Swiss Alps

You should have previously climbed to F+/PD standard in the Alps. Examples of this would be Grand Paradiso or Mont Blanc.

This is a very demanding trip. You should be in excellent physical shape – think capable of jogging a half marathon in 2hr20. Our past experience has shown that those not up to this fitness level  struggle to complete many of the peaks.

You need excellent stamina and should be prepared for days to last up to 12 hours.

The length of days will vary when alpine climbing. Days could easily start around 04:00, and last for ten hours.

All Guides operating in the European Alps must be internationally certified. Training and assessment takes a minimum of three years and anyone caught operating without a license will be prosecuted.

Occasionally we employ trainee guides (known as Aspirants). They are in the final stages of qualifying as Guides and are allowed to operate under the tutorage of a fully qualified Guide.

This week is all about technical climbing so we have a maximum ratio of 1:2

The itinerary is an example and the actual itinerary we complete will depend on the weather and the conditions. There are always lots of options, all of which will help you develop your skills!

The actual itinerary will depend hugely on your teams abilites and goals. The purpose of the week is about development and we will work closely with you to ensure this is what you get.

Do not carry too much water as it is very heavy. As a general rule 1-2 litres is the right amount. Avoid using Camel Back style systems with drinking straws. They leak, the tubes freeze, and they will always let you down when you need them most. Nalgene style plastic bottles are the best.

All drinking water is from the refuge or can be bought at various stops for the first day’s walking. We pass streams in various places that you can top up from if you should run out, so take purification to add to it in the form of silver chloride or chlorine.

Mountain huts often cater for large numbers (>100), and hence can be quite busy. Meals are usually simple but plentiful, and anyone with special dietary requirements must let us know in advance so we can inform the hut guardian.

You can pick up food from Saas Grund before you leave to head into the mountains or you can buy a packed lunch from the refuges, which you’ll confirm directly with them the night before it’s wanted. Once you’re in the mountains, the only option for lunch is to order it from the refuge unless you take food up with you.

Everyone is different however it is essential to eat well in the mountains. Sandwiches are hard to beat, supplemented by fruit and chocolate bars. Don’t carry too much food, and remember that some foods will freeze solid unless kept in jacket pockets.

Definitely – huts will usually try and accommodate vegetarians etc. but they do sometimes struggle with more specialised requirements such as gluten free. If you have a food allergy or specific dietary requirement please do let us know on your booking form.

We usually use the Hotel Schoenblick in Saas Grund for this trip. Although a little “retro” in style (those who’ve stayed in Swiss mountain hotels will understand!), this gives us a well located base, where we can keep our rooms while we are on the hill.

Mountain huts/refuges are mostly owned by the Alpine Clubs. They are there to provide accommodation and food for mountaineers. They often cater for large numbers (>100), and hence can be quite busy. Meals are usually simple but plentiful, and anyone with special dietary requirements must let us know in advance so we can inform the hut guardian. Showers and running water are not usually available. The rooms are usually dormitory style, with large alpine bunks (up to 15 people in a row).

Showers and running water are not usually available. although at Hohsaas there are showers.

Take some wet wipes to give yourself a clean in the evening. A toothbrush, some wet wipes, and a small tube of toothpaste (shared between several people) is plenty. Some alcohol hand gel is also handy.

This isn’t necessary, all of the mountain huts provide indoor footwear for your comfort.

Single rooms at the hotel may be available for a supplement of around £315, however please let us know as far in advance as possible if you’d like to do this as it’s a very small hotel and cannot be guaranteed.

360 Expeditions have conducted detailed risk assessments and put the necessary plans in place to cope with any accidents or illness whilst out on the trek. Our Mountain Guides are highly qualified and experienced mountain leaders who hold expedition first aid qualifications and are used to working in remote environments. Their training allows them to deal with situations quickly and safely.

Should someone find themselves requiring further medical attention,the guide will organise for that individual to be taken from the trail and transferred to the nearest hospital. The guide and the 360 office team will also be on hand to offer guidance and support for insurance claims and contacting next-of-kin.

There is minimal risk of altitude sickness on this trek.

You can hire equipment in Saas Grund rather than buy it. We use a local shop for boot hire (allow 65CHF for the week).

A full kit package for 6 days includes Duvet Jacket, Mitts, Axe, Harness, Crampons, Helmet and costs €99 to rent.

Individual costs:

Ice axe – €24

Harness – €16

Helmet – €16

Crampons – €34

Duvet jacket – €27

Mitts – €11

You can also hire climbing shoes if needed.

Full Package: Duvet Jacket, Mitts, Axe, Harness, Crampons, Helmet – €99/CHF, payable in cash in Switzerland. Anyone needing to hire kit should confirm this when booking so we can put some aside for you.

Any brand will be fine. The most important thing is the SPF – do not bother with anything under SPF 30. Creams with UVA and UVB protection are best. Any don’t forget lip salve

We’d recommend you avoid carrying bulky SLR style cameras. They are too heavy, and slow to use. Compact cameras that fit into a pocket are best. Cameras in rucksacks never take photographs! Digital cameras must be kept warm in a pocket or they will freeze and cease to function.

The Saas Valley (Saastal) is the valley parallel to the Mattertal which is where Zermatt is. Swiss public transport is excellent and we would encourage you to get to the Saas Valley using it.

If you are flying you can land at either Geneva or Zurich. Both then have rail links to Visp, where you will switch to a bus, which will take you to ‘Saas Grund – Unter den Bodmen’ (the stop is just past the hotel on the opposite side of the road) you should buy your tickets to and from here.

Allow 3:40 from Geneva and 3:20 from Zurich to transfer between the airport to Saas Grund. Swiss public transport tickets can be purchased online in advance at www.sbb.ch, or directly from the train station at the airport. If purchasing in advance, a return ticket should be around 150CHF from either airport.

When purchasing your tickets you may be offered Halbtax. This is a discount card which offers you a 50% saving on all public transport. Unless staying in Switzerland for at least an extra week in addition to your climbing trip we don’t think it’s worth paying for Halbtax.

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance.

Our team are insured through True Traveller, and we are part of their affiliate programme. Other recommendations can be found on our links page.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip, to include (at a minimum) medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form; however this can be arranged at a later date if you wish, though we would always suggest having at least insurance to cover you for cancellation in place at the time of booking. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure if we have not received them prior to this.

If you are eligible and it is available, as the trip is based in Switzerland it is also worth having a UK Global Health Insurance Card or GHIC (which replaces what was the European Health Insurance Card / EHIC). If you don’t already have one, details to apply for one are here.

Do check with your insurance whether your medical costs would be paid, in the unlikely event that you need medical treatment whilst you are away, if you are not covered by a GHIC.