Day 1: Glacier Training Day on Ferpecle
Glacier: Crampon skills, Ice Axe techniques, Ice Climbing, Ropework for
Glaciers, Crevasse Rescue
Day 2: Walk up to Vignettes Hut (3158m); snowcraft
training - ice axe arrest, snow belays; stay in hut overnight
Day 3: Traverse of Pigne d'Arolla (3796m) to Dix
Glacier (F+); crevasse rescue practice on a snow-covered glacier; return to
chalet base in Evolene
Day 4: Prusiking and belaying practice; Rock
climbing and abseiling instruction on crags in Arolla valley
Day 5: Early morning drive to Saas valley (80mins);
ascend Weissmies (4023m) by NW Flank - a fine glacier and snow climb (PD); stay
at Hohsaas hut (3098m) overnight
Day 6: Ascend W Ridge of Lagginhorn (4010m) a
fine mixed rock and snow scramble (PD); descend to Saas valley and
drive back to Evolene
Day 7: Rest day
Day 8: Drive
to Saas Fee (80mins): walk
up to Mischabel Hut
Day 9: Ascent of Nadelhorn (4327m) by NE Ridge (PD)
; return to Evolene
Day 10: Multi-pitch rock climb on the Arolla slabs
or Ice climbing session on Ferpecle Glacier
Day 11: Drive to Zermatt (80mins): walk up to Monte
Rosa Hut
Day 12: Ascent of Dufourspitze (4634m) (PD+) -
highest mountain in Switzerland and a magnificent long climb; stay at Monte Rosa
Hut
Day 13: Return to Zermatt and Evolene
This is only one example from many alternative
schedules. The actual choice of itinerary depends on weather conditions,
experience of the group and preferences of the group. Each course is tailored
appropriately.
