BERNESE ALPS TRAVERSE: 5th -18th Aug 2006

Planned Itinerary

Sat Aug 5th : Arrive in Evolène in early evening; briefing and kit check, meet Guide

Sun Aug 6th : Drive to Les Diablerets and Col du Pillon (2hrs); cablecar to 2971m then ascend Les Diablerets (3210m), 2hrs grade F � most westerly summit of the Bernese Alps, stunning views of all of Western Alps .

Descend Glacier de Tsanflueron to Prarochet Hut (3hrs)

Mon Aug 7th : Traverse Alpelistock (3035m) and descend to Gelten Hut (2002m), 6hrs, F; glacier and ropework training.

Tues Aug 8th : Traverse of the Wildhorn (3246m) to Rawilpass (2429m) and trek to Wildstrubel Hut (2791m), 9-10hrs, grade PD

Wed Aug 9th : Traverse Wildstrubel (3243m) to Gemmipass and walk to Schwarenbach Hotel (2060m), 7-8hrs, grade F+.

Thurs Aug 10th : Ascent of Altels (3629m) 7-8hrs return trip, grade PD (optional); then walk from Schwarenbach to Kandersteg (1176m); hotel accommodation

Fri Aug 11th : Rest day in Kandersteg; take a chairlift and relax by the magnificent Oeschinensee lake under the Bluemisalp peaks; restocking of food and clothes washing; stay in hotel for second night

Sun Aug 13th : Ascent of Tschingelhorn (3562m), PD and descent of Uistertal to Fafleralp (1787m), 7-8hrs; walk up to Anen Hut (2358m)

Mon Aug 14th : Traverse Lötschenlücke (3178m) to the Aletsch Glacier basin, grade F; walk down Grosser Aletschfirn to the Konkordia Hut (2850m), one of the finest locations in the Alps.

Tues Aug 15th : Ascent of Grünegghorn (3860m), PD or Wysnollen (3569m), F, and traverse Grünhornlücke to Finsteraarhorn Hut (3030m); 7-9hrs.

Wed Aug 16th : Ascent of Finsteraarhorn (4274m) � highest of the Bernese Alps; simple snow and glacier ascent with rocky ridge to finish, PD; return to Finsteraarhorn Hut; 7-8hrs

Thurs Aug 17th : traverse Gemschlicke (3335m) and cross Studer Glacier to Oberaarjoch Hut (3258m), 5-6hrs, F+.

Fri Aug 18th : Morning ascent of Oberaarhorn (3637m), F, 2½ hrs; then walk out to Grimselpass, 3hrs, to meet minibus transport; return to Evolène, chalet or B&B accommodation.

Sat Aug 19th : Travel home

Note: the route may be varied according to weather and group preference; several of the mountain ascents are optional

1:50000 Maps sheets 263 Wildstrubel and 264 Jungfrau cover most of the route

PRICE: £1,180 includes 12 days mountain guiding, 2 nights Full-board and 2 nights Half-board valley accommodation (on the second night at Kandersteg and last night in Evolène you are free to eat out at a restaurant of choice); minibus support and collection; all Guide's expenses; Daytime Hill food/snacks; Hot Water/Brews at Huts.

Not included: Half-board Mountain Hut accommodation: 10 nights (average £25 per nt); cablecars, mountain railways if used; Drinks; Personal Insurance

Single Room Supplement: £50