Nadelgrat 4x 4000m Summit
Crossing the Nadelgrat from north to south is a unique experience: We climb 4 four-thousanders in one day! After spending the night in the Bodier hut, we first climb Chli Dirruhorn, followed by the first of our 4000ers: the Dirruhorn, then the Hohbärghorn, Stecknadelhorn, and finally the main summit of Nadelhorn before descending to the Mischabelhütte.
Tour Details
Private Tour
1 person | CHF 2590 |
Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
1 | 1250m | 50m | 6.5km | approx. 5-6 hours |
2 | 1900m | 1350m | 10km | approx. 10-12 hours |
3 | 50m | 1050m | 3.5km | approx. 3-4 hours |
Day 1: Approach to the Bordier hut 2886m
After meeting in Gasenried we set off up along the Riedbach, soon leaving the shaded comfort of the forest. The moraine is reached via alpine pastures – now we leave all green vegetation behind. Finally we cross the rubble-strewn glacier and climb up to reach the Bordier hut. We enjoy the panorama and scout the route, which is visible, in preparation for the following day.
Day 2: The Nadelgrat
Early morning, by the light of our headlamps, we drop back down onto the Riedgletscher. We cross it then scramble up a steep, rubble-covered flank into the Galenjoch. Once on the ridge we follow this to the Chli Dirruhorn - the rock is sometimes solid, sometimes not. After a short descent we climb our first 4000er of the day - the Dirruhorn 4035m. Easier climbing leads down to the Dirrujoch and then its up a steep firn slope and a rocky ridge to the Hohbärghorn 4219m. The climbing on the Nadelhorn is beautiful, but sometimes quite demanding. We reach the Stecknadelhorn 4241m via an increasingly narrow ridge. A short descent to the Nadeljoch then it’s up again. Finally we reach the summit of the Nadelhorn 4327m - our last- and highest peak of the day. What a view - If the weather allows, from here we can see the highest mountains in all the Alps - from Mont Blanc to Dufourspitze and to Dom – unique! The space available on the summit of Nadelhorn is limited, so we soon begin the descent. We climb down on rock and snow to reach the flattening of the Windjoch. Then its down to- and across the Hohbalm glacier on route to the Mischabel hut 3340m. From the hut veranda we can enjoy the view over Saas Fee and the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Descent to Saas Fee
Today we get a lie in! In sunshine we can descend the rocky mountain path down to the top station of the Hannigbahn. The cable car brings us finally down to Saas Fee and terra firma. With a coffee and a slice of humble pie, we can relax and reminisce.
Season | June - September |
Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
Meeting point | 10am Gasenried, Post |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- Expenses and 2 overnights for the mountain guide
- Hut reservation
- Summit Certificate
- Your expenses
- 2 nights in bunk room with half-board and tea for the next day
- 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 one)
- 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.