Switzerland, Europe

The Eiger Trek

The Eiger Trek will take you through stunning scenery and pass directly beneath the celebrated north face of the Eiger. Starting in Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland, this high alpine week combines high altitude trekking with some exhilarating via ferrata. You will be experiencing trekking on glaciated terrain and use crampons and glacier travel techniques. This route is not greatly travelled, so for much of the week we'll have the mountains to ourselves as we traverse the Oberland range staying in comfortable and well-equipped huts.

Day Itinerary

  • Travel to Interlaken. Evening meeting and briefing with the guide. Dinner and stay overnight in a hotel in the town.
  • From Interlaken we take the Jungfrau railway to Lauterbrunnen and on to the Eigergletscher station situated at 2320m below the western flank of the Eiger. The walk starts from here along the famous 'Eiger Trail' which runs directly beneath the north face of the Eiger and continues on down to Grindelwald where we stay overnight.
  • From Grindelwald take the chairlift up to First and pick up the trail that leads up to Schilt and continues on to the summit of the Schwartzhorn. The ridge is equipped with fixed ladders and cables (Via Ferrata) and is an exciting but very safe climb to the summit where there are wonderful views of the Oberland range. Descend on a well marked track to Rosenlaui or Schwarzwald.
  • The trail starts through a narrow gorge and continues along a steep uphill trail with fixed ladders and cables providing assistance on the steepest sections. On reaching the ridge it’s a scramble up to the small but welcoming Dossen hut.
  • Today is mostly on snow & ice traversing the snowslopes below the Dossen and the Ränfenhorn to the Gauli hut
  • This is another big day on glacial terrain and usually without coming across any other walkers until arriving at the Bächlital hut!
  • From the hut a good path leads steeply down into the Handegg valley where we follow a pleasant track as it descends through the valley to the main road. Take the bus back to Interlaken for the last night.
  • Depart after breakfast.

All prices for 2020 are Early Bird prices. Book early to keep the low price for your trip!

The price includes all guide fees & expenses and 5 nights half-board accommodation in mountain huts, 2 nights B&B in hotel in Interlaken (twin share)

The price does not include travel to and from Interlaken, 2 evening meals, lunches, beverages, local transfers and uplift costs.

On the Eiger Trek we estimate the cost for local transfers and uplifts will be in the region of £70-80 per person which is not included in the price and needs to be paid for locally in Swiss Francs.

 

We proudly offer our returning customers and the Ski Club of Great Britain members a discount.

The promotion is valid for qualifying bookings made before the end of October 2024 using the discount codes provided at the checkout.

 

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This list contains our recommended clothing and equipment for our multi-day Eiger treks.

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 what to pack or need further information, please contact us.

    • 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. A short-sleeved top is worth brining too for hot days. 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 primalotf 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.

  • The Haute Route is a glacier trek and significant time is spent walking on snow and ice. You therefore require a boot which is ‘B2’ rated. This is a semi-rigid boot available in either leather or 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.

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

    Alpine huts supply hut slippers, croc type shoes, that you can use.  We do recommend you pack a pair of flip-flops for the night you spend in Arolla on our Haute Route Trek as the hotel does not supply any shoes and its more comfortable to walk around in these than your boots or socks!

    • 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.


  • These items are essential for all our alpine trekking trips.

    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)
  • It is possible to hire boots and the technical items needed for our alpine trekking trips in resort. Prices do change by resort/country, but here’s an approximate guide to hire costs (for the 8 day trip):
    Mountaineering boots €70-80 
    Ice Axe €50
    Harness €40
    Boot crampons €50-60

    Our guides are also able to hire these technical items to you for your trip (excluding boots).

    If you wish to hire from Mountain Tracks then please contact us in advance to book this up.

Interlaken.jpg

Interlaken

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Interlaken is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland and is our preferred starting point for our ski touring / trekking / climbing excursions into the Oberland massif.

It is the largest town in the Jungfrau region and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland.

Interlaken is located between Lake Brienz to the east and Lake Thun to the west and takes its name from its geographical position between the lakes.

Our top reasons for visiting Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland:
  • Taking the Jungfrau railway through the north face of the Eiger to the Eismeer and Jungfraujoch
  • The Bernese Oberland is the highest range in the Alps and has wonderful remote ski touring until late May
  • Some of the best alpine mountaineering itineraries in the Alps including the infamous Eiger
  • No resort or piste skiing = a fantastic venue for intermediate-advanced level ski touring
  • The majestic splendour of the mountains in full 360 panoramic-vision!

Resort Information:

Height of Resort: 570m
Highest Lift: 3,454m
Nearst Aiprort: Zurich, Geneva and Bern

Transfer Options: We recommend you take the train from Zurich airport to Interlaken. Connections are regular and the its takes about 2hrs for the journeyusually with 1 or 2 changes.

From Geneva journey time is 2hrs 50 mins with 1 or 2 changed. To look up train timetables use this link Swiss Railway Timetables.
  • 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.
     

  • Interlaken has good rail connections from the main airports of Geneva, Zurich and Basel.
    The approximate transfer times are:
    From Geneva airport: 3 hours (usually involves 2 changes)
    From Zurich airport: 2 hours and 15 minutes (usually involves just 1 change)
    From Basel airport: 3 hours (usually involves at least 2 changes including bus from the airport to the train station)

    There are 2 main railway stations in Interlaken, Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. We tend to use a hotel close to Interlaken West station.

  • All our trekking trips are run by our team of IFMGA Mountain Guides. The team is led by Olly Allen, Matt Dickinson and Nick Parks.

  • The maximum group size is 12 with 2 guides. The minimum group size is 5.
  • We stay in a combination of comfortable alpine hotels and traditional mountain huts.
    A typical breakfast will consist of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice, muesli, yoghurt, bread, butter, jam. During the day you carry 'hill food' e.g. snacks such as nuts & raisins, chocolate or muesli bars. Sometimes you will arrive at huts for a late lunch of omelettes, rosti (swiss fried mash) or pasta.
    The evening meals are usually a set menu of 3 courses plus cheese. Typical menu will be soup to start, a main dish of meat or pasta with mash or rice and vegetables. Dessert will be fruit or mousse.
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