High tour course Engadin & Piz Palü | rock, snow and ice with a mountain guide

Learn and experience the world of mountaineering - over wide glaciers and easy rocky ridges.

Technics
Endurance
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Engadin & Piz Palü

Have you always wanted to go on an alpine tour and learn the basics of mountaineering yourself? Then you've come to the right place! The Engadin with its alpine icons - the Piz Palü, the Piz Bernina and the impressive Morteratsch glacier - offers the perfect environment. Together we immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of rock and ice and combine learning with real experience. We organise the course in two stages: First, the programme includes rock and ice training around the Bovalhütte. Then we will put what we have learnt into practice on an application tour on Piz Palü - starting from the Diavolezza mountain inn. Our starting point is Morteratsch. On the first two days, we will devote ourselves intensively to training on the rock. We then climb up to Diavolezza via the Morteratsch and Vadret Pers glaciers. On the way, we deepen our knowledge of glacier techniques and tour planning - and prepare ourselves optimally for the final summit day. The crowning glory is the ascent of the Piz Palü - a magnificent high-altitude tour that puts what we have learnt into practice in an impressive way. In this rock and ice course, you will learn the basic techniques of mountaineering - step by step, practically and in perfect alpine terrain.

  • Glacier on the spaghetti tour

  • Course content and possible programme

    1. Day: Rock basics
      • Getting to know each other and cosy hut ascent (~1.5h)
      • Moving and belaying in the rock
      • Materials science
    2. Day: Rock deepening on an easy application tour
      • Short rope, micro rope lengths and rope lengths on an easy application tour
      • Abseiling on high tours
      • Tour planning for the next day
    3. Day: Application tour crossing to Diavolezza via the Morteratsch Glacier and the Pers Glacier
      • Ice and firn technique with ice axe and crampons
      • Topic crevasses and behaviour on the glacier
      • Tour planning next day
    4. Day: Piz Palü application tour and descent
      • Palü summit experience
      • Repetition and consolidation of the various techniques
      • Application tour and descent back to Diavolezza, by cable car and train back to Morteratsch and from there home.

  • Venue & meeting point

    • Meeting point: Thursday, 10.18 Morteratsch railway station
    • Conclusion: Sunday, approx. 15.00 Morteratsch
    • Overnight stay: two nights in the Boval hutone night in the Diavolezza mountain inn

  • 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).

  • Group size

    • Takes place with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.

  • Price and services

    • CHF 1190.-
    • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
    • Including accommodation costs with half board.
    • Excluding travel expenses, possible train tickets, personal consumption.

  • Material and equipment

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably via the Contact form. 

Accommodation

  • Boval hut

    A classic SAC hut in a traditional stone building - with a sunny terrace and far-reaching views of the imposing Morteratsch Glacier!

    All tours in "Boval hut"
    The Boval hut with Bianco Grat and Piz Bernina in the background

  • Diavolezza mountain inn

    Here you can enjoy a unique backdrop with views of Piz Palü and Piz Bernina with the famous Biancograt - atmospheric at dawn and in the glowing sunset. The cosy accommodation with comfortable beds, shower and warm hospitality rounds off the experience perfectly.

    All tours in "Diavolezza mountain inn"

Impressions: High tour course Palü

    Piz Palü seen from the Diavolezza

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Search for your dream tour

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Period

Information on endurance and technique

Here you will find the organisation of our tours as a guideline. If you are unsure which level suits you best, feel free to get in touch - We can help you!

Technics

Technology 1 - for beginners

Easy tours, suitable for beginners. The terrain is easy and moderate. No previous mountaineering experience is necessary.

High toursExperience in hiking and walking in pathless terrain. No previous knowledge of mountaineering necessary.

Technique 2 - Leisurely tours

Easy to slightly challenging tours with short, steeper sections that we master together and with coaching. You are ready for this level after a basic or taster course.

High toursYou know the basics of using ice axes and crampons. There are easy scrambling sections up to 1° difficulty.

Technique 3 - Medium tours

Medium-difficulty tours with short, technical sections that are easy to do with some previous experience. You have already done a few tours and feel confident with your equipment and technique.

High toursYou have practice walking with ice axe and crampons. There are scrambling sections up to the 2nd level of difficulty.

Technique 4 - First big tours

Challenging tours with longer, steeper passages that require a good level of experience and skill. We secure these sections with ropes and coach you through difficult sections. Suitable for adventure-seekers with solid basic training.

High toursYou have experience with ice axes and crampons and you can move efficiently on easy rocky terrain. There are scrambling sections up to the 3rd level of difficulty.

Technique 5 - Grand tours

Very demanding tours, with technical passages that require a good level of experience and skill. These are secured, but smooth, rapid progress is required. For experienced climbers with plenty of experience and a thirst for adventure.

High toursYou have extensive experience with ice axes and crampons. You move efficiently and safely in alpine terrain. Climbing routes up to the 4th level of difficulty.

Endurance

Endurance 1 - Easy tours

Easy tours with plenty of time to take a break and enjoy.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 500 - 800 metres per day, 
  • Pace: approx. 250 - 300 m / h.
Endurance 2 - Leisurely tours

"Normal" tour at a leisurely pace with 800 - 1000 vertical metres per day, ~300 hm / h.

Endurance 3 - Medium tours

Longer tours at a steady, fluid pace. A solid basic level of fitness is required here.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 1200 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 4 - First big tours

Long and challenging tours at a brisk but constant pace. Ideal for active sports enthusiasts.

  • Elevation gain: up to 1500 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 5 - Long tours

Very long tours with more than 1500 metres in altitude per day. Requires very good fitness and stamina.

  • Elevation metres: 1500 m + per day
  • Pace: approx. 400 m / h.

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