Switzerland's Valais Alps are full of stunning peaks and excellent routes.

This is a very flexible 6 day week with the itnerary not fixed until we know your ambitions, previous experience and prevailing conditions. We often climb in two different areas (eg Saas and Zermatt) to get a variety of peaks and climbs. Our low guiding ratio and flexible hotel accommodation allow us to make the most of the weather and climb the best routes.

This is also a great week to hone your own mountaineering skills under the supervision of our expert Guides.

It is also a great week to build experience before our Matterhorn and Eiger climbing weeks.

Who is it for?

This week is ideal if you have previous alpine experience or scottish winter climbing experience and want to climb some of the best routes/peaks the Swiss Valais Alps have to offer. Rock, airy ridges or mixed/ice - let us know what you fancy! Typically we climb routes graded PD-AD but it really depends on you and the conditions.

Itinerary

Saturday: We meet Saturday evening at the hotel to go through the weather/conditions and the weeks plans. There should be time to pick up any hire gear you may need.

Sunday - Friday: Lots of climbing! We spend up to 4 nights in mountain huts depending on conditions and group preference and we utilise any telepherique systems to maximise climbing time.

Typical routes might include: Breithorn traverse, Pollux, Castor, traverse of Lagginhorn, North Ridge of Weissmiess, Portjengrat, Nadelhorn. The list is endless, and many climbers come back for this week several times.

Saturday: Departure

Accommodation

We use the hotel Bergheimat as our course base for this week. There are local hire shops, cafe, supermarket and ATM and the hotel has a good bar and restaurant. You can leave items here that you don't want to take into the mountains. We book the hotel for the group, but the cost is not included in the price, as this keeps the week the most flexible.

What to expect from mountain huts

During this course we may spend several nights in mountain huts.They are basic but comfortable. They can cater for vegetarians. Food is usually on a set menu basis (3 course in the evening, hot drink and bread/jam/cereal for breakfast). Often there is no running water and so you have to buy water to drink and wash with (no showers). You can usually buy tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, chocolate bars and snacks. Sleeping arrangements are normally dormitory style bunkbeds (eg 6 people on the bottom, 6 on the top) with blankets or duvets. The huts provide slippers for wearing inside. You can expect a good atmosphere and a stunning view!