Sample Programme

Saturday

The course starts with a briefing at 6.45pm at The Grand Chalet Hotel in Leysin. This is a chance for you to meet your team mates and Guide and go through the details of the course. There will also be time for you to sort out any equipment you need and for you to ask questions. Dinner will follow the briefing.

Sunday

A day ski touring around the peaks above Leysin. This is a chance for us to check equipment and for you to practise your off-piste ski technique and to refresh your ski touring skills. We will make a ski ascent of one of the local peaks such as Pic Chaussy, La Para or Walighurli (each of which gives an excellent view of our route through the Western Oberland).

Monday

We take the Glacier 3000 lift system to the Diablerets Glacier and descend to the Col de Sanetsch, then ascend the fine crest of the Arete de L’Arpille (800m) to gain the summit of the Arpelistock (3035m). The descent (1000m) to the Geltenhutte (fresh coffee and showers available) is a breathtaking run.

Tuesday

A big day over the major ski-touring summit of the Wildhorn (3247m -1400m ascent, 5 to 6hrs) and down to the Wildhorn hut. The route spirals around the peak, taking us through the impressive cliffs that defend its summit. Another fantastic glacier descent (1000m) takes us to the Wildhorn hut.

Wednesday

We climb the Schnidehorn (2937m, 3hrs) which is a great little summit and gives us access to a superb narrow valley which takes us to the flat expanse of the snow plateau of the Alpage du Rawil (2300m - 650m descent). The Rohrbachstien (2950m) can be climbed as we climb to the newly renovated Wildstrubel hut (2800m). The Wildstrubel hut has an excellent reputation for its food (the apple tart and fresh coffee are particularly recommended!).

Thursday

After a short ascent to the Weishorn (2950m, 40 mins) we have a great ski down to the glacier de Plaine Morte. Touring across the massive expanse of this glacial plateau evokes a powerful feeling of wilderness. We then ascend the south rib of the Wildstrubel (3243m - 600m ascent). With its ten summits over 3000m it is a fantastic viewpoint for the great Oberland peaks. We traverse most of these summits before descending yet another classic run (800m) to the Lammerenhutte.

Friday

From the Lammerenhutte we climb to the domed summit of the Roter Tot (2850m, 2hrs) then an intricate north-facing descent takes us down 1600m into Kandersteg, skiing beneath impressive rock architecture of towering limestone cliffs. Train or taxi back to Leysin for dinner.

Saturday

Depart after breakfast at the hotel.