Saas 4000ers

This circular route across the high glaciers of the Mischabel gives a spectacular week climbing three 4000m peak, the Allalinhorn (4027m), Strahlhorn (4190m) and Alphubel (4017m). While none of the peaks are technical they are at high altitude and are strenuous climbs.

Level 4 Instruction & Coaching

5 days 6 nights

Price: £1395*

* Fully inclusive price

Course Highlights

An exciting traverse over the Mischabel range climbing three 4000m peaks (Allalinhorn, Alphubel and Strahlhorn ) and the Fluchthorn (3795m).

Brilliant views of the famous 4000m peaks around Saas Fee and Zermatt (Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Dom, Taschorn, Liskamm, Weisshorn etc).

High altitude glacier skiing with a big mountain ambience. Long ski descents helped by launching off uplift from Saas fee and Zermatt.

Comfortable modern huts.

Is this Course for Me?

Ski ability required: This is a very demanding tour at high altitude. Prior ski-touring experience is essential and you should have effective turns off-piste in a variety of snow conditions. A high level of fitness is very important and you should be able to comfortably sustain a climb at a rate of 300 vertical metres an hour. A typical day could involve up to 6 hours of uphill skiing (up to 1400m of ascent).

Sample Programme

We meet at our accommodation at 'Zurbriggen Sports' (Saas Grund) at 6pm on the ~~Sunday evening.~~

~~Monday (Day 1)~~ Bus to Saas Fee and we shall take the first lift to Mittel Allalin. The glaciated climb to the Allalinhorn (4000m, 600m vertical, 3hours). We descend to spend the night in the Britannia hut (3030m), which is a 15 minutes’ approach from the piste.

~~Tuesday (Day 2)~~ After a comfortable night at the Britannia hut we have an early start to climb the Fluchthorn (3795m 850m vertical, 3 hours 30 mins). Descending the north north east flank back for another night at the Britannia hut.

~~Wednesday (Day 3)~~ This is a big day traversing over to the Zermattertal. We shall start by retracing our tracks from yesterday and then branch out to climb the Strahlhorn (4190m, 1300m vertical, 5 hours). We shall then descend to the Adler pass where a rope is normally necessary to descend the short but steep slope to access the Adler gletscher. We then ski the Findelglestcher to the Sunnegga lift system which we take to Zermatt. Night at the Banhoff Hotel in Zermatt.

~~Thursday (Day 4)~~ Using the Sunnegga lift system (first lift) we pass by the Fluealp berg restaurant on our ascent to the Pfulwe (3155m, 850m, 3 hours). From here we enjoy the north facing slopes to Tasch alp and a short ascent takes us to the Tasch hut (2701m, 500m vertical 1hour 30mins), where we shall spend the night.

~~Friday (Day 5~~) The Alphubel (4206m, 1500m vertical, 6 hours) is a big push on the last day. An early start heading east to the Alphubel gletscher takes us to the Alphubeljoch (3771m). From here we head north to summit the Alphubel. We shall descend the massive Feegletscher to Langflue where the pistes take us back to Saas Fee. Bus to Saas Grund and the pension Zurbriggen Sports.

We stay the night and ~~depart after breakfast on Saturday~~.

Maps: Mischabel 284 S 1:50K