SKI TOURING
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SKI TOURING
The Bernese Oberland in Switzerland is home to the Alps’ biggest glacier system and such famous peaks as the Eiger and Jungfrau. It is a stunning part of the Alps and also home to Europe’s best high mountain ski touring peaks, with magnificent surroundings and long, quality ski descents. This 6 day tour is designed for those who have been touring before, we normally tour uphill for around 4-5 hours per day. It’s hard work but totally worth it to enjoy some of the most spectacular descents in the Alps! We are in high mountain glaciated terrain, overnighting in basic but comfortable mountain huts on a half board basis. Every day involves trekking long up hills, but promises the most impressive peaks and best descents in the Oberland. Great skiing, amazing views, and a welcome drink in the sun afterwards, which is what makes this a favourite tour. Starting in Grindewald, one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful mountain towns, we spend our days high in the surrounding mountains, and nights in mountain huts, ski touring from hut to hut for 6 full days.
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Advanced to Expert off Piste skiers with good general fitness and previous ski touring experience. This tour is perfect for keen off piste skiers who want to ski great descents from impressive peaks. Previous day touring experience is a must and previous multi day touring is beneficial. ADVANCED: I can link, without traversing, at least 10-15 short or long radius turns off piste in any kind of snow. I have good control and choose where to turn most of the time. The thought of fresh powder excites me and I enjoy the challenge of difficult snow. I can sideslip forwards and backwards, sidestep up and down, and can ski 35-40 degree slopes. I ski off piste whenever I can and enjoy skiing far from the lifts/ pistes. EXPERT: I often ski couloirs and steep slopes, where jump turning is required. Powder skiing is my dream and 35 degree slopes are a cruise. FITNESS LEVEL: D - I can ski all day and hike/skin for 4-5 hours every day (1000- 1400m).
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THURSDAY: Ascent of Grunegghorn (3860m), descent to Koncordiaplatz and skin to Hollandia hut.
DATES: March to April. MEET: We meet in Grindelwald on Saturday evening to go through the week’s plans. Our course normally begins on Sunday and finishes on Friday evening.
FRIDAY: Ascent of Mittaghorn (3892m) and descent to Blatten. A classic big ski descent. Return by train to Grindlewald. SATURDAY: Depart
BERNESE OBERLAND – EXAMPLE ITINERARY This itinerary is an example only, and by no means is the full extent of what’s available in the area! Our week’s plan is subject to change according to the weather or snow conditions, we will make the most of the conditions, it’s what we do best! There are many worthwhile peaks and cols to ski and the final itinerary will be decided based on group ability and the current conditions. SATURDAY: Arrive Grindlewald. Meet in the hotel in the evening to discuss the plan for the week. SUNDAY: Warm up in Grindewald and avalanche transceiver training, then up the train to the Jungfraujoch, and overnight in the Monchjoch hut. MONDAY: Ascent of Trugberg (3880m) and descent to the Koncordia Hut. TUESDAY: Ascent of Wyssnollen (3590m) and descent to Finsteraarhorn hut. WEDNESDAY: Ascent of Finsteraarhorn (4273m) or Agassizhorn (3946m) and return to Finsteraarhorn hut. DREAM-GUIDES.COM INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM . +44 (0) 845 564 52 19
overnight! The fittest athletes train as part of their lifestyles and have been doing it for years. Consider training for a good couple of months before coming out to the Alps.
Good fitness will make it more fun and you’ll get more out of your week! Although we will tailor the course to your ability, we definitely recommend getting as fit as possible before you start. The process of training for your goal will help you focus on your goal and having a goal will help you focus on your training. So all in all training is good! Ski mountaineering is all about being able to exercise at a moderate intensity for many hours (typically 5 to 12 hours) and your training should reflect this. The best training is cycling or hill walking as this simulates the real thing as closely as possible and prepares the mind. However not everyone has the opportunity to do this and so alternatives such as jogging and gym workouts are good. The focus should be on training Cardiovascular Endurance for long days in the mountains, for cardio we recommend that cycling, running, rowing machines are much better than weight training. Try and exercise for up to a couple of hours at a time, 3-4 times a week, or alternatively try yoga, swimming and pilates to help with core stability and balance. Squats and cycling are a good way to strengthen your legs. Remember to build up your workouts over time. If you are not used to exercising much, your muscles and joints need time to build up to avoid injury. Try and choose an activity that you enjoy and keep a note of what you do and your times, this really helps with keeping the motivation up. If you are not used to training then your local gym will be able to advise you on a plan and schedule to help you achieve your goals. Please remember that training does not work
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Grindelwald is at an altitude of 1100m and it is rare that one would suffer from altitude sickness at such a level. However, our Bernese Oberland ski tour takes you up to nearly 4000m which can have an effect on how you feel. As you climb higher the air gets thinner and so there is less oxygen in each breath we take. The higher we go the less oxygen there is. This makes exercising much harder work than at sea level and so we have to slow down to help compensate. Because we have slowed down, we may feel colder. Because there is less oxygen in the air as we get higher, this can lead to ‘altitude sickness’ or Acute Mountain Sickness which may include headache, nausea, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and can develop into a very serious and even fatal (in extreme cases) problem. In reality on a Bernese Oberland skiing week, it’s unlikely you will have any lasting effects from altitude. However, it’s something to be aware of, and let your guide know if you experience any problems.
INSURANCE We strongly recommend getting specialist travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and mountain rescue. Make sure that it covers glaciated ski mountaineering and off-piste skiing. We recommend the Dogtag (www.dogtag.co.uk) they have comprehensive policies and a good reputation.
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8. 3 sets socks and light coloured thermal tops
Unfortunately we can’t recommend a specific brand and model for each item on the kit list, as what is available is constantly changing and, of course, different people are different shapes and sizes with different budgets! However, in general, we use and endorse Black Diamond and Shepra products because in our experience they are excellent. If you go to a good retailers such as Snow & Rock, explain to them you will be back country skiing and they will be able to advise you on what is best for you. Lastly, if necessary it is possible to rent most hardware items in Grindelwald. You can hire boots too, but this is a last resort (no one likes uncomfortable boots).
9. Lightweight Gore-Tex top/bottoms, warm hat, thick gloves, thin gloves (when skinning) 10. Insulating layers. I use a thin ‘100’ weight fleece and a synthetic duvet jacket (thin). 11. Personal first aid – Make sure this includes a blister kit and ibuprofen. 12. Sleeping bag liner (you don’t need a sleeping bag as duvets/blankets are provided in huts) 13. Cash (mix of euros and swiss francs) for extra drinks / snacks in huts – allow €20 per night Remember kit should be lightweight but functional - YOU HAVE TO CARRY IT! WE CAN HELP WITH EQUIPMENT RENTAL IN GRINDELWALD.
1. Skis with touring bindings - we recommend skis that you will enjoy skiing on, but are not too heavy, e.g. Rossignol B2 with fritschi bindings. With skins and ski crampons. 2. Poles 3. Boots - these must fit and be comfortable if possible. We feel it is best not to rent boots. Rather buy some and have them fitted professionally - this will make your week much more comfortable, fun and blister free! ‘Fit’ is more important than whether a boot is ‘stiff enough’ or not. I use a touring boot that is designed to ski well, rather than ultra-light. 4. Rucksack - 40-50l. With ski straps 5. Water bottle 6. Transceiver, probe, shovel, crampons, ice axe, harness, 1 screw gate karabiner, head torch 7. Sunglasses, goggles, sunhat, sunscreen, lip salve/ block
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ACCOMMODATION When staying in Grindelwald, we stay in a centrally located 2* hotel which is extremely comfortable and perfect for a ski touring getaway.
RATIO: 1:6 guide: client LEVEL: Advanced to Expert off piste skiers (see ski ability guidelines) PRICE INCLUDES: Guiding, guides expenses, 5 nights mountain hut accommodation on a half board basis. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Travel to and from Grindlewald at the start/end of trip, accommodation and meals in Grindlewald (but we will book for the group), equipment rental, insurance, lunches and drinks, ski lift tickets, train/taxi fares. To find out more about our course, availability, or to ask any questions, please get in touch with us by email to: INFO@DREAM-GUIDES.COM or by phone on +44(0) 845 564 5219 GETTING TO GRINDELWALD Grindelwald is approx 3 hrs drive from Geneva (205km), 2 ½ hrs drive from Zurich, (195km), about 2hrs from Basel (175km) and only 1 hrs drive from Berne airport (67km). From Geneva airport take the express train to Interlaken via Berne (2hrs 50 mins). Zurich via Berne to Interlaken (2hrs 30mins) and Basel to Interlaken only 2 hrs. The train from Interlaken, up the spectacular Lßtschen river valley right into the centre of the village, takes approx. 35 mins from Interlaken. The very efficient Swiss train timetable enquiry line will work out the route and times via www.sbb.ch
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MOUNTAIN HUTS We spend 5 nights in mountain huts. Swiss huts are basic but comfortable, and known as the best in the Alps. They can cater for vegetarians. Food is usually on a 3 course set menu, but often there is no running water and so you have to buy water to drink and wash with (no showers). You can usually buy tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks, chocolate bars and snacks. Sleeping arrangements are normally dormitory style bunkbeds (eg 6 people on the bottom, 6 on the top) with blankets or duvets. No sleeping bags are required and slippers are provided. You can expect a good atmosphere and a stunning view! OTHER INFORMATION WWW.GRINDELWALD.COM is a good source of information about the town, the restaurants and the bars. There are several cash points in Grindelwald and Maestro/Visa/MasterCard are all readily accepted. Look forward to seeing you soon!
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