Mountaineering coaching level 1 | Almagell - Weissmies - Lagginhorn

Learn and practise while climbing great 4,000 metre peaks together!

Technics
Endurance
To the dates and registration

Almagell Weissmies

During these high-altitude touring days, we work together to expand our knowledge and skills in high-altitude touring - and put them directly into practice on varied tours. The region around the Weissmies offers ideal training terrain, grippy granite for scrambling and fantastic glacier tours. On the first two days, we refresh our knowledge and deepen it through practical exercises and shorter application tours. Afterwards, the programme includes the crossing of two easy 4000-metre peaks - a perfect opportunity to apply what we have learned to real-life touring. We start at the Almagellerhütte, where ideal training terrain and the best granite await us. From here we cross the Weissmies - depending on the conditions via the classic south ridge or the somewhat more challenging Rotgrat (SW ridge) - and descend to the Hohsaas mountain hotel. There we enjoy a well-earned shower before planning the next tour together. On the last day, the Lagginhorn is on the programme - either as an ascent via the west ridge or as a traverse via the Fletschhorn and north ridge. The descent is made easier by the mountain railway from Hohsaas.

This alpine tour coaching is aimed at anyone who already has some experience of alpine tours (e.g. from a basic course) and would like to deepen their knowledge in the areas of tour planning, rope handling and application tactics. We will be travelling in three rope teams - with plenty of room for individual coaching and learning together as a rope team.

  • Procedure and meeting place

    • Day 1 - Course start Welcome and getting to know each other

      10:04 Almagell village square, ride on the Furggas cable car

      We get to know each other and clarify your expectations.

    • Day 1 - Approach and rock training

      We start right away with the first training blocks and knowledge transfer in perfect course terrain around the Almagellerhütte.

      Daily destination: Synchronisation of security technology and updates to the latest status.

      Course content: 

      • Efficient movement in the rock
      • Stages of rock stabilisation
        • Level I: Short rope
        • Level II: short steps
        • Level III: Micro rope lengths
        • Level IV: Rope lengths burdock
      • Abseiling technique
      • Stand construction

      Tour planning (evening)

      • 3×3 tour planning
      • Risk check
    • Day 2 - Application tour, learning and applying

      On the second day we apply what we have learnt and gain further experience on an application tour and prepare for the upcoming tours.

      Daily destination: Apply and consolidate

      Course content: 

      • Belaying in the rock
      • Moving in the rock
      • Efficient route finding
      • Moving with ice axe and crampons
      • Abseiling

      Tour planning (evening)

      • 3×3 tour planning
      • Risk check

      Reflection and tour planning

      • Expectations and feedback
      • Where do we stand - what is still missing?
        • Tour planning
    • Day 3 - Application tour, apply and consolidate

      On the third day, the crossing of the Weissmies is planned, always adapted to the prevailing conditions and the group constellation.

      Daily destination: Gain practical experience and be safe when travelling. What can I do and where do I feel safe!

      Course content: 

      • Use rock stabilisation steps correctly
        • Level I: Short rope
        • Level II: short steps
        • Level III: Micro rope lengths
        • Level IV: Rope lengths burdock
      • Direct feedback on the securing technique
      • Be safe on the road

      Tour planning (evening)

      • 3×3 tour planning
      • Risk check

      Reflection and tour planning

      • Expectations and feedback
      • Where do we stand - what is still missing?
        • Tour planning

       

    • Day 4 - Application tour, apply and consolidate

      15:00 Saas Grund

      On the fourth day, the ascent of the Lagginhorn is planned, always adapted to the prevailing conditions and the group constellation.

      Daily destination: Gain practical experience and be safe when travelling. What can I do and where do I feel safe!

      Course content: 

      • Use rock stabilisation steps correctly
        • Level I: Short rope
        • Level II: short steps
        • Level III: Micro rope lengths
        • Level IV: Rope lengths burdock
      • Direct feedback on the securing technique
      • Be safe on the road

      Reflection

      • Feedback
      • What's next?
    • Conclusion

      3:00 pm

      We finalise the coaching together

  • Place of execution

    Wallis Almagell - Weissmies

    Tour destinations:

    • White gravel
    • Lagginhorn

    Overnight stay:

    2 x Almagellerhütte,
    1 x mountain hotel Hohsaas

  • Requirements

    • You have some experience of mountaineering and have already attended a mountaineering course.
    • You know the basics of leading a rope team independently. We will be travelling in 2-3 rope teams, 2 of which will be independent.
    • Ensure mastery of the lead.
    • You have first experience with ice axe and crampons.
    • Condition for high altitude tours with around 1000hm ascent and descent at a comfortable pace (~300hm/h).
  • Price and services

    • CHF 1140.-
    • Small group with 4 - 6 guests per mountain guide.
    • Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
    • Including accommodation costs with half board.
    • Excluding travel expenses, possible train tickets, personal consumption.
  • Material and equipment

    • For this tour you need the following material from this PDF. We carry our equipment with us all the time. Pack only what is necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, preferably via the Contact form

Accommodation

  • Almagellerhütte

    The Almagellerhütte (2,894 m, SAC Niesen section) is located on the south side of the Weissmies and is a popular starting point for high-alpine tours in the Saas Valley.

    Almagellerhütte
  • Hohsaas mountain lodge

    The Hohsaas Hut is located at 3,140 metres above sea level on the western side of the Lagginhorn and Weissmies in Valais, directly at the top station of the Saas-Grund-Hohsaas cable car.

    Hohsaas mountain lodge

That's what our guests say:

Marina Kraus

Very good coaching to get feedback and tips for your own leadership work. After the four days I was definitely more confident on the road and I'm already looking forward to the next tours so that I can apply what I've learnt.

Impressions: Alpine tours coaching Weissmies - Almagell

    Firngrat to the Weissmies
    Crevasse
    Micro pitches

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Search for your dream tour

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Category

Period

Information on endurance and technique

Here you will find the organisation of our tours as a guideline. If you are unsure which level suits you best, feel free to get in touch - We can help you!

Technics

Technology 1 - for beginners

Easy tours, suitable for beginners. The terrain is easy and moderate. No previous mountaineering experience is necessary.

High toursExperience in hiking and walking in pathless terrain. No previous knowledge of mountaineering necessary.

Technique 2 - Leisurely tours

Easy to slightly challenging tours with short, steeper sections that we master together and with coaching. You are ready for this level after a basic or taster course.

High toursYou know the basics of using ice axes and crampons. There are easy scrambling sections up to 1° difficulty.

Technique 3 - Medium tours

Medium-difficulty tours with short, technical sections that are easy to do with some previous experience. You have already done a few tours and feel confident with your equipment and technique.

High toursYou have practice walking with ice axe and crampons. There are scrambling sections up to the 2nd level of difficulty.

Technique 4 - First big tours

Challenging tours with longer, steeper passages that require a good level of experience and skill. We secure these sections with ropes and coach you through difficult sections. Suitable for adventure-seekers with solid basic training.

High toursYou have experience with ice axes and crampons and you can move efficiently on easy rocky terrain. There are scrambling sections up to the 3rd level of difficulty.

Technique 5 - Grand tours

Very demanding tours, with technical passages that require a good level of experience and skill. These are secured, but smooth, rapid progress is required. For experienced climbers with plenty of experience and a thirst for adventure.

High toursYou have extensive experience with ice axes and crampons. You move efficiently and safely in alpine terrain. Climbing routes up to the 4th level of difficulty.

Endurance

Endurance 1 - Easy tours

Easy tours with plenty of time to take a break and enjoy.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 500 - 800 metres per day, 
  • Pace: approx. 250 - 300 m / h.
Endurance 2 - Leisurely tours

"Normal" tour at a leisurely pace with 800 - 1000 vertical metres per day, ~300 hm / h.

Endurance 3 - Medium tours

Longer tours at a steady, fluid pace. A solid basic level of fitness is required here.

  • Elevation gain: approx. 1200 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 4 - First big tours

Long and challenging tours at a brisk but constant pace. Ideal for active sports enthusiasts.

  • Elevation gain: up to 1500 metres per day
  • Pace: approx. 350 m / h.
Endurance 5 - Long tours

Very long tours with more than 1500 metres in altitude per day. Requires very good fitness and stamina.

  • Elevation metres: 1500 m + per day
  • Pace: approx. 400 m / h.

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