the West Oberland Summits Trek

2008 DATES Click Dates To Book.... Week 31: 26 Jul - 2 Aug Full Summer Programme Click Here COURSE DURATION 6 days, 7 nights ALL INCLUSIVE PRICE £855 Your course price covers: • Guiding + guides expenses • Full board + accommodation • All picnic lunches/snack food • All course transportation • All mechanical uplift • Loan of technical equipment Click here for Full Details RATIO 7:1 COURSE GRADE Difficulty: 1 Fitness: 3 Click Here for Grading Details

This Haute Route makes a high level traverse of the mountains of the western part of the Bernese Oberland chain, starting at the village of Les Diablerets near Leysin and finishing at Kandersteg.

This area is much less frequented than the better-known destinations, providing more of a wilderness experience. Little time is spent on footpaths and the huts are generally smaller, friendly and quiet. The trip takes in the major summits of the region, including Les Diablerets itself (3209m), the Wildhorn (3247m) and the Wildstrubel (3243m). These peaks are not technically difficult although they do involve some scrambling, protected with a rope whenever necessary. The glaciers that we traverse between them are generally straightforward and not too crevassed, although we will of course, be roped-up and using our ice axes and crampons for much of the time.

Haute Route Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive Leysin. Meet at the Hotel le Grand Chalet at 7.00pm for a welcome drink and briefing.

Day 2. Col du Pillon to Diablerets Summit and down to Pra Rochet hut.
(↑300m. ↓750m. 4-5hours)
A short drive (30 mins) takes us to the Col de Pillon above Diablerets village. The new lift here takes us up to almost 3000m in 15 mins. We soon leave the lift- served area, crossing the Dome to walk up the glacier to the summit (3209m) in approximately 2 hours. The summit cross is the highest point in the Canton of Vaud, and gives superb views. During the descent to the Pra Rochet we take time for instruction in the use of crampons and ice axe as well as the basic rope work necessary for glacier travel. The hut (2555m) is on an unusual limestone pavement above the col du Sanetsch.

Day 3. Arete de l’Arpille to the Arpellistock, descent to Gelten hut.

(↑800m. ↓1300m. 5-6hrs)
We follow the hut path down to the Col de Sanetsch (2252m) and then follow the crest of the ridge opposite, the Arete de l’Arpille. This is a steady 3 hour climb and finishes with a scramble to the summit of the Arpellistock (3035m). A small glacier and snow fields lead down to the Gelten Hut (2003m). This hut is set in a beautiful location amidst high peaks, glaciers, cliffs and waterfalls.

Day 4. Climbing the Wildhorn to the Cabane des Audannes.
(↑1,250m. ↓750m. 7hrs)
It is an interesting 5 hour climb up to the Wildhorn, first crossing the Gelten glacier to the col de Brochet (2759m). From here a steep path (with some cables for aid) leads directly up to the summit cross (3247m). We descend the glacier to the SW and then a steep path leading through cliffs to the hut at 2506m. The hut is situated next to a lake and surrounded by an unusual desert of rock. It is a modern hut with a friendly guardian who has been known to bake fresh bread before breakfast!

Day 5. To the Rawil Pass and Wildstrubel Hut.
(↑700m. ↓350m. 4-5hrs)
A more relaxed day, following the ‘Tour of the Wildhorn’ to reach the next hut. There is always the option of scrambling up to a small summit along the way, such as the Six des Eaux Froides (2905m). We start off by walking up to the col des Eaux Froides (2648m), then past the lac de Tenehet and on down to the Plan des Rosses (2367m) and the Rawil Pass (2429m). From here it is a steady climb up to the Wildstrubel Hut at 2791m.

Day 6. Across the Plaine Morte and ascent of the Wildstrubel to Lammeren hut.
(↑550m. ↑850m. 6hrs)
The Weisshornlucke (2904m) is right behind the hut, and leads down onto the Plaine Morte glacier. We traverse this for about 5 km, without losing much height, to reach the rocky SW flank of the Wildstrubel. A steep path leads to the cross on the west summit at 3243m. From here we traverse to the middle summit, which is exactly the same height and has yet another fine cross! We descend the Wildstrubel glacier to the new Lammeren hut (2501m).

Day 7. Via Schwarenbach to Kandersteg.
(↑0m. ↓700m. 4-5hrs)
We take the hut path down towards the Gemmi Pass, then turn north alongside the Daubensee to reach the Berghotel at Schwarenbach, situated beneath the peaks of Altels and the Balmhorn. A good track then leads down the valley to the cable car which takes us down to Kandersteg. We return to the Hotel Le Grand Chalet at Leysin (approx. 2hrs drive)

Day 8. Breakfast at the Hotel is included before your departure.

Maps: 272 St. Maurice; 273 Montana; 263 Wildstrubel.

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