Piz Bernina Biancograt
Climbing the Piz Bernina via the Biancograt is definitely one of the dream tours in the Alps. The long journey via this magnificent snow arête is breathtaking; the airy, technical finish will make any mountaineer’s heart beat faster!
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Very Sporty
- Experience Level: Advanced
Private Tour
1 person | CHF 2190 |
Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
1 | 650m *(+250m) | 650m *(+ 0m) | 4.5km *(+6.5km) | approx. 3 hours |
2 | 1750m | 2400m | 17.5km | approx. 12-15 hours |
*You can get by carriage to Val Roseg. If you walk from Ponstresina it's this longer.
Day 1: Approach to the Tschierva hut 2573m
The approach to the Tschierva hut can be done independently. The guide will meet you up there just before dinner.
Day 2: The Biancograt
Early morning, we head out in the direction of Piz Morteratsch. We reach the edge of the Tschierva Glacier via rock bands and scree cones. From there we climb a steepening snow slope. Before reaching Fuorcla Prievlusa, depending on conditions, we can stay in the snow, or swap to a section of via ferrata. Looking up from the pass, we are finally face-to-face with the beautiful Biancograt. The first section leads up to Piz Bianco 3995m, from where the climbing gets more demanding. The final metres of climbing up to the summit of Piz Bernina 4049m involve some beautiful climbing. After a decent break to admire the view, we can begin the descent via the normal route to Rifugio Marco e Rosa. From there we continue via the Bellavista terrace to the Fortezzagrat, then down onto the Fortezza glacier and across to Isla Pers. After another short break, we continue down the Morteratsch glacier to join the hiking path, which we follow to Morteratsch. We will remember this day for years to come.
Season | June - September |
Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
Meeting point | 17:30pm at the Tschierva hut |
- 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
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.