swiss 4000ers

Swiss 4000ers Mountaineering Course

Saas is a great venue for interesting and spectacular, yet not too technical 4000m peaks. We will be in high alpine glaciated terrain for much of the week, spending 4 nights in mountain huts - with a welcome night in a valley hotel in the middle!

Who is it for? This week will appeal to alpine first timers with good hill walking experience and fitness, as well as those who already have the alpine bug from previous trips. All required skills are taught at the start of the week.

There is a good variety of climbing with glaciers, snow slopes, easy rocky scrambling and ridges...and stunning views.

There will predawn starts on the climbing days, but this is balanced with relaxing in the sunny afternoons after the climb...

Meet We meet Saturday evening (day 0) at 6pm in Saas Grund to deal with any equipment rental and run through the plan for the week. We return to Saas Grund Friday afternoon and recommend you book your return flight on Saturday.

Typical Itinerary

Day1 - walk up to the Brittania hut (3hrs) and crampon/ice axe training

Day2 - climb the Allalinhorn (4027m) and return to the Brittania hut (6-7hrs)

Day3 - climb the Strahlhorn (4190m) and descend to Saas Grund (10hrs), overnight in hotel.

Day4 - walk up to the Almagella hut (4hrs)

Day5 - traverse the Weissmiess (4023m). Overnight in the Weissmiess hut (8-9hrs)

Day6 - a spare weather day to climb the Jagihorn via ferrata, or if we have missed out a previous 4000er we climb the Lagginhorn (4010m) and descend to Saas Grund (8-9hrs) overnight in hotel.

What to expect from 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. You can expect a good atmosphere and a stunning view!

Kit List

Ice axe - for general mountaineering (at least 60cm long)

Crampons - for general mountaineering with anti-ballingplates

Helmet - optional

Poles - optional

Boots - these must fit and be comfortable. We feel it is best not to rent boots. Rather buy some and have them fitted professionally - this will make your week much more comfortable, fun and blister free! Try and make sure they broken in before the week. They should be high-end insulated leather and must be compatible with your crampons.

Rucksack - 40-50l

Waterbottle 1L - not platypus type - they freeze and leak.

Harness, 3 screw gate karabiners, belay device, 1 8-foot sling

2 pairs sunglasses (cat 4), goggles, sunhat, sunscreen, lip salve/block

3 sets socks and light coloured thermal tops

Lightweight goretex top/bottoms, warm hat, thick gloves, thin gloves

Insulating layers. I use a thin '100' weight fleece and a synthetic duvet jacket.

Personal first aid - blister kit, ibuprofen.

Head torch and gaiters

Book/iPod for spare time in huts

Remember kit should be lightweight but functional - you have to carry it! We can help with equipment rental in Saas Grund.

Price: £985

Course Only: £n/a

Ratio: 1:3 guide:client

Level: Intro to Intermediate

Dates: 27 Jun-2 July, 15-20 Aug

the best course for you?

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Price includes: guiding, guides expenses, 4 nights mountain hut half board accommodation.

Price does not include: insurance, travel to/from Saas Grund, uplifts, equipment rental, hotel and meals in Saas Grund (though we will book this for the group)

Course Only includes: n/a

QUICK LINKS

Further Information: We will email you detailed 'Joining Instructions' on booking/request. These include advice on training, equipment, clothing, travel, and what to expect.

email us: info@dream-guides.com