Available trips
No trips currently scheduled
Please contact us if you are intrested in future trips.
Skill: ***/*
The intermediate level hut-to-hut ski tours are aimed at newcomers to multi-day hut-to-hut ski touring. However participants
should have completed some day tours and have basic ski touring experience – e.g. familiarity with using skins and skinning
technique, conversions/kick-turns. You need to be able to walk uphill on some steep and exposed slopes with boot crampons while
carrying your skis on your rucksack.
You need to be a competent off-piste skier capable of skiing 15 - 20 continuous turns off-piste on most slopes and with the
confidence to tackle steeper pitches in tricky conditions.
These tours differ from the beginner level tours in that ascents & descents will be more demanding – i.e. longer &
steeper.
Stamina: ****
Stamina-wise, you need to be able to ski all day for 6 consecutive days at a steady pace. On these courses the maximum
skinning will be 3 - 4 hours per day. Ski touring is hard work and we do find most newcomers are surprised by just how
physically demanding it can be! These tours differ from the beginner level tours in that ascents & descents will be more
demanding – i.e. longer & steeper. You need to be able to carry a rucksack with all need for a week staying in mountain
huts.
To get maximum enjoyment from these trips you need to be working on your fitness well in advance of the tour which means
plenty of aerobic exercise like running/cycling/swimming.
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.
Itinerary
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 the Binntal hut (2267m). This area seems hidden
from the rest of Switzerland, giving it a wonderfully remote feel.
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 (3192m). 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!
This is a sample itinerary only and may be subject to change depending on snow and weather conditions.
Additional Information
Prices
All prices are per person.
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.
Group Size
The maximum guide:client ratio is 1:6
The maximum group size is 12 with 2 guides.
Accommodation and meals
You will stay 3 nights in one of Andermatt’s many hotels on half-board basis (twin-rooms). Our preferred hotel is the
Hotel Sonne. All rooms are ensuite. The hotel is a traditional Swiss hotel, family run with friendly staff. The hotel
restaurant serves continental breakfast and a 2 or 3 course evening meal. Portions are plentiful!
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.
Equipment
For a comprehensive kit list
click here A copy of this kit list will also be
sent to you at the time of booking.
Alpine touring equipment is essential for this tour.
Everyone is expected to ski at all times with the three essential items of avalanche safety equipment; transceiver,
shovel and probe.
If you ski off-piste regularly we recommend you purchase your own set. We use and recommend the DTS Tracker and these are
available to purchase through our recommended on-line retailer
FACEWEST.
Click here for details.
Alternatively the guides do usually have a number of sets available for hire.
Equipment Hire
If you need to hire ski equipment in Andermatt we recommend Alpina Sport, Gotthardstrasse 101
Telefon +41 (0)41 887 17 88 You must contact them in advance to reserve equipment.
Getting there
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.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured for guided ski touring with cover for personal accident, rescue and
third party risks. You are strongly advised also to take out cover against cancellation and curtailment.
If you are looking to purchase insurance for your trip we recommend
SNOWCARD. They specialise in travel insurance for adventure sports particularly skiing
and snowboarding. Their rates for both single trip and annual policies are very competitive.
For details on their policies and to get a quote
CLICK HERE or contact our office
for further details.