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Skiing amongst the grand 4000m peaks and enormous glaciers of Switzerland’s central Bernese Oberland is the ultimate destination for even the most discerning of ski alpinists. Truly a skier’s itinerary, each day includes memorable descents and breathtaking scenery while en-route to the next hut.
View from the Mönchjochshutte a common first night stay on the Berner Oberland2011 Dates: April 30 – May 6
This tour is unique in that it is more of a loop, enabling us to focus on experiencing the diverse and interesting terrain. This trip is characterized by it’s spectacular setting, impressively perched mountain huts, and it’s focus on objectives suited to group interest and ability levels as opposed to more linear point-to-point tours. The well thought out layout of mountain huts in the area encourages creativity in route options.
Recommended Skills: This is a moderately strenuous itinerary in which you will need to climb uphill on skis with climbing skins, and descend backcountry snow conditions ranging from the best powder of your ski career to the worst breakable crust imaginable. The downhill skiing element can be coached and encouraged by your guide, but a reasonable level of innate ability is required. It is recommended that you can comfortably ski any ‘Black Diamond’ ski run at larger western ski areas in almost any conditions.
A guided group enjoying excellent snow in the BernerOften, groups will opt to climb steep slopes with crampons on your ski boots and/or ski crampons and ski down moderately steep terrain, however no previous technical climbing or mountaineering skills are necessary. Many of the uphill techniques can be taught and picked up fairly easily by people with a good level of cardiovascular fitness. A group with similar ability levels, will help to maximize your skiing rewards on this trip. Unsure of your overall preparedness? Ski stateside with Mountain Pro in Colorado, to make the most of your winter preparation time.
Huts: Unlike many North American destinations, huts in the Berner Oberland are fully staffed, adequately stocked, and service oriented.
Restaurant quality dinners and simple continental style breakfasts are prepared by the hut guardians, whom are often passionate skiers and guides themselves. Sleeping quarters are equipped with mattresses, pillows and blankets or down comforters to keep you warm through the night. Drinks, snacks and souvenirs cost a little extra, but can be well worth the added expense. The huts are open to everyone and generally offer mixed dormitory style accommodation with groups typically sharing a room with up to 12 people. Occasionally our guided groups have a private room, but this is certainly not the norm.
a mellow after dinner moment in the dining room*Many huts have special guides’ rooms equipped with the finest imported linens as well as state of the art whirlpool tubs. Just kidding. Despite the oft-imagined high mountain oasis: guides rooms are nothing more than identical communal sleeping rooms with more strictly enforced quiet hours and a little less “pillow talk”*
Basic Itinerary 2011
Many North American skiers arriving in the Alps find it very challenging to both conquer jet-lag as well as adjust to changes in diet and high altitude touring. It is recommended that guests arrive at minimum one night prior to Day 0 in order to rest and relax to best achieve optimal wellness while touring.
Day 0: Meet in Interlaken, Switzerland for a group orientation, gear check and dinner. Interlaken is accessed easily by Air by first flying to nearby airports: Zurich, Basel or Geneva, then traveling by rail or car to the destination airport.
Day 1: From the Interlaken Ost train station we will travel to our connection at Kleine Scheidegg at the base of the Eiger Nordwand. From here the train snakes its way though a network of tunnels rich with climbing history. Spend the night at the close by Mönchjochshutte and ascend the Mönch, or descend to either the Konkordia or Hollandia huts.
taking photos from a viewpoint on the Jungfraujoch railway
Day 2-5: For the remainder of the tour the group will travel between the Konkordia, Finsteraarhorn, Hollandia and perhaps the Oberaarjochhutte. Each of these huts is situated in close proximity to many 4000m+ peaks and numerous ski descents. Your guides will choose the best objectives and specific itinerary based on group goals as well as snow and weather conditions.
the Jungfrau and the LouitourDay 6: Return to Interlaken. Many options exist for our final day in the Berner Oberland. Depending on specific itinerary, we will descent on skis to an adjacent valley, or descent via the Jungfraujoch railway to Grindelwald.
*This itinerary is subject to change based on the abilities and interests of the group and the weather and snowpack conditions of the tour.
View down the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the European AlpsRates: $2500.00 per skier
Our Services:
Professional Guiding and Instruction
5 nights lodging in huts along the ski traverse including breakfast and dinner as well as lodging at Hotel TBA in Interlaken before and after the tour.
Tickets for transport on the Jungfraujoch Railway (Top of Europe) as well as all train/bus/lift fares during the tour.
Guests will be responsible for:
Personal equipment and clothing including: transceiver, shovel and probe (may be available for rental from Mountain Pro)
Check out Ski Mountaineering: What to Carry
Appropriate Rescue Insurance (mandatory for all guests). Becoming a member of the American Alpine Club is an excellent way gain rescue insurance.
All beverages (water is not available in huts and must be purchased in either bottles or boiled)
Town meals and snacks while at the huts.
Lunches for each day (typically snacks are purchased in grocery stores before the tour and “must-have’s” are brought from the states)
Travel to/from Interlaken, CH
Contact Us to discuss your Berner Oberland experience for the 2011 season.
