Introduction
Follow in the footsteps and ski tracks of mountaineering greats Dougal Haston and Pete Boardman. Leysin may be a smaller and lesser known destination than Zermatt; but it is easy to get to, has lots of sunshine, and has wonderful snow particularly early in the season. It is also the gateway to the West Oberland and offers great access to the high mountains.
The Wild West Oberland tour goes through some spectacular and lesser known country, offering a truly remote and high mountain feel. The route takes the spine of the Oberland range: it offers superb panoramas and magnificent skiing. A high lift at the start takes you straight up to remote and wild terrain.
This trip is a great option for those who are new to high level ski touring, or to those who have done some classic trips such as the Chamonix Haute Route but would like to a tour in more remote and lesser-known terrain.
The trip takes in a peak each day on the route, and the overnight stops are at small friendly huts. This tour is a great choice for those new to high level ski journeys or experienced skiers seeking quality touring.
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: week
Key Facts
- Eight day trip
- Six day tour
- Five Swiss Alpine mountains
- Four nights in mountain huts
- Professional Alpine guide
- A truly remote, high mountain tour
Itinerary
The outlined programme may vary depending upon weather and conditions. An element of flexibility is built in to the itinerary to give the best opportunities for enjoyable ascents and optimal snow conditions during the week.
| Day | Activity |
| Saturday |
Fly to Geneva; take train, via Aigle, to Leysin (2 hours). Arrive in Leysin. Meet guide, equipment chack; trip briefing. Stay overnight in a hotel in Leysin. |
| Sunday | A day of off-piste skiing, including a short tour around Leysin. Night in Leysin hotel |
| Monday | From Col du Pillon, take the Glacier 3000 lift; descend to the Col du Sanetch. Climb Arpelistock (3035m) by the Arête de L’Arpille. Long run down leads to the Gelten hut (2003m) |
| Tuesday | Climb up to the Col du Brochet; cross into the canton of Valais and traverse to the Wildhorn (3247m). Long descent north-east via Tungel glacier to the Wildhorn hut (2303m) |
| Wednesday | Traverse of the Schnidehorn (2937m); descend into the remote Alpage du Rawil plateau. Climb to the Wildstrubel hut (2791m) |
| Thursday | Cross the Glacier de la Plaine Morte; ascend the Wildstrubel (3243m). Great descent down the Wildstrubel glacier leads to Lammeren hut (2504m) |
| Friday | Traverse the Rote Totz (2848m) and descend to Kandersteg. Here a train ride links us back to Leysin in time for a shower and celebratory meal |
| Saturday | Depart after breakfast |
Accommodation
Accommodation for the week is in a combination of hotel in the valley and mountain huts during the tour. In the valley you have twin room, ensuite accommodation with breakfast.
Insurance
It is necessary for you to have the appropriate insurance for this trip. Make sure it is relevant for mountain sports, and that it includes liability insurance, helicopter rescue from mountains, and repatriation. There are other factors you should also consider. Our insurance partner TAGIS will be able to advise you on all your insurance needs.
Please click here to enter the TAGIS insurance site.
Equipment Hire
If you plan to hire touring equipment, we recommend Hefti Sports in Leysin. The hire shop Virage 2000 is located in Place Large, Leysin (opposite the lift station).
Tel: +41 24 494 17 44
Email:
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Guides and Group Size
Your guides for the week are full UIAGM or aspirant guides. UIAGM is the highest recognized guiding qualification in the world, and is a prerequisite for guiding in the Alps. All guides have a long history of personal climbing and skiing experience throughout the Alps as well as years of guiding experience.
The Guiding Ratio is 1:6. Minimum group size is four people. Maximum size would be 12, with two guides.
Course Requirements
You should be able to make smooth parallel turns on steep black runs before booking on to this course and have some off piste experience. The challenge of ski touring arises in one's ability to manage poor snow conditions which can vary greatly from windblown icy terrain to heavy wet snow.
Your fitness must be of a good standard - it is recommended that you take regular cardiovascular (e.g. cycling) and strengthening work (e.g. gym step machine) before the course.We will send you a fitness regime on confirmation of the trip. Please consult with your doctor or a fitness professional.
Dates
The season for this trip is from mid March to the end of April.
This trip is available for individuals and groups; we can however be flexible and arrange your preferred dates when the traverse is in season.
Click to create your own date!
All requested dates are unconfirmed until minimum numbers have been booked.
If you have a group of 6 or more people we will be happy to run an exclusive trip for yourselves.
Create Your Own Trip Dates
Price and Inclusions
2012 Price: £1275
Trip Price includes:
- All guiding fees and expenses.
- Three nights B&B in Leysin at the start and end of the trip.
- All hut fees: half board accommodation
- Return transfer to Leysin at end of tour
Trip Price excludes:
- Ski touring equipment hire
- Personal insurance
- Travel to/from Leysin
- Lunches and beverages.
- Transfers and lifts
Note: some of these trip expenses are not included so as to maintain the flexibility to offer the best tour available in the conditions. You should factor in certain additional expenses. For example, based on previous trips, the cost for lifts up the mountain during the week will be approximately CHF200 per person.
