Do you dream of climbing a 4000 meter mountain? We give you the opportunity to climb Weissmies 4017 m, a super nice 4000 meter peak in the Saas-Fee valley in Switzerland.
Weissmies are a big challenge. We will climb the southwest ridge, which is relatively safe as it does not cross any major glacier. It is long enough and it is never a very difficult climb. It's a breathtaking feeling climbing high above the surrounding peaks but never exposed in a way that becomes too scary.
If you have climbed Kebnekaise via the Eastern Trail or Gran Paradiso and want the next challenge, this is perfect for you! If you want to climb a 4000 meter peak, this is a great experience!
Previous knowledge
You don't need previous experience in alpine climbing, but it helps if you have it. It is also good if you have climbed a bit before and have a green card, although it is not a must. A must, however, is good fitness and the ability to move for 10-12 hours during the peak day after having climbed and hiked some days before.
Place
We start and end the trip in Saas-Grund in Switzerland.
You travel to Saas-Grund easily by train, either from Zurich or Geneva or all the way from where you live. The trains run frequently in Switzerland, you can find more information here: https://www.sbb.ch
Program
The program may be adjusted depending on the weather and conditions.
Day 1
Meeting 09:00 (unless otherwise announced by the guide). We go through the week's program and check the equipment you have with you to see if anything needs to be supplemented. Everyone gets their climbing equipment and we check that everything fits in size. We then take the lift up to do a Via Ferrata on Jägihorn. The night is spent in the Weissmies hut at 2726 m.
Day 2
We hike from the Weismies hut around the mountain to the Almageller hut where we will sleep for the next two nights. It is a beautiful hike with views of several 4000 meter peaks in the Saas-Fee valley. On the way there we can have lunch at the Almageller Alp hut along the way. Once in the Almageller hut, a three-course dinner awaits before it is time to sleep.
Day 3
We have breakfast early. We make an alpine start where we start climbing towards the summit before it is light outside. We can expect about 6 hours to the top and the same amount of time back to the hut. We are rewarded with a three-course dinner when we are back.
Day 4
Time for descent. This day is also an extra day if the weather does not allow the summit attempt on day 3. In the afternoon, the guide drops you off in the village and thanks you for a great experience.
Equipment
Loan of necessary climbing equipment is included in the price. The following equipment is assigned to you by your mountain guide at the beginning of the course.
• Alpine ice axe
• Crampons
• Helmet
• Harness
• Screw carabiner
Personal equipment
You need to have the following personal equipment with you, this is not included in the course fee.
• Boots to which crampons can be attached (eg Sportiva Nepal or Trango Tech). If you are unsure whether your boots are sturdy enough, you can of course ask us before you go. There are boots to rent on site if you need
• Backpack, 30-40 litres
• Warm hat (which fits under a helmet)
• Underwear, shirt and pants (synthetic or wool, not cotton)
• Thinner fleece sweater
• Thicker fleece sweater or thin down jacket
• Wind and waterproof jacket (preferably shell jacket without lining)
• Wind and waterproof trousers (preferably shell trousers without lining)
• Thick gloves
• Thin mittens, gloves
• Snow locks (gaiters)
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Ski goggles
• Water bottle
• Sun protection
The following are good to have but not a must:
• Poles (telescopes that can be folded and attached to a backpack)
• Sun hat or cap
• Handkerchief (slightly larger can serve as sun protection for the neck/head)
Included in the price
• Guiding and personal supervision by an authorized mountain guide for 4 days
• All climbing equipment
• Accommodation 3 nights in mountain cabins with breakfast and dinner
• All transport during the trip
Not included
• Travel to and from Saas-grund
• Lift card to get up to climbing faster
• Clothing / personal equipment, see the list above
• Own insurance
