Saas-Fee 4000ers Challenge: Conquer the Iconic Peaks

Explore the Saas 4000ers: A Mountaineering Journey Through the Swiss Alps

The Saas region in the Swiss Alps has the highest concentration of 4000m peaks, making it a prime destination for classic mountaineering enthusiasts. Nestled between the impressive Mischabel and Weissmies massifs, this picturesque area offers climbers the chance to tackle 18 iconic summits, with rewarding yet accessible routes. Based in the charming town of Saas Grund, just a stone’s throw from the renowned Zermatt, this course provides the ideal base to experience high-altitude summits without advanced technical difficulty.

With its rich mountaineering history, the Saas Valley is a varied alpine playground. Cable cars from both sides of the valley make for quick access to high-altitude starting points. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Monte Rosa massif, Mont Blanc, and the famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland, including the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Along the way, you’ll stay in well-equipped mountain huts, known for their warm hospitality and local, homemade cuisine—perfect for recovering after a day on the peaks.

For those looking for a diverse alpine week, summiting some of Switzerland’s most famous 4000m peaks, the Saas 4000ers Challenge is highly recommended. Accessible via public transport from Geneva or Zurich, this adventure combines awe-inspiring landscapes, mountaineering heritage, and challenging climbs in the heart of the Alps.

Course Difficulty and Guiding Ratio

This course is designed for ambitious hikers and aspiring mountaineers, with a 2:1 guiding ratio (two clients per guide) to ensure a safe and personalized experience. The smaller group size allows for more focused attention, quicker decision-making on challenging terrain, and the flexibility to adjust the pace as needed. While prior experience using crampons and ice axes is advantageous, it’s not essential, as the course progressively incorporates acclimatization and skills training throughout the week. A strong level of fitness, surefootedness, and enthusiasm are the key prerequisites. Most of the peaks are graded PD, offering moderate difficulty with rewarding ascents.

Accommodation in the Mountain Huts

The mountain huts along the route are known for their high standards, offering comfortable communal sleeping quarters and hearty, locally sourced meals. Staff provide half-board, with additional drinks and picnic lunches available for purchase.

Peak Highlights:

• Weissmies (4023m, PD)
  A spectacular traverse from the Almageller hut along the rocky south ridge to the summit, with a descent down the glacier-covered west face. Magnificent views across the valley to the Mischabel chain. Approx. 4 hours ascent.

• Strahlhorn (4190m, F+)
  A snow-covered giant, with a long ascent from the Britannia hut. Panoramic views stretch towards Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Approx. 4 hours ascent.

• Allalinhorn (4027m, PD)
  The best route is the Hohlaubgrat, offering an exciting snow and mixed climb with a challenging rock section near the summit. Approx. 4 hours ascent.

• Alphubel (4206m, PD)
  Climbed via the Southeast Ridge from Alpubeljoch, this snow climb rewards you with a delicate summit ridge. Approx. 4 hours ascent.

• Lagginhorn (4010m, PD)
  The most northeastern of the area’s 4000ers, featuring a long rock scramble via the West Ridge, with snow and ice slopes near the summit. Approx. 3 hours ascent.

• Nadelhorn (4327m, PD)
  A striking pyramidal peak climbed via the classic NE Ridge from the Mischabel hut. This route offers varied terrain, from snow to ice and rock, leading to an elegant summit. Approx. 3-4 hours ascent.

2025

The price includes:

• 6 full days of guiding fees & expenses
• 4 nights of HB accommodation in a hotel on a twin share basis
• 3 nights of HB accommodation in mountain huts
  
  

The price does not include:

• lunches & drinks
• ski pass/lift costs
• travel
• insurance
• equipment hire
• local transfers
  
  

*Single rooms are subject to availability and supplement.

On our Swiss 4000er weeks, we estimate that the cost for local transfers and uplifts will be in the region of £180 per person which is not included in the price and needs to be paid for locally in Swiss Francs.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

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This list contains our recommended clothing and equipment for our Saas 4000ers week.

In the summer months, the days generally start very cold and warm up during the morning to become hot in the afternoon. It is therefore essential that you have 2-3 thin layers that you are able to put on/take off as the conditions change. Thin layers also allow better movement as opposed to one layer of bulky clothing.

If you are uncertain or need further information, please contact us.

• Alpine Mountaineering - Clothing
  • Base Layer Top and Bottoms – a few base layer tops, usually long-sleeved is best, wool base layers form Ortovox are good as they offer good wicking properties and dry quickly. For your legs, a couple of pairs of long or ¾ length bottoms are best.

  • Mid-layer fleece tops – a couple of fleece type jacket or tops that can be worn between your base layer and outer layers. The “Layering” approach offers the best heat retention and flexibility in warm and cold weather.

  • Insulation Layer - a down or Primaloft jacket is a good item to have ready to wear in the event of cold weather, it can live in your rucksack as a spare layer and can come in very handy for sudden changes in the weather.

  • Lightweight softshell type trousers - you want to wear a lightweight softshell or similar material on your legs, these types of trouser offer good protection from snow/ice as well as abrasion on rock and are comfortable to move in.

  • Walking shorts or a pair of trousers with zip-off legs. Useful for walk-ins to huts on hot days.

  • Gore-Tex Jacket - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jackets. Best to have a lightweight jacket that can be worn in the event of wet or windy weather but is packable enough to fit in your rucksack. Your insulated ski jacket will be overkill and too hot and bulky.

  • Gore-Tex Pants - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable trousers. Lightweight is important plus side zips for putting on over your boots and crampons. Used in cold, wet and windy weather.

  • Sun hat and warm hat – bring a wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap plus a warm beanie style hat.

  • Light, thin gloves – a thin pair of fleece or softshell gloves for warm weather are a must.

  • Insulated gloves - You need to have a pair of waterproof warm gloves to wear on cold days.

  • Gaiters – these are useful to wear to keep snow out of your boots.

  • Socks - 3-4 pairs of medium weight socks usually mid-calf length is good.

• Alpine Mountaineering - Boots

  There are 2 grades of boots for alpine trekking and mountaineering: B1 and B2

  • B1 boots are usually lightweight boots offering more flexibility when walking and are usually suitable only for trekking, easy glacier walking and Via Ferrata trips.

  • B2 boots are semi-rigid boots that are the best option for summer alpine mountaineering trips. There are leather and plastic/composite options. Leather boots tend to be more comfortable and breathable whereas plastic/composite boots are warmer and more waterproof.

  B2 boots are compatible with C1 and C2 crampons.

  Key features of a good alpine boot include Vibram soles, a reversed leather upper (which protect the best side of the leather from scuffing and abrasion and improves durability and water resistance) and ankle flex and a higher cut which give control, mobility and support.

  Boots can be hired in resort but to avoid discomfort we do strongly recommend that you have your own pair which needs to be well worn-in prior to your trip.

  Alpine huts supply hut slippers so that you don't need to take any other footwear apart from your boots. Boots are not allowed in the dining room or dormitories and must be left in the foyer.

• Alpine Mountaineering - Technical

  These items are essential for all alpine mountaineering courses

  All items can be hired from Mountain Tracks or from sport shops in the Alps.

  • Climbing helmet
  • Ice Axe - General mountaineering / alpine pick 55-70cms long depending on your height.
  • Boot crampons - with anti-balling plates.
  • Climbing Harness – adjustable leg loops are useful for easy of putting on over your boots.
  • Adjustable trekking pole(s)

• Alpine Mountaineering - Miscellaneous

  • Rucksack - A simple and lightweight pack with a capacity of between 35-45 liters is recommended. You need to have one loop for carrying an ice axe on your rucksack.

  • Lightweight sleeping bag liner – a silk or cotton sleeping bag liner is now compulsory in all mountain huts.

  • Water bottle or Thermos – a water bottle or hydration system is needed.

  • Head torch with spare batteries

  • Penknife

  • Personal first Aid Kit - Should contain:

  Plasters – of various sizes and possibly some adhesive wound dressings.

  Pain Killers – aspirin or Paracetamol/Nurofen

  Antiseptic cream or wipes

  Blister kit – compeed and elastic tape to hold it in place (essential)!

  (Note: Guides will have comprehensive first aid kits and are qualified in mountain first aid)

  • Whistle

  • Sun Glasses - minimum category 3.

  • Ski Goggles – these can be very useful if you encounter strong winds and poor weather.

  • Sunscreen and Lip Protection

  • Ear Plugs - For noisy huts!!

  • Camera

  • Hold-all bag - for gear not required on trek. Will be left at first hotel and collected on return.

  • Passport

  • Money - You will need some cash for food and drinks. There are some ATMs and most hotels, shops and restaurants will accept credit cards, but most huts still accept cash only. You should allow about 30-40 Swiss Francs or 25-35 Euros per day for lunch and drinks (amount approximate and depends on consumption).

  • Toiletries – Should contain:

  Toothbrush and paste - a mini one is ideal

  Soap

  Anti-bacterial hand cleaner

  Wet wipes – essential to try to maintain hygiene

  Tissues and toilet roll

  Small light quick dry towel e.g. a Lifeventure Soft fiber towel

  (Any other essentials you need but remember there are no shower facilities and generally no running water in the huts and you have to carry everything with you!)

  • Alpine club card - If you're a member.

  • Book, pack of cards and or Ipod/MP3 player – It’s nice to have something to read or listen to when you are in the huts or to challenge your fellow travelers to a game of card. These items are not essential but if you have space you might appreciate them.

• Insurance

  It is a condition of booking that you are insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.

  For UK residents Ski Club Travel Insurance may be a suitable option.

  For more details and to purchase a policy online visit http://www.skiclubinsurance.co.uk/
  If you need assistance arranging your personal insurance please let us know.
   

• Travel to Saas Grund

  The most convenient airports are either Zurich or Geneva airports.

  A fast train tunnel has reduced journey times from Zurich to Saas Grund by about 1 hour so the journey time is slightly less than from Geneva. (2 hours from Zurich, 2 hours 20 minutes from Geneva).

  The train doesn't go as far as Saas Grund and you have to change in Visp on to the Postbus. You need to ensure you get to Visp no later than 1900 otherwise you'll miss the last bus. The bus journey is just over 20kms and takes about 30 minutes.

• Swiss Travel Pass

  If you are arriving into resort by train and plan to explore Switzerland before or after your trip, a Swiss Travel Pass could save you money. The Pass provides half-price fares on cable cars and funiculars in many resorts, and unlimited travel on train, bus and boat. Please find further information here.

  If you only plan to book return train transfers from the airport for the Mountain Tracks tour, it is not worth buying the Pass. 

• ETIAS & EES

  ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) 

  1. What is ETIAS?

     • Starting in the first half of 2025, travellers from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter most European countries within the Schengen Area.
     • ETIAS enhances security by checking the details of travellers before they arrive.
     • It is similar to systems like the ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada).

  2. Who Needs ETIAS?

     • Travellers with British passports or passports from other visa-exempt countries must complete the ETIAS process.
     • Holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid EU/Schengen Area visas are exempt.

  3. Application Details:

     • ETIAS costs a 7EUR processing fee, waived for those under 18 or over 70.
     • Validity: Three years from application, tied to your passport’s validity.
     • New passport = new ETIAS.

  4. Application Form Questions:

     • Basic personal details (e.g., passport info, name, address, citizenship, gender).
     • Additional questions during the process (e.g., criminal history, past travel, health).

  5. Application Fee:

     • 7EUR euros.
     • Electronic payment via debit/credit card.

  6. Approval:

     • Most applicants receive approval within minutes.
     • Valid ETIAS visa waiver for three consecutive years.

  Remember to apply for ETIAS approval to explore your favourite European destinations! More details will be confirmed by ETIAS authorities. You can find additional information at the following links:

  • ETIAS Official Website 

   

   

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  EES (Entry/Exit System)

  The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system developed by the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems. Its primary purpose is to register travellers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border. Here are the key points:

  1. What is EES?

     • The EES is an automated IT system designed for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay.
     • It records and stores the date, time, and place of entry and exit when these travellers cross the external borders of European countries using the EES.
     • The system calculates the duration of the authorized stay and generates alerts to EU Member States when the authorized stay expires.

  2. Who Is Affected?

     • The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days within any 180 days) to European countries using the EES.
     • Exemptions apply; for example, holders of EU or Schengen Area passports or valid visas are exempt from EES registration.

  3. Advantages of EES:

     • Saves time by replacing manual passport stamping.
     • Automates border control procedures for more efficient travel.
     • It helps identify travellers who overstay or use fake identities or passports.
     • Contributes to preventing, detecting, and investigating serious criminal offences.

  • EES Official Website

   Remember, additional information about the EES system will be confirmed by authorities, including application acceptance details. For further resources, check out the ETIAS and the official EES website. 
  
    

• Alpine Mountaineering - Guides

  All our mountaineering trips are run by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. 

• Alpine Climate

  The Alps generally have a very pleasant climate throughout the spring, summer and autumn with warm days and cool nights, with daytime temperatures in the valley around 25 - 30°C. At high altitude the temperature often goes down below -10 and can feel even colder with wind chill.

• Trip level & Stamina requirements

  To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, all participants must meet the specified skill and stamina levels required for each trip, as outlined on the trip’s page at the time of booking.

  Please keep the following in mind:

  1. Trip Requirements: Before booking your trip, please review and confirm that you meet the necessary skill and stamina levels. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

  2. Guides' Discretion: Our guides and instructors are dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards. They have the authority to exclude any participant who does not meet the required skill or stamina levels or whose participation could compromise the group's safety. This decision will be made with the utmost consideration.

  3. Responsibility for Costs: Should you be unable to continue with the trip due to inadequate skill or stamina, any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Our goal is to provide a memorable and safe adventure for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  For further information please refer to the Terms & Conditions.