Dent Blanche
The Dent Blanche is a stunning mountain, one of the most beautiful in Valais. A ridge runs out from its peak in each cardinal direction; our route to the 4358m high summit leads over the south ridge via some very enjoyable climbing.
Tour Details
Private Tour
| 1 person | CHF 2190 |
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 1800m | 0m | 8km | approx. 6 hours |
| 2 | 950m | 950m | 4.5km | approx. 8-10 hours + hut descent |
Day 1: Approach to Cabane de la Dent Blanche 3507m
The approach to the Cabane de la Dent Blanche is one of the longest hut approaches in Switzerland. After meeting in Ferpècle, we start hiking at a leisurely pace. Soon the trail climbs more steeply up to Bricola. A long traverse leads us to the moraine fields of the Glacier des Manzettes. We climb up to Roc Noir over rubble, snow and boulders. A short glacier crossing brings us to the hut, where we can stretch out our toes in the sun.
Day 2: Ascent of Dent Blanche 4357m
Early morning, we climb by the light of our headlamps to reach the firn slope, which leads us up to the Wandfluelücke (saddle). From there we follow the ridge, which slowly becomes steeper and rockier. The climbing on this ridge is unique - solid, structured rock everywhere you look. Next we negotiate the Great Gendarme, followed by several smaller towers. Step by step we get closer to the summit. A last tower and a short snow/rock ridge and we are on the summit of Dent Blanche 4357m. For the descent we follow the route of ascent, though bypassing the Great Gendarme on the west side. The cake is waiting back at the hut, ready to fuel the final descent to the valley.
| Season | June - September |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 10:00am Ferpècle |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- 1 night in bunk room with half-board
- Tea for the next day
- Summit Certificate
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)
Backpack
- 25-30l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
Footwear
- Crampon proof mountaineering boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Silk sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- SAC / DAV permit (if you have)
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Ice axe
- Helmet
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.