Zinal High Level Route (to the Bishorn, 4’153m)
This wild and rugged trek follows the dividing ridge of peaks
between the Zermatt and Zinal valleys. It takes us away from
the crowds through impressive and varied mountain scenery to
arrive at the Bishorn, one of the least technical 4000m
peaks in the Alps and a fantastic climax for the week. Some of the
days are strenuous and involve serious glaciers
(which you can relax enjoy in the company of a guide who is
expert in safe glacier travel).
day 1. 1900 RV at Hotel Le Grand Chalet, Leysin. After discussing
the week we will check kit so that we are ready for a prompt
start next morning.
day 2. Depart at 8 a.m.by minibus to St.
Niklaus 1’160m.(2
hours). A beautiful walk up through the forest between cliffs,
with a stop for lunch, leads steeply to the new Topali Hut.
2’674m (5 hours).
day 3. Leaving the Topali
hut we take a path through bouldery terrain to approach the
Schölli
glacier. The scenery here is very impressive with steep cliffs
looming
above. The glacier is
flat and easy and we cross to gain the ridge above it using
a short via Ferrata. This is the Schöllijoch at 3’343m.
From here we can continue up to the summit of the Barrhorn
3610m, an amazing viewpoint. The trail then
takes us down next to the Brunegg glacier, gradually descending
to the Türtmann
hut at 2’519m.
day 4. A very interesting glacier ascent
connects Türtmann
with the Tracuit hut at 3’256m. A steep scramble onto
Gassi gets us onto the Brunegg glacier which we cross to the
Türtmann glacier. We climb up on its left bank beneath
the Diablons to reach the col de Tracuit not far from the hut.
day 5. Climbing
the Bishorn
(4’153m) will be for most people
the highlight of the trek. It requires a very early start.
A 3-4 hour climb of 900m, usually with a good trail in the
snow but passing between big crevasses, gets us to the spacious
summit. The views are amazing – above looms the mighty
Weisshorn and to the SW many of the greatest peaks of the Swiss
Valais. We return to Tracuit for refreshments then descend
and cross the Col de Milan to Cabane d’Arpitetta, 2’786m.
day 6. The final day is a relaxing
descent through pastures and alongside the river to the pretty
resort of Zinal, 1’675m.
From here we return to Leysin Hotel le Grand Chalet.
day 7. Depart
a.m. after breakfast at the Grand Chalet.
Maps: 1308 St Niklaus, 1328 Randa, 1327 Evolene
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