The
photo above just sums up this iconic peak;
steep, exposed, unrelenting, mixed and majestic.
It's a step up technically from climbs such
as the Matterhorn or Eiger, and physically
too.
To
book this course, you should be very fit,
have good footwork on steep ground, be good
with exposure and have good ropework skills
(previous skills: Alpine AD / Grade III Ice
/ UK Hard Severe / US 5.10).
This
trip is operated at a 1:1 guiding ratio throughout,
to maximise your safety and summiting success.
It allows complete flexibility for weather
windows, and for you to climb at a speed tailored
to you.
Typically
the training routes are based in Chamonix,
but if you opt to climb elsewhere based out
of huts, you can pay direct for the extra
hut nights for you and your guide.
For
clients who have climbed in Chamonix before, there are over 4000 routes
so you are guaranteed not to repeat anything
during the training days. You are guaranteed new, challenging objectives.
Many
Alpine 4000ers can be climbed with a low amount
of skill or talent. Not so for the Weisshorn,
and, due to the exposure, inexperienced peak
baggers should beware that their chances of
success will be low.
We
will not accept clients on this course unless
we believe they have the necessary experience
for success.
You
will see from the itinerary, that you will
climb many routes to prepare you before the
Weisshorn, to fully prepare you in terms of
ropework and acclimatisation.
Dates: these
are listed in the column on the right, and
they show the live availability from our secure
online booking system. When you book online,
you receive immediate confirmation, your Alpine
Information Booklet, course specific kit list
and invoice.
Brief
Course Itinerary
Sun
Travel
to Chamonix to arrive for the 17:00 check-in followed
by and course safety and itinerary briefings. There
is time for kit checks or rental of equipment. Briefings
are over by 19:00 and the Chamonix hosts accompany
the group to
pre-dinner drinks to answer any queries.
Night in Chamonix.
Mon
A
technical day route, e.g. Arete de Papillons, or
a shorter route followed by a night in a mountain
hut, e.g. Traverse d'Entreves. Guiding ratio 1:1 (max). Night in
mountain hut or in Chamonix.
Tue
A
day on the fantastic granite with great exposure
that Chamonix is famous for, such as South Ridge
of Aiguille du Moine, or the Dent du Geant. Guiding ratio 1:1 (max). Night in
Chamonix.
Wed
Drive
to base of Weisshorn (c. 2hrs) then make the long
approach up to the Weisshorn Hut for the night. Guiding ratio 1:1 (max). Night spent
in mountain hut for acclimatisation.
Thu
Alpine
start to ascend the Weisshorn, starting around 4am
from the hut. The climb is long, and you return
in the mid to late afternoon to the hut for a second
night. Guiding ration 1:1 (max).
Fri
Spare
day contingency for weather window for the climb.
During the day you descend to the hut and return
to Chamonix for celebrations! Guiding ratio (1:1
max). Night in Chamonix.
Sat
Breakfast
then the accommodation check out is by 10:00. Most
arrange their airport transfers to leave around
this time, to catch a flight from Geneva about midday. Depart for home.
ITINERARY
NOTES: Where possible we follow itineraries. Mountain
adventures are weather and conditions dependant, so occasionaly
we are forced to alter the plans. If this is the case,
suitable alternatives are offered. Please use this outline
itinerary as a guide to the types of route / activity
that you will attempt.
Course
Prices
Standard
course
5
days guiding, 7 days holiday in total
£3299
Live
availability
Click
on the planner logo to the right to
see the real time live course availability
Standard
Course Inclusions: 1) IFMGA Mountain
Guide for five days, 2) Chamonix course hosts for
logistics & briefings, 3) Self-catered accommodation
in Chamonix (inc. beddings & towels), 4) Pre
course information booklet, 5) Equipment discount
voucher for UK shops, 6) Free 36 page technical
Course Instruction Booklet, 7) Road transport in
Chamonix valley and to / from Weisshorn, 8) Car
parking fees in Switzerland, 9) Up to two nights
half board in mountain hut on Weisshorn (inc. costs
for guides), 10) Evening technical instruction /
briefing sessions on nights in Chamonix.
Exclusions:
1) Travel to and from Chamonix, 2) Equipment hire,
3) Personal laundry, telephone calls, lunches, evening
meals in valley, & any purchases in mountain
huts / hotels / restaurants, 4) Cable cars and uplift
for you and your guide (cable cars for guide included
in Chamonix) in both Zermatt and Chamonix, 5) Optional
night(s) in a mountain hut on the training days,
on a half board basis for you and your guide, 6)
Sunday pre-dinner drinks & Friday celebratory
meal & drinks, 7) Activities insurance, &
excess baggage charges.
Course
upgrade options
Many clients on this
trip consider upgrading with one or more of
the following course additions...
Private
room
Big
5 Alpine
extensions
Technical
kit rental
Acclimatise
weekend
Upgrade
to single from
£300-£500 in addition to
standard course price,
depending on week.
Extend by 2 days after
to ascend one of the
Big 5 Alpine peaks as
an extra summit.
Rent all technical kit
for a week. Full Alpine
Bundle costs you just
£100 for the week.
Saturday
night spent in
Chamonix, with choice
of self-guided or guided
on Sunday. From £70.
Standard
course accommodation - normally clients are based
in self-catered flats (details),
so take a look, and decide if it's for you. For
more luxury, contact us for quotes in higher standard
apartments, or hotels of any standard required.
If you have / source your own course accommodation,
or we cannot provide an upgrade, the standard course
price has a £100pp reduction applied on your
invoice.
Current
course availability
Course Dates Weisshorn
[ 1 ] 14 - 20 Jul 2024
[ 1 ] 11 - 17 Aug 2024
[ 1 ] 1 - 7 Sep 2024
NOTE:
This trip has scheduled
dates, but it can be operated
on
any date you wish. Let us know
The
trips start in the Chamonix valley in the French Alps,
at the foot of Mont Blanc. It is easily accessed via a
90 minute transfer from Geneva airport.
Time
Difference
GMT +1hr
Local
Currency
€ Euros
Travel
from UK
1hr flight
Resources
Equipment - summit
day kit list...
We
send a course specific equipment list to all those booking
on our courses, but due to the popularity of this course,
we outline a typical packing list for the summit day in
the list below.
Basic
clothing - Light coloured long
sleeve wicking layer
- Schoeller / soft shell climbing trousers
- Mid layer fleece jacket / gillet
- Fleece hat and gloves, and sunhat / cap
- B3 leather / plastic boots, and gaiters
Equipment - Harness, helmet, ice
axe (without leash)
- 12 point crampons and anti-balling plates
- 1 x 120cm Sling, 1 x karabiner, 1 x prussic
- Belay device for abseils (if required)
- Head torch (LED style is lightest type)
Altitude
gear - Synthetic or down insulation
jacket
- Goggles in case of high wind
- Neoprane face mask in case of wind
- Thick waterproof over gloves
- Windproof over trousers (eg PacLite)
General
kit - Close fitting sun glasses
(Factor 4 for snow)
- Pocket snacks for summit day (eg Haribos)
- Water bottle (bladder type may freeze)
- Rucksack (up to 35 litres max is ideal)
- Basic blister kit, Aspirin, suncream
Preparation - altitude
& training...
An
ascent of the Weisshorn should not be underestimated,
and you should arrive for this course in good physical
condition as the climb will probably be the greatest
physical exertion of your life. Please don't ignore
this issue... We highly recommend that you read
our training page (click
here) for details.
If you are worried about acclimatisation,
we recommend that you book on an Acclimatisation
Weekend before your course. to help you get acclimatised
earlier, leaving you with more summiting weather
windows for the Weisshorn.
View
full course equipment list,
with examples of kit, click
here
Pro top tips - geeks corner!
Any
further questions?
A
key part of choosing a company is being able to come and
talk about your plans with an experienced course advisor
face to face. In an increasingly virtual world, we know
our clients value speaking to real people, getting open
and honest advice. The vast majority of our clients are
British, and our office and outdoor store is based in
Windermere in the English Lake District.
Get
in contact to arrange a meeting, and come in for a coffee
to discuss your course in person with a trip
advisor.
