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, Travel day, arrival at Saas-grund
You get to Saas-Grund on your own during the day and check into a hotel. There is time here to experience Saas grounds, get to know the other participants and fix last minute matters.
Day 2
First climbing day.
Collection at 08:00 (unless otherwise notified 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 Weissmie's cabin at 2726 m.
Day 3
We hike from the Weismies cabin around the mountain to the Almageller cabin where we will sleep for the next two nights. It is a beautiful hike with a view of several 4000 meter peaks in the Saas-Fee valley. On the way there, we can have lunch at the Almageller Alp cabin along the way. At the Almageller cabin, a three-course dinner awaits before it's time to sleep.
Day 4
We eat breakfast early. We make an alpine start where we start climbing towards the top before it gets light outside. Approximately 6 hours to the top and an equal amount of time back to the cabin, we have to count. We are rewarded with a three course dinner when we are back.
Day 5
Time to go down to Saas-Almagell where we jump on a bus back to Saas-Grund and check into a hotel for a much needed shower and a comfortable bed.
Day 6
Home journey day. You check out of your hotel no later than 10:00 and travel on your own.
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 for 2 nights at a hotel in Saas-Grund with breakfast (shared twin room)
• 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
