Entry into the world of the 4,000 metre peaks | Bishorn | Mountaineering course with application tour

• Procedure and course content

  • Meeting place

    10.25 Bus stop, Gruben VS

    If you are travelling by car, it is best to park it at the train station in Sierre or Turtmann. We meet at the Gruben bus stop.

  • Day 1: Approach to the hut and rock training

    800m

    T2

    3h

    After a leisurely approach to the hut, we have the best training opportunities around the hut.

    Rock training part 1
    We learn basic roping and belaying techniques, the most important knots and short ropes over boulders (levels 1 and 2). If there is enough time left, we climb in the climbing garden.

    Materials and equipment

    • Ropes
    • Carabiner

    Theory Meteo (evening)

    • Which apps and tools do we use
  • Day 2 - Tracuit crossing & training on rock and ice

    1000m

    WS+

    3-4h

    After our first night in the hut, we set off for the next stage destination: the Tracuit hut (3256 m). The approach is via the Adlerflüe, a short via ferrata and rocky terrain.

    Application tour and rock training part 2

    • Rock stabilisation in use
      • Level 1 - Walking together on the short rope
      • Stage 2 - Over short difficult sections
      • Level 3 - Micro rope lengths
      • Level 4 - Secure entire rope lengths

    • Abseiling on high tours

    Above the Adlerflüe, we reach the glacier area between the Turtmann Glacier and the Tracuit Hut - an ideal place for the basics of ice training:

    Walking with ice axe and crampons

    • Crampon techniques

    • Pimple brake

    • Ascent and descent in snow and firn

    Roping up on the glacier

    • Distance
    • Knots in the rope
    • Behaviour on the glacier

    In the evening, we plan a tour together for the ascent of the Bishorn the next morning.

    Reflection and tour planning (evening)

    • 3×3 tour planning
    • Expectations and feedback
  • Day 3: Ice training and Bishorn

    895m

    895m

    L, 1a

    5-6h

    We get up early today. Our destination is the Bishorn (4153 m), a perfect training summit with magnificent views and ideal glacier access.

    On the way, we will cover what we have learnt so far.

    At the summit, we are rewarded with an impressive panorama with views of the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Dent Blanche and as far as Mont Blanc. The descent offers further opportunities to practise and consolidate what you have learnt.

  • Day 4: Repetition, ice training and descent

    1580m

    T4

    On the last day of our tour training, the Repetition and consolidation of the ice technique in focus - especially the Basics of crevasse rescue with pulley block.

    Crevice rescue

    • Self-ascension
    • Team platoon
    • T-anchoring
    • Simple pulley block

    We then descend into the valley via the hut path. We arrive in Zinal with a rucksack full of experience, new knowledge and hopefully lasting impressions of an intensive high-altitude tour.

  • Conclusion

    approx. 15:00 in Zinal

    We finish the course together in Zinal full of new knowledge and experiences.

• Requirements

  • No previous experience is necessary.
  • Experience in hiking and walking in pathless terrain is an advantage.
  • Condition for high altitude tours with around 1000hm ascent and descent at a comfortable pace (~300hm/h).
  • On the last day the descent is long, fitness for 1500 metres descent is required.

• Price and services

  • CHF 1190.-
  • Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
  • Including accommodation costs with half board.
  • Including planning and implementation with mountain guide and his expenses.
  • Excluding travel expenses, possible train tickets, possible taxi rides, 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.

That's what our guests say:

Impressions: High tour course Bishorn