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 Ten
peaks over 4,000m form a magnificent horseshoe surrounding
the upper Saastal. Many of the summits are easily accessible
from high mountain huts and cable cars, making this area of
Switzerland ideal for the novice alpinist.
This introductory six day course aims to visit a number of
these peaks and train those taking part in the essential skills
needed to travel confidently over glaciated mountains. Course
content will include the use of crampon & ice axe; roped
glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques; ridge scrambling
and 'moving together' roped; advice on acclimatisation and
fitness; use of huts and cable cars. All ascents will be via
simple routes, the only requirement being a good level of
fitness. The programme would be ideal for people with hillwalking
experience in Britain. Whilst experience on snow and ice is
preferable it is not essential, as this aspect of mountaineering
will be covered in full during the course.
 Much
of the time (2/3 nights) will be spent overnight at high mountain
huts. The valley base will in Saas Grund, a short distance
below Saas Fee. This area is easy to travel to, using the
very efficient Swiss rail network from either Geneva or Basle
and a Postbus from Visp to Saas Grund
- 27th July arrive 3rd August depart (six
day course)
- £800.00 per person (Three places
left. Individuals welcome)
 One
Guide to four people
- All hut costs and meals
- Cable car costs
- All Guides expenses
- Valley accommodation (B&B)
- In course transport
- Alpine insurance (Obtain from BMC)
- Valley evening meals or packed lunches
- Travel to the Alps
The exchange rate may effect
the accommodation prices, but not the main course price, which
is fixed for the season.
Alpine Introductory Course - Outline Programme.
Meet during the late afternoon or evening preceding the course
in Saas Grund for introductions.
- Day 1
Gear check. Please try and make sure that the equipment
you are bringing with you is adequate for the activities
to be undertaken. To this end please contact Alan Kimber
with any queries before leaving the U.K. Introduction to
glaciers and local crags for prussik/rope training. Night
in the valley.
- Day 2
Walk to a mountain hut (possibly the Britannia Hut)and practice
crevasse rescue from the hut. Night spent in the hut.
- Day 3
Ascend a 4,000m peak (possibly Allalinhorn) from the hut
and descend back to the valley.
- Day 4
Walk to the Almageller hut.
- Day 5
Ascent of Weissmies, (4023m) and descend to Hohsaas Hut
for another night.
- Day 6
Ascent of Lagginhorn (4010m) and descend to the valley.
- Days 5 & 6
This could be changed to suit those taking part for a lower
mountain, depending on how folk are feeling
This programme is a very full one and may well be changed
to suit both the weather and course members level of fitness/experience.
The important point is to maintain a gradual gain in height
climbed in order to enhance the acclimatisation and fitness
of individuals. Also of importance is the fact that this
course is not meant to be exhausting all of the time, after
all those attending are on a holiday!
Alpine Kit List
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