In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationSwiss / Valais
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions13.82 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a gradual ascent of the Bishorn (4,153 m) , one of the most accessible 4,000-meter peaks in the Swiss Alps . This trip immerses you in a complete alpine adventure , amidst verdant valleys , sparkling glaciers , and breathtaking high-altitude panoramas . From Zinal, the route follows a trail dotted with waterfalls , alpine pastures , and sections with fixed cables , leading to the Arpitettaz refuge, then to the Tracuit refuge, a veritable balcony overlooking the Dent Blanche and the Weisshorn . The final ascent begins at first light, with crampons on, for a safe traverse of the Turtmann Glacier to the summit ridge . At the top, your gaze is lost in the giants of the Imperial Crown , offering a visual and emotional reward commensurate with the effort. This trip combines moderate physical exertion , expert guidance and a friendly atmosphere in a mountain refuge , ideal for a first experience in the high mountains .
The highlights
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Climbing an accessible 4000-meter peak in the heart of the Swiss Alps from Zinal
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Nights spent in mountain huts facing the Dent Blanche and the Weisshorn
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Learn the basics of mountaineering: crampons, ridges and managing a long climb
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
The expert's opinion
- You already have some experience hiking in the mountains. You want to discover mountaineering and learn rope techniques and cramponing.
- No technical prerequisites are required, but good physical condition is essential.
- You practice an endurance sport for at least 2 to 3 hours per week
- You can string together 7 to 9 hours of effort with 1,000 to 1,200 meters of positive elevation gain.
- Are you comfortable carrying an 8 kg bag?
- You are comfortable in exposed passages
- Have you already done any hiking at high altitudes?
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 7h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 1000 m
- Average daily descent: 900 m
Management
French
English
A high-mountain guide and native of the Piedmont region, I became a high-mountain guide in 2018 and since then, I've never left the peaks! As a mountain rescue instructor, I love sharing my experience and knowledge. Whether in Monte Rosa, my native Piedmont, or the Aosta Valley, the Italian Alps are my playground and my home.
Program
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From Val d'Anniviers to the Arpitettaz refuge
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 AM in Zinal to meet the guide and adjust your equipment. The route begins gently through the meadows of the Val d'Anniviers, along the Navizence River, before becoming more challenging towards the Pas du Chasseur, a section with fixed cables that requires balance and concentration. After a break near the Zinal waterfall, the ascent continues towards Lake Arpitettaz in a stark, rocky landscape. Settle into the mountain refuge and enjoy a hearty mountain dinner in a friendly atmosphere.
Day 1 -
Alpine crossing towards the heights of Tracuit
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After waking up at the refuge, we ascend to the Pointe d'Arpitettaz via the Col du Millon. This easy ridge provides practice for moving on rocky terrain and offers panoramic views. After the summit, we descend to the pass and then traverse a long way to the Tracuit hut, perched at 3,256 meters. A few sections with fixed cables punctuate the route before opening onto a magnificent plateau. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and preparations for the next day's climb.
Day 2 -
Final push to the summit, then back down to the valley
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 2500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Wake-up call at 4 a.m. By the light of our headlamps, we leave the refuge to cross the Turtmann Glacier, roped together, amidst an impressive glacial landscape. The slope gradually steepens before reaching the summit ridge. After 4 to 5 hours of effort, the Bishorn (4153 m) comes into view, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Imperial Crown and its legendary peaks. After a break at the summit, we descend to the Tracuit hut and then hike back to Zinal, where the expedition ends.
Day 3
Note
The program for the stay is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Accommodation
Access
We'll meet at 9am in Zinal.
Go to the starting point
Here is a typical route from Lyon Part Dieu station:
- Lyon Part Dieu > Geneva train station (2 hours)
- Geneva train station > Martigny (1h52)
- Martigny > Sierre (34 min)
From there, you will need to take a bus to Zinal:
- Sierre > Vissoie (33 min)
- Vissoie > Zinal (21 min)
If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other before the expedition even begins!
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by an experienced and certified high-mountain guide
- Accommodation in modern and comfortable mountain huts in shared rooms (single beds)
- Meals from the evening of day 1 until lunchtime on day 3
- One bottle of water per person per night is included at the mountain huts.
- Group mountaineering equipment: ropes, ice screws and safety equipment
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Any personal consumption
- Personal mountaineering equipment: crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness
- To ensure optimal comfort, mountaineering boots are not provided (we strongly recommend trying them on before departure).
- Anything not listed under " Price includes "
Options
- Mountaineering package rental : CHF109.78 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Group mountaineering equipment: ropes, ice screws and safety equipment
Equipment to bring
- 50L backpack (for backpacking)
- Crampons & straight ice axe (commendable)
- Mountaineering helmet (recommended)
- Insulated water bottle (optional)
- Charged headlamp
- Climbing harness (commendable)
- Gourd
- To ensure optimal comfort, mountaineering boots are not provided (we strongly recommend trying them on before departure).
Clothing to bring
- Hiking pants
- Comfortable evening clothes + slippers
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Running tights or long underwear
- Warm gloves
- Balaclava / Buff
- Warm socks (wool)
- Trousers for summer high mountaineering
- Comfortable sneakers (for the approach and breaks)
- Hat or cap
- Fleece (Consider layering)
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
- Down jacket
- Technical socks
- Sunglasses (cat. 4)
- Waterproof jacket with hood, "Gore-tex" type
- Ski mask
- Cap
- Lightweight gloves
They traveled with us
