Obergabelhorn
The traverse of the Obergabelhorn from the Arben bivouac is an absolute dream tour - wonderful ridge climbing on a Valais four-thousander!
Tour Details
Private Tour
| 1 person | CHF 2190 |
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 1050m | 450m | 8km | approx. 4-5 hours |
| 2 | 1000m | 1000m | 5km | approx. 8-10 hours |
Day 1: Approach to Arben bivouac 3224m
After meeting in Zermatt we take the cable car to Schwarzsee. From there we hike easily down to Stafelalp. On the other side of the valley, the trail leads us steeply up along the Arbenbach, then takes a direct line up the moraine. A few rock steps are overcome using ladders and chains. The last few metres to the hut are over snow and scree. What a unique spot! In the last rays of the sun we can dry our shoes and rest for the coming day.
Day 2: Traverse of the Obergabelhorn 4063m
By the light of our headlamps we start. A bit of climbing, a bit of scrambling and soon we're on the Arbengrat. Once on the ridge, easy and logical climbing leads up; a bit later on are a few steeper sections with tougher climbing. The view down over the south face of the Obergabelhorn is breathtaking. And before you know it we’re on the summit of the Obergabelhorn 4063m. With a sip of Tea and something to nibble on, we can take in the great view of the 4000 m peaks of Valais. Soon though we have to start the long descent via the Rothornhütte. Over rock and ice we descend the north-east ridge to the Wellenkuppe, then drop down onto the Trift glacier which is crossed in a big arc to the Rothornhütte 3197m. Here we can allow ourselves a little break before continuing the descent to Zermatt. There is also the option to stay a night in the Rothornhütte after the strenuous tour and tackle the descent to Zermatt the next morning with fresh energy.
| Season | June - September |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 11:15am Train station in Zermatt |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- 1 overnight stay at the Arbenbiwak
- 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 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.