The lightest 4000
It goes high for high altitude touring beginners
Breithorn (4,165 m), Strahlhorn (4,190 m), Allalinhorn (4,027 m), Bishorn (4,153 m) and Alphubel (4,206 m) are considered technically easy four-thousand-metre peaks. Nevertheless, the normal routes are anything but boring "glacier hikes". Even the Valais Breithorn surprises with a bold summit ridge and fantastic views. On the Allalinhorn, wild glacier crevasses are impressive, the Alphubel, like the Bishorn, offers serious high-altitude touring ambience and the Strahlhorn is one of the four-thousand-metre classics. To reach the respective summits, you not only need to be in good physical condition for an ascent of up to five hours and be suitably acclimatized, but above all you need an appropriate pace, good weekly planning and the right timing on day X to reach the day's goal as effectively as possible and with minimal risk, taking into account the day's temperature and other factors. The panorama from the individual peaks is simply phenomenal and a fair reward for the effort.
You can find more information about the preparation and the requirements at vivalpin.blog.
Program and schedule
- State certified mountain guide:in
- Hut reservation
- Edelrid mountaineering equipment with crampons, ice axe, helmet, climbing harness
- Online training (1 h)
- Course documents
Day 1: Meeting points in Saas Grund, repetition of crampon technique on the Trift glacier.
2nd day: Ascent of the Allalinhorn (4,027 m) via the normal route from Mittelallalin.
Day 3: Depending on conditions Strahlhorn (4,190 m) or change of hut or hut ascent.
Day 4-5: Depending on the weather and conditions, ascent of Breithorn (4,165 m), Bishorn (4,154 m) or Alphubel (4,206 m).
Day 6: Reserve day, journey home.
Program Change: All courses and guided tours are conscientiously organized and carried out in accordance with the safety standards of the Vivalpin Mountain and Ski School with qualified mountain guides. Adjustments to the proven tour program are possible for safety-related reasons such as bad weather, dangerous conditions or insufficient conditions of the participants. The decision on the final program is made by the mountain guide on site.
- Up to 1,500 m ascent and 1,900 m ascent in descent
- Condition for up to 6 h ascent
- Surefootedness and A head for heights
- Mountain Experience, Experience in walking with crampons or ice course
- see also on our blog: Preparation for high and four-thousand-meter tours

"For many people, the easy four-thousand-meter peaks are the first step into the world of alpine touring. You can prepare well by improving your physical condition, by testing your equipment, especially your shoes, and above all by arriving a few days before and acclimatizing.
On all summit ascents, you will be well secured to your guide's rope and will quickly become accustomed to walking with crampons."
Moni Hümmer
State certified mountain and ski guide
since 2020 with VIVALPIN