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Ski Tour Nordend

Nordend is the second highest peak in Switzerland. At 4609m, it is only a few metres smaller than its famous neighbour, the Dufourspitze. The skitour to the Nordend is long and tiring. We start the ascent from the Monte Rosa hut in the dark. Step by step we ascend the Monte Rosa glacier, passing many impressive crevasses until we reach the Silbersattel. Finally the sun warms us and we traverse the final ridge to the summit of Nordend. The descent from the Silbersattel to the Furi or even down to Zermatt rewards us for all our efforts.

Quick Facts

 Ski Tour to a Summit where Italy and Switzerland meet
 2 Days
 Experience Level: Competent
 Fitness Level: Very Sporty
 Overnight stay at the Monte Rosa hut included
 Summit Certificate

1195 CHF 부터

1195 CHF 부터

Tour Details

Private Tour

1 person CHF 2195
2 people CHF 1195 per person

 

Day Elevation + Elevation - Kilometers Walking time
1 600m 1150m 11.5km approx. 5-6 hours
2 1700m 1700m 10.5km approx. 6-7 hours + hut descent

 

Day 1: From the Klein Matterhorn via the Schwarztor to the Monte Rosa Hütte 2883m

After meeting in Zermatt we'll head over to the Klein Matterhorn cablecar. Just over half an hours ride will bring us to the top station (3883 m) from where we'll begin the tour. A slightly uphill traverse on skins takes us across the Breithorn plateau. A short descent then takes us to below the Rossi Bivoauc, from where we will need to skin again to gain the Schwarztor (3726 m). Now a great descent through an unforgettable glacier world awaits: one of the best in the area of Zermatt. After countless glorious turns we will come down to join the Gornergletscher. Once there, a final change to skins and a straightforward ascent will bring us to the Monte Rosa Hut at 2883 m. A cold beer is well deserved and we can enjoy the evening views from the panoramic terrace outside.

Day 2: Summit ski tour to the Nordend 4609m

Today we make an early start, then its up, up and away. By headlamp we start out across the Monte Rosa glacier. With each step high the air gets thinner (hopefully you've acclimatised for this one). A slow consistent pace will be employed this day. If we've kept this steady pace we should arrive at the Silbersattel around sunrise. Now we stand between the two highest mountains in Switzerland: the Dufourspitze to the south, Nordend (literally north end) to the north. Here we will switch from skis to crampons and make the final climb along the summit ridge. Here we are - at 4609 m above sea level! After a few selfies and bites of chocolate we can head back to our ski depot at the saddle. A long descent awaits. A pit stop back at the Monte Rosa hut for a cold drink and slice of pie is most customary! The glucose in our blood will sustain us for the rest of the descent. This can be done one of two ways: through the gorge and via Furi directly to Zermatt or, what's often done later in the season when there is less snow cover, via Rotenboden and/or Riffleberg, where from either of which we can catch the train. Back in Zermatt its time to relax and find the brasserie.

Season March - May
Departures for private tours Private tours can be booked daily
Meeting point 8:15am train station Zermatt

 

  • 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 (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
  • Beanie or headband
  • Extra underwear and socks
  • Thermal underwear 

Footwear

  • Ski touring boots or snowboard 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
  • Identity card
  • 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
  • Ski touring skis or splitboard with skins and tele crampons
  • Ski poles (preferrably telescopic)
  • LVS (avalanche transceiver)
  • Avalanche probe
  • Avalanche shovel

 

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

0041 (0)33 224 07 01

info(at)outdoor.ch

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. 

General Terms and Conditions

You don't own the equpiment needed? Rent it from us:

Winter rentals

Summer rentals

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