Aletsch Arena High-Altitude Skiing Training Course

• Procedure and meeting place

  Training and a mountain experience in the heart of the Bernese Alps:
  We’ll be out and about in the high-alpine terrain around the Aletsch Glacier for four days. We’ll be following the “learning by doing” principle, combining training with practical tours: we’ll learn, practise and apply what we’ve learnt straight away on the tour. Alongside the technical training content, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the stunning glacial landscapes, beautiful descents and the shared experience of reaching the summit.

  • Meeting place

    approx. 10 a.m. Jungfraujoch

    We’ll meet in the morning at the Jungfraujoch. Please book your journey on the Jungfraujochbahn well in advance so that you arrive at the meeting point on time for our agreed meeting time. As the start and end points of the tour are different, we recommend travelling by public transport.

  • Day 1: From the Jungfrau Pass to the Konkordiaplatzhütte

    After a brief welcome and a joint equipment check, we set off on our four-day high-altitude ski touring course. From the Jungfraujoch, we descend via the Jungfraufirn to Konkordiaplatz and reach the Konkordia Hut.  Right from the first day, we combine the tour with the initial training elements. We focus on behaviour on the glacier, rope handling and the specific challenges of travelling on skis in high-alpine terrain.

    In the evening, there is time to reflect on the day’s events and plan the next stage together.

  • Day 2: Via the Louwitor to the Hollandia Hut

    Today we continue through the high-alpine glacier landscape towards Louwitor. Along the way, we’ll consolidate the techniques we learnt yesterday and put them into practice straight away in the terrain.

    Depending on the situation, we practise, amongst other things, roping up on skis, rope handling and moving safely on glaciers. We eventually reach the Hollandia Hut via the Louwitor.

    The descent to the hut not only offers a wonderful mountain experience, but also provides an opportunity to discuss how to choose the right route and how to descend safely in high-alpine terrain.

    In the evening, we’ll take some time to plan our route and get ready for the next day together.

  • Day 3: Äbeni Flue (almost 4,000 metres)

    Today, the course’s main summit experience is on the programme: the Äbeni Flue at 3,962 metres.
    We set off early and make our way up through the high-alpine glacial landscape towards the summit. Along the way, we put the various techniques we have learnt during the course into practice and consolidate our knowledge of glaciers, rope techniques and high-alpine terrain.

    The ascent to Äbeni Flue provides the ideal setting for putting what you have learnt into practice in a real high-altitude ski touring situation.

    Once at the top, we are treated to a stunning panoramic view of the Bernese Alps and the surrounding glacial landscape. We then head back down to the Hollandia Hut.

  • Day 4: Final training sessions and descent via the Lötschenlücke

    On the final day of the course, there are once again some key training elements on the programme. We will revise and consolidate the most important techniques and address any outstanding questions from the previous days.

    We then set off towards the Lötschenlücke. The final descent takes us through a stunning high-alpine landscape into the Lötschental.

    On the way, we pass the striking rockfall that dominates the landscape so impressively. Once again, we experience the unique combination of glacial scenery, alpine terrain and skiing before we complete the course together in the Lötschental.

  • Course contents

    During these four days you will learn:

    • Material science and correct use of technical equipment
    • Use and handling of crampons and ice axe
    • Various techniques for transporting the skis on the rucksack
    • Rope types and walking on the glacier rope
    • Safe behaviour on glaciers and in alpine terrain
    • Choice of terrain in ascent and descent
    • Self Ascent Basics
    • Anchoring in firn
    • Crevasse rescue basics
    • Route planning and decision-making
    • Practical application of the course content on a high-altitude ski tour

    After this course you will be well prepared to plan and organise easy and medium ski tours independently.

  • Conclusion

    around 3 pm, Lötschental

    We’ll round off our time together in the Lötschental and then make our own way home.

• Requirements

  • Ski touring experience (ascent with skins, safe descent in the terrain)
  • First guided ski mountaineering experience, ideal after ski mountaineering introduction and preparation course
  • Stamina for daily ascents of 800-1200 metres and 4-6 hours walking time
  • Interest in training and active participation

• Price and services

  • CHF 1190.-
  • Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
  • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses
  • Including accommodation costs with half board
  • Excluding travelling expenses, any train tickets, personal consumption

• Material and equipment

  • We have for you a detailed packing list with packing tips compiled.
  • For this tour you need the following material from this PDF. We carry our equipment with us all the time. Pack only what is necessary.

Impressions: Ski touring course