Intensive alpine touring course 4000m

• Course content and meeting point

  • Meeting place

    9.50 am, Zermatt railway station, kiosk

    We’ll meet on Monday morning at the kiosk by the station in Zermatt. We recommend travelling by train. Anyone arriving by car should park in Täsch (Zermatt is car-free) and can then easily drive on to Saas-Fee from there after the first few days of the tour. After being welcomed by the mountain guide, we’ll walk together to the Klein Matterhorn cable car and travel to the Trockener Steg midway station, our starting point for the first stage of our journey into the high-alpine glacier world.

  • Day 1 - Start of the training days and ascent to the Gandegghütte

    On the first day around the Gandegghütte, we get straight into the material science and repeat the most important basics of rope and crampon techniques. We use the glacier environment for our first practical exercises. Ideal for immersing yourself in the subject and gaining confidence. We spend the evening in a cosy atmosphere at the Gandegghütte, with an impressive view of the Theodul Glacier and the Matterhorn.

  • Day 2 - Breithorn and change of location to Saas Fee

    We take the railway up to the Klein Matterhorn early in the morning and from there climb our first 4000 metre peak, the Breithorn. The summit offers a magnificent view over the Valais Alps and is ideal for putting into practice what we learnt the day before: Walking on the rope, crampon technique and safe movement on the glacier. After the ascent, we return to the valley and then transfer to Saas-Fee, where we move into our accommodation. The afternoon offers the opportunity to relax in the wellness centre and discuss the coming days of touring before we round off the day with dinner together.

  • Day 3 - Allalinhorn

    Today's programme includes the Allalinhorn, one of the most famous 4000-metre peaks in the Alps. Perfect for further consolidating our technique in high alpine terrain.
    The Metro Alpin takes us comfortably up to the Mittelallalin, from where we climb over the Feechopf and the Fee glacier towards the summit. On the way, we'll go over all the important topics relating to glacier climbing, crampon technique and rope safety. The summit rewards us with a breathtaking 360° panorama, from the Valais to the Bernese Alps. After the ascent, we return to the Britannia hut, enjoy the afternoon to relax and use the evening together to plan the next day.

  • Day 4 - Training day around the Britannia Hut

    We spend the day focussing on training and consolidation: we practise rope techniques, belay station construction, crevasse rescue and efficient walking on the glacier. Practical, in real terrain. This day serves to consolidate the skills learnt and to gain routine in the procedures. Each participant can actively practise, correct mistakes and gain more confidence in dealing with the alpine equipment and environment. In the afternoon, we return to the hut, enjoy the view of the imposing Mischabel mountain range and round off the day with another dinner together.

  • Day 5 - Strahlhorn

    At the end of our training week, another highlight is on the programme: the ascent of the Strahlhorn.
    We set off from the Britannia hut early in the morning and ascend the Allalin Glacier at a steady, pleasant pace. On the way, we apply everything we have learnt and practised over the past few days. Efficient rope walking, orientation, belaying techniques and tactics in high alpine terrain. The summit rewards us with an impressive view of the Mischabel group, the Monte Rosa massif and as far as Piedmont. We then climb back to the hut and the Felskinn cable car, which takes us back to the valley without straining our joints.

  • Conclusion

    around 3 pm, Saas-Fee

    After these instructive and impressive days, we say goodbye to each other back in Saas Fee and set off on our individual journeys home.

• Requirements

  • Good basic fitness (up to 6 hours per day in the mountains)
  • First experiences with crampons and ice axe
  • Sure-footedness in alpine terrain
  • Motivation to learn new things and take on responsibility

• Price and services

  • CHF 1525.-
  • Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
  • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
  • Including overnight stay in a hut with half board
  • Excluding travel expenses, possible train tickets, personal consumption.

• Material and equipment

  • For this tour you need the material from this PDF. We carry our equipment with us the whole time. Only pack the essentials.
  • General material and packing tips we have also put together for you.

Impressions: Intensive course 4000m