Easy four-thousanders in Switzerland
First steps into mountaineering
In summer 2027 Lumiversumi is once again organising a dream week in Zermatt and the Saas Valley for everyone who has become interested in mountains and mountaineering but has not yet dared to try it.
During the week we practise the basic skills of easy mountaineering, such as moving on a glacier, acclimatisation, easy rock climbing and basic rope techniques, and of course we climb easy big mountains over 4,000 metres high, such as the Allalinhorn, Breithorn and/or Pollux. In Europe 4,000 metres is a kind of magical height, since there are only about 60 mountains higher than that. In the Alpine countries, "collecting four-thousanders" is a popular pastime.
Four-thousanders are always real mountains, and in Europe they are found in only three countries: Switzerland, France and Italy. At 4,000 metres you are already high enough that a short acclimatisation (getting used to the thin air) is in order. After a day or two of hiking, the body is usually ready for a quick and easy first ascent of a four-thousander.
This week is excellent for people who have, for example, hiked in the Nordic countries but have not yet dared to venture to the summits of the Alps or other higher mountains. This week does not require any previous climbing experience. During the week you will see and experience three well-known Swiss alpine villages: the world-famous, magnificent Zermatt, car-free Saas Fee surrounded by four-thousanders, and small, idyllic Saas Grund.
Directly after the Easy four-thousanders we also organise a short (3-day) Mont Blanc ascent trip for those who want to climb the highest peak in Europe. This Easy four-thousanders week works well as an acclimatisation week before the Mont Blanc ascent. If you are interested in this Mont Blanc add-on, contact us and ask for more information!
Easy four-thousanders in Switzerland
Program of the week
TRIP PROGRAMME (preliminary)
Day 1 Flight to Geneva and transfer from Geneva Airport to Saas Grund. Accommodation at Pension Heino.
Day 2 Hiking on your own around Saas Grund.
Day 3 Early in the morning we drive up to the village of Saas Fee, take the lifts up to about 3,500 metres and climb the first four-thousander, the Allalinhorn, height 4,027 metres.
Day 4 Transfer to Zermatt by car and train. Accommodation at a hotel, and in the afternoon possibly an activity, for example trying Via Ferrata climbing.
Day 5 Ascent of the Breithorn or Pollux, heights 4,164 / 4,092 metres. In the afternoon, practising glacier skills.
Day 6 Ascent of the Riffelhorn. This is an easy rock route that is a good first introduction to the rock sections you will encounter in mountain climbing.
Day 7 The last full day of the trip is reserved for relaxing and hiking on your own. Alternatively, it serves as a reserve day if the weather has not allowed the programme to be carried out on the previous days.
Day 8 Transfer from Zermatt to Geneva Airport and flight home.
Flights and ground transport
Transfers from Geneva Airport to Saas Grund and from Zermatt to Geneva Airport by train / minibus. Transport between Saas Grund and Zermatt by car.
Passport and visa
Finnish citizens do not need a visa for Switzerland.
Difficulty level
Intermediate to demanding. No technical skills are required; whatever is needed will be taught during the trip.
Equipment (if ski trip)
We will send participants a detailed equipment list together with the information pack.
Price
Minimum number of participants 4.
Price includes
- Accommodation with breakfast for 7 nights: 3 nights in a 2–3-star hotel/guesthouse in Saas Grund or Saas Fee and 4 nights in a 2–3-star hotel in Zermatt
- Transfers by minibus or car from Geneva Airport to Saas Grund, from Saas Grund to Zermatt and from Zermatt back to Geneva Airport (+ train / minibus between Täsch – Zermatt – Täsch)
- Free use of lifts in Saas Grund and Saas Fee for 3 days + in Zermatt for 3 days
- Guiding and instruction by a mountain guide on three or four days (2 ascents of four-thousanders, Breithorn and Allalinhorn, and one day climbing the Riffelhorn rock route). On rest days, for an additional fee, there is the option of, for example, Via Ferrata climbing or somewhat more demanding mountain ascents (such as the Pollux/Breithorn half traverse).
- All costs of the mountain guides
Price excludes
- Flights
- Additional days' mountain guide fees / costs
Accommodation
Cosy 2–3-star hotels in Saas Grund and Zermatt.