guided mountain adventure
The Tour de Soleil is a classic hut-to-hut ski tour that follows an old smugglers trail in a remote but charming corner of the Swiss Alps.
Until a tunnel was built in 1965, no road accessed into the Binntal (Binn Valley), a small valley near the remains of the Rhône Glacier. This area still remains hidden from the rest of Switzerland, giving it a wonderfully remote feel.
The people of the Binntal agreed 50 years ago to resist development. A 16th century stone bridge leads into the village of Binn and cobblestone lanes lead past timber houses and small farms.The ski lifts and buildings that have overtaken so many other Alpine areas are absent. Binn is the largest town in the valley (pop. 70) and the only one with a hotel, the Ofenhorn.
When the village burned to the ground in the 15th century, it was rebuilt with the addition of a village chapel and has remained substantively unchanged ever since. In the Binntal you will find a traditional way of life set in a region of exquisite natural beauty—a rare find for 21st century travelers.
Day 1
Travel to Andermatt and meet up with your guides. Stay overnight in Andermatt, a traditional Swiss-Alpine small town with a wide range of facilities.
Day 2
We start with an off-piste, warm up day around Andermatt. Using the excellent lift facilities of the Gemstock we will get the legs working in the powder (hopefully) and make sure all your touring equipment is up to scratch with a short uphill session. Any kit issues can be dealt with very easily in Andermatt in the evening as there are numerous ski stores specialising in ski touring equipment.
Day 3
We travel by train, through the Furka tunnel, to Fiesch (journey time about 1 hour) and take a taxi for the short ride to the 'lost village' of Binn where the trail starts. We ascend for 3 hours to either the Binntal hut (2267m) or the Mittlebarghutte (2393m).
Day 4
We start early for the ascent of our first peak, the dramatic Offenhorn (3235m). This is a remote peak and together with the Blinnenhorn is one of the higher peaks in the region. From the summit we descend the Hohsandgletscher and cross into Italy to reach the Rifugio Cesare Mores (2505m) for a welcome shower and some delicious Italian food and wine!
Day 5
We start day 5 with the ascent of the main summit of the tour, the Blinnenhorn (3374m). It will take about 5 hours and the final section to the summit will require crampons. There is a stunning view across to the Finsteraarhorn, the highest peak in the Bernese Oberland. After the long climb, we enjoy a superb and long descent to the small, remote village of All’Acqua (1600m). We stay in the very comfortable Rifugio Piansecco 1 hours skinning above All’Acqua.
Day 6
Another early start from the Rifugio for the ascent of Passo Rotondo (2,754m). It’s a long 5 hour ascent which includes one short but steep section where, depending on the snow we may use crampons. From the summit we traverse the northern slopes before climbing to the spectacular Witenwasserenpass (2816m) and the final descent to the Rotondo Hut (2570m). If time (and strength) permits the ascent of the Witenwasserenstock is also worth the effort.
Day 7
We start our final day with the short, 500m ascent of the Gross Leckihorn (3064m). From the summit we can trace our route all the way from the summit of the Offenhorn on the first day to the long glacier descending from the Blinnenhorn and our route from the previous day. With good visibility we can even see across to Mont Blanc in the far distance. Then it’s back on with the skis for the wonderful final descent down the Muttengletscher to Realp where we board a train for the short journey back to Andermatt and our last night’s celebrations!
Day 8
Departure following breakfast.
"It was a great trip – well organized and the guides were very professional – one certainly felt in safe hands. Unexpectedly nice ‘huts’. Thank you for a great trip."
| Dates | Accommodation | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sat 15 Mar 14 - Sat 22 Mar 14 |
7 nights |
£1,095 |
Day 1
Travel to Andermatt and meet up with your guides. Stay overnight in Andermatt, a traditional Swiss-Alpine small town with a wide range of facilities.
Day 2
We start with an off-piste, warm up day around Andermatt. Using the excellent lift facilities of the Gemstock we will get the legs working in the powder (hopefully) and make sure all your touring equipment is up to scratch with a short uphill session. Any kit issues can be dealt with very easily in Andermatt in the evening as there are numerous ski stores specialising in ski touring equipment.
Day 3
We travel by train, through the Furka tunnel, to Fiesch (journey time about 1 hour) and take a taxi for the short ride to the 'lost village' of Binn where the trail starts. We ascend for 3 hours to either the Binntal hut (2267m) or the Mittlebarghutte (2393m).
Day 4
We start early for the ascent of our first peak, the dramatic Offenhorn (3235m). This is a remote peak and together with the Blinnenhorn is one of the higher peaks in the region. From the summit we descend the Hohsandgletscher and cross into Italy to reach the Rifugio Cesare Mores (2505m) for a welcome shower and some delicious Italian food and wine!
Day 5
We start day 5 with the ascent of the main summit of the tour, the Blinnenhorn (3374m). It will take about 5 hours and the final section to the summit will require crampons. There is a stunning view across to the Finsteraarhorn, the highest peak in the Bernese Oberland. After the long climb, we enjoy a superb and long descent to the small, remote village of All’Acqua (1600m). We stay in the very comfortable Rifugio Piansecco 1 hours skinning above All’Acqua.
Day 6
Another early start from the Rifugio for the ascent of Passo Rotondo (2,754m). It’s a long 5 hour ascent which includes one short but steep section where, depending on the snow we may use crampons. From the summit we traverse the northern slopes before climbing to the spectacular Witenwasserenpass (2816m) and the final descent to the Rotondo Hut (2570m). If time (and strength) permits the ascent of the Witenwasserenstock is also worth the effort.
Day 7
We start our final day with the short, 500m ascent of the Gross Leckihorn (3064m). From the summit we can trace our route all the way from the summit of the Offenhorn on the first day to the long glacier descending from the Blinnenhorn and our route from the previous day. With good visibility we can even see across to Mont Blanc in the far distance. Then it’s back on with the skis for the wonderful final descent down the Muttengletscher to Realp where we board a train for the short journey back to Andermatt and our last night’s celebrations!
Day 8
Departure following breakfast.
This is a sample itinerary only and may be subject to change depending on snow and weather conditions.
The price includes all guide fees and expenses, 3 nights half-board hotel accommodation (twin rooms) and 4 nights half board in a mountain refuge (dormitory-style).
The price does not include lift pass, local transport, lunches, beverages, personal insurance, equipment hire, travel to/from Andermatt.
Single room occupancy in the hotel may incur an additional charge - contact us for further details.
All our ski tours are led by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. The team is led by Olly Allen, Matt Dickinson and Nick Parks. The maximum ratio for this tour is 6 skiers with 1 guide. The minimum group size is 4. The maximum is 12 with 2 guides.
You will stay 3 nights in one of Andermatt’s many hotels on half-board basis (twin-rooms). Four nights will be spent in high alpine huts. Accommodation in the huts is in dormitories. Breakfast and evening meals are provided and food is plentiful and nutritious.
You should aim to arrive in Andermatt sometime in the afternoon. There will be an initial briefing with your Mountain Tracks guide on the first evening. This is an opportunity to meet the guide and the rest of the party, to discuss the plans and objectives for the week and to ask any questions you may have relating to the week’s itinerary.
If you need to hire ski equipment in Andermatt we recommend Alpina Sport, Gotthardstrasse 101.
Telephone: +41 (0)41 887 17 88 . You must contact them in advance to reserve equipment.
The closest airport is Zurich – regular flights from the UK with Swiss Air and BA. From Zurich the rail transfer is just over 2 hours or its 2 hours by road. Milan Malpensa is another option although it is a bit further to travel but nearly all on motorways. Contact us if you require assistance with your travel plans.
"It was a great trip – well organized and the guides were very professional – one certainly felt in safe hands. Unexpectedly nice ‘huts’. Thank you for a great trip."
I can ski red and black runs on piste without a problem. I am new to off piste skiing or maybe I have skied a little on the sides of the piste, or even attended a previous off piste specific course. I would like to ski powder snow with confidence and learn to link turns off piste. Learning to vary turn radius and control speed is an important goal. Gaining confidence in a variety of terrain would move my skiing to the next level.
I have at least a couple of weeks off piste skiing experience and/or received some previous instruction on an off piste specific course. I can link at least 8 – 10 turns together in reasonable control, speed and style, following the fall line in most snow conditions. I would like to improve my skiing in deep powder, heavy crusty snow uneven terrain and trees. I am happy to hike or ski tour for short distances to get to the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski fluidly off piste and to ski steeper slopes. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I am confident skiing challenging terrain and steeper slopes. I can sideslip forward and backwards, side-step up and downhill and traverse steep slopes with no problems. I am happy to ski tour and hike for 1 – 2 hrs to reach the best snow and terrain. I aspire to ski the best snow available, push myself to ski steeper slopes and extend my ski touring experience. At this level all ski tourers must have some previous experience of using a touring set up, skinning and kick-turns.
I can ski fluidly and autonomously on all terrain. I often ski couloirs and gullies and seek out steep slopes to ski. I can jump turn in narrow couloirs and have experience of abseiling and side-slipping on steep terrain. I dream of skiing powder snow, I can ski fast, fluid “freeride” style turns, I can jump off small rocks, ski trees and challenging terrain with no fear or problems. I will often hike and ski tour to reach the best snow and terrain. I am familiar with using ice axe and crampons and some basic rope techniques. My aim is to push my skills and challenge myself further.
This is an extensive list of the recommended clothing and equipment you will need if you are coming on one of our Alpine Ski Tours.
During the tour you will be staying most nights in catered high mountain huts and will need to carry all the equipment and clothing you require for the duration of the tour. The huts are comfortable but basic with limited facilities – running cold water, European-style toilets, dormitory-style accommodation. All the huts provide ‘hut slippers’ – these days they are usually crocs - and so you will not need to carry additional footwear.
Any clothing or other items not required on the tour can be left in a travel bag at your first hotel ready for your return on the final night.
We recommend keeping the weight of your pack as light as possible. If you are new to alpine multi-day ski touring, try taking your pack out on the slopes before the tour to see how it feels. You quickly realise the benefit of ‘skiing light’.
If you are uncertain or need further information, don't hesitate to contact us.
When choosing clothing for ski touring you want to think lightweight, comfortable and versatile. During the trip weather conditions will change and you’re likely to go from icy-cold mornings when you’re wearing everything to keep out the chill to warm afternoons where you’ll be carrying most of your gear in your rucsac. Getting hold of the best and lightest kit available is always worth it and most of the major brands have suitable clothing for backcountry skiing.
to include warm hat and sun-cap or wide-brim hat for extra protection from the sun. Although we do recommend helmets for off-piste skiing, for ski touring they are not essential and actually can be a hindrance – they are hot, heavy and you can’t hear very well when wearing it
a light, stretchable tube. Excellent despite the name!
made of breathable material (Gore-tex or equivalent) with an excellent hood. The lighter the better and so a shell is recommended rather than a padded jacket and you supplement this with some good quality thermal base and mid layer tops following the principle of layering – i.e. allowing you to easily add/remove layers depending on the temperature and the activity
For the lower half it’s essential that you have a pair of thermal base layer pants (longjohns). These can then be combined with either
in a goretex fabric (such as the Berghaus Couloir pant) or
together with a pair of lightweight, breathable overtrousers with long side zips
Very popular at the moment are the wool based layers from companies such as Icebreaker and Smartwool. They are comfy, breathable and warm when needed and can be worn for days without your friends catching a whiff!
2-3 thin fleeces rather than fewer thick layers between your skin and the outer shell
an approach which gives better heat retention and good flexibility
good quality goretex gloves or mitts and a thin pair of softshell gloves for when it is hot and for skinning in
if you feel the cold
Investing in good quality ski socks will improve fit, warmth and feel when skiing for long periods. Bring along a few pairs
a light and comfortable shirt to change into once you get to the huts. Most huts sell their own t-shirts, so save weight and have a souvenir at the same time!
For our alpine ski tours we recommend an all-mountain touring ski that isn’t too heavy. A really lightweight ski comes at a cost to performance on the descents so are only recommended for really good off-piste skiers with a strong interest in ski touring.
There are plenty of great skis to choose from and here are 4 recommendations
a light touring ski which skis well in all conditions, 80mm underfoot
very easy to ski, lightweight for the uphills! 80mm underfoot
a very light uphill ski for expert ski tourers, 75mm underfoot
a good all round touring ski, 88mm underfoot
If you are planning on buying skis for ski touring and general skiing then these are great recommendations. If you are going to be renting skis then these models are not always available in every shop but you will be able to rent something similar by another manufacturer that will work just as well.
Garmont and Scarpa lead the field in touring boots and we recommend
Lightweight Touring Boots (ideal for good skiers)
both 3 buckle boots which are light but good to ski in
very light, great to walk in but you lose a bit of performance - dedicated tourers only!
top choice! Awesome performance for skiing and pretty light. Particularly suitable for a narrow foot
this is the very light, 3 buckle version and is equally good to ski in but 400g lighter
Heavier Ski Tourers
both great downhill performers but not that light – ideal for fit but less adept skiers!
again both great downhill but rather heavy for the uphills
These days many manufacturers offer ‘thermo-fit¹ liners as standard equipment. You may also want to consider a custom liner. Heated and moulded to your foot and boot for a perfect fit, they can make all the difference especially if you have trouble finding really comfortable ‘off-the-shelf¹ boots. Zipfit liners are a great option for anyone seeking total customisation in fit and comfort. They will replace the original liner.
Fritschi lead the way here with their Diamir bindings, Marker have produced 2 touring bindings the Duke and the Barron which both work very well but are quite heavy. Many more people are seeing the advantage of the Dynafit “pin” binding system; they are very light, offer excellent security despite their minimalist looks!
We recommend telescopic poles. They must have wide powder baskets (4-5 inches/100-120mm diameter) otherwise you’ll be up to your armpits on the ascents. Go for an alloy rather than carbon poles which are lighter but have a nasty habit of snapping near the basket due to ski edge nicks.
cut to fit exactly to your skis. Bring some duct tape in case of sticking problems
general lightweight mountaineering / alpine pick, keep it short (50cm)
lightweight aluminum alloy crampons are suitable for this tour and are a great weight saver compared to steel crampons
most ski touring bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding.
a simple lightweight harness. The key feature should be that it has fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots and crampons
most of our guides use and recommend the BCA Tracker although other digital models are entirely suitable
now compulsory in most huts
good quality with a lens for low light is essential in the event of snow and poor visibility
good quality with 100% UV protection
35-40 litre (2100-2400 cubic inches) with straps for carrying skis
we don’t recommend hydration systems (e.g. camelbak) in winter as they have a tendency to freeze
with small personal first aid items ie any medications, wet wipes, blister kit. The guide will carry comprehensive set for all other needs
Most huts have limited washing facilites
lightweight and carry spare batteries
optional. Your guide will have these
with a large capacity memory card
most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but not the alpine huts. You should allow about 25-30 Swiss francs or €15-20 per day for lunch and drinks
for gear that is not required on the tour – can be left in your first hotel and collected on return
Please note that your guide will have a few “spares” and other saftey items that he or she will ask the group to carry between them; so leave a small space in your sack for an item e.g. spare skin, spare ski pole, emergency shelter
Andermatt is a charming 800 year old Swiss village in the Gotthard Massif and one of our favourite winter destinations!
The town itself is at 1,450m and the highest lifts take you to 2,950m.
It is renowned for its excellent snow record thanks to its geographical location.
It is also renowned for its superb off-piste and the main mountain, the Gemstock has been likened to the Grand Montets in Argentiere, but with the distinct advantage that theoff-piste here in Andermatt is rarely crowded. From the top of the Gemstock you are almost at 3000m and you have a spectacular panoramic view of more than 600 summits.
Off the mountain, the village is quiet with limited apres-ski and nightlife. But it's the skiing you've come for and you won't be disappointed!!
Hotel Sonne
Hotel Badus
Hotel 3 Koenige & Post
The nearest airports are Zurich and Milan.
If coming from Zurich we recommend taking the train. The journey time is about 2 hours through dramatic mountain scenery.
From Milan you have to drive (195kms/122 miles)) but the journey is nearly all on motorway and so quite straightforward. Journey time is just over 2 hours.
250 York Road, London
SW11 3SJ, United Kingdom
info@mountaintracks.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 8123 2978
Fax: +44 (0)20 7905 0921
