Tour de la Dent Blanche: 12th April 2008

Starting in the beautiful Val d’Anniviers, Climb and ski a 4000 metre peak- the Bishorn(4153m)

A tour for the fit and experienced, involving high altitude and complex glacial terrain

The Val d’Anniviers where this tour starts is also known as the Royal Crown, and is reputed to be Switzerlands most beautiful valley! The massive peaks which surround this cirque are what gives you this impression of space. Set as it is on the linguistic boundary of German and French Switzerland these peaks seem to juggle both languages- La Dent Blanche, the Obergabelhorn, Le Grand Comier, the Zinalrothorn, Le Mont Durand and the Bishorn! Most of these are 4000 metre and their sharp arêtes are breathtaking.

The Dent Blanche around which the tour is based could be described as the perfect mountain with its 4 steep arêtes all meeting and forming a perfect sharp point in the sky. What a stunning setting for a 6 day tour which will take you through tormented glacial slopes and up steep Alpine cols. With one hut not guarded on the trip, and the first night to be spent in the splendid Victorian Hotel Weisshorn this tour has variety as well as great skiing in an exceptional environment.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Fly early to Geneva, transfer to Saint Luc and straight up the mountains
In order to make the most of the tour, we are encouraging people to get an early flight to Geneva so we can immediately head to the Hotel Weisshorn at 2337 metres. Not only will this give us the opportunity to spend a night in ths remarkable old establishment, but it will also allow us to make the best of the skiing tomorrow.

DAY 2 – Col de La Forcletta (2874m) to Cabane Turtmann
From the Hotel Weisshorn we traverse before climbing more steeply up a valley and finally a ridge to the col de La Forcletta. Here it is possible to do the Omen Rosso peak at 3041metres before the ski down to the Lake Turtmann(2174m). There follows a short peak to the Turtmann refuge.

DAY 3 – Cabane de Tracuit(3256m)
Today is a transition day in which we hope to set ourselves up for an attempt on the Bishorn(4153 metres) tomorrow. If the weather window is such that its better to go for the peak today, then with an early start this gives us the flexibility to do just that. Otherwise we will take the climb and traverse gently in order to acclimatize for tomorows peak. The night is spent at the Tracuit hut at altitude.

DAY 4 – The Bishorn(4153metres)
From the Cabane we traverse through a crevassed area before beginning the 900 metre climb. This at first heads to the col separating the Bishorn from the Steinberg before joining the North West slopes of the Bishorn. From here it is straight up to a col which separates its two peaks and then up to the top. The descent follows the same route at first before you put the skins back on and head for the col de Milon. From there the descent to the Cabane de L’Ar Pitetta.(2786m) . This is a very well equipped non guarded refuge.

DAY 5 –Glacier de Moming
Today provides an astonishing traverse and climb over very complex glacial terrain. The Moming glacier is heavily crevassed and our route takes us through zones of seracs and icefalls. The views over to the West face of the Weisshorn are fantastic.(In case of bad conditions there is an alternative route on this day) Once we have joined the shoulder of the Zinalrothorn we continue our climb before heading down to the Cabane de Mountet at 2886 metres.

DAY 6- To the Matterhorn
On this day we will ascend the Glacier Durand before heading to the col of the same name at 3451 metres, from which point we will have great views over to the North face of the Matterhorn. Our descent at this point is gentle as we aim to keep our height heading South towards a small pass at 3209 metres. A short climb follows this gentle descent before we head down the South West facing slopes which will lead us to the moraine on which the Schonbiellehutte is perched. In the afternoon sun we can enjoy our drink as we look onto the magnificent Matterhorn.

DAY 7- Tete Blanche(3710)
For many, the route we climb up the glacier to the summit of the Tete Blanche constitutes their final descent of the Haute Route down to Zermatt. Traffic on this day tends to go in the opposite direction to us. This means we get to savour the views of this terrain for longer. After a 1000 metres of climb we will arrive at the summit of the Tete Blanche where we will begin our descent down the Ferpecle Glacier to La forclaz. We will spend the night in Les Hauderes where our bags will be waiting for us at the Hotel Col d’Herens.

DAY 8 - Back to Geneva for flights
Transfer to Geneva Airport for connections back to the UK or on to the next ski tour......

Please Note: This itinerary may be altered if conditions, weather forecasts or the overall fitness of the group are judged to put the safety of the group at risk. Pyrenean Mountain Tour Guides reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary without notice. These changes will be explained to the group as and when they occur.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING NEEDED FOR THIS TREK
We recommend that people joining this trek are equipped with the following:

Technical equipment
Ski Touring Skis with Touring Bindings
Ski Poles
Skins (with good glue!)
Ski Crampons
Crampons
Ski Strap (for tying top of the skis together when carrying on rucksack)
Avalanche Transceiver
Snow Shovel
Climbing Harness

Clothing suggestions
Thermal underwear- 1 set as a base layer
Fleece
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof over trousers
Warm hat
Warm gloves
Warm walking socks
Sun hat or peaked cap
Sunglasses/Goggles

Other useful items
40-60 litre rucksack (needs side straps so that you can carry skis)
Head torch and batteries
Sun block for face and lips
Personal First Aid kit (plasters,compede, paracetamol)
Water bottle or Platypus
Penknife

Optional items
Change of clothing to include: underwear,tracksuit bottoms/ long-johns,dry shirt, spare socks.
Camera and film
Paperback novel
Maps
Ear plugs(there is always one snorer)
Snack bars/dried fruit/chocolate
Sheet sleeping bag (if you like them...)

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Ski Touring Equipment Hire
Pyrenean Mountain Tours offer a full equipment hire pack. You can hire everything you need for this tour or individual items at the costs shown in the table below. Costs shgown are per week. We are unable to provide equipment "last minute" so you need to book what you need well in advance.

Please remember to carry as little gear as possible. A heavy rucksack will make the trip hard work and less fun.