrothorn, Nordend, Dufourspitze, Rimpfischorn, Dent Blanche, Dent D'Herens, Lenzspitze - 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.
There are various peaks in the Swiss Valais that we only guide at 1:1 - the main ones are:
Matterhorn
Liskamm
Ober Gabelhorn
Taschhorn
Weisshorn
If you have any of these objectives in mind, then you can either book a specific itinerary, or hire a private guide. Please contact us to discuss private guiding and 1:1 guiding peaks with you in more detail.
Food and Accommodation
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 Zermatt are provided with your joining instructions. The guide will book accommodation for the week, which you pay for direct as we go along.
Travel
Zermatt is easily reached by reliable Swiss public transport direct from Geneva or Zurich airports - check out the Swiss Federal Railways website for timetables and information. If you are arriving by train, then you may be able to save some money on this week by purchasing a swiss travel pass (various options are available - click on the English version of the website).
Ability and Experience
You need previous alpine climbing experience and must be capable of climbing grade IV rock (Hard Severe) in boots with a sac on, as well as Scottish III to succeed on these objectives. Good levels of fitness are required as typical routes involve 6-9 hours climbing each day (see fitness level 3-4) so we advise you to prepare well in advance with regular exercise and training.
Acclimatisation
Some pre acclimatisation for this week is recommended, as all objectives are above 4000m and involve technical climbing at altitude, where you will need to be climbing quickly and safely.
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.
