Grindelwald Ski Touring Week

• Overview

  • Sublime skiing in some of the world's most iconic mountains
  • Stay in Grindelwald hotel then head out each day to ski tour the surrounding terrain

  
  This ski-touring week is based in the well-known ski town of Grindelwald, which has the envious location under the mighty Eiger. Enjoy waking up each morning knowing that you have the option of skiing numerous runs beneath the spectacular mountains that surround the village or enjoying un-tracked powder turns through the numerous tree runs.

  Your guide will take pleasure in introducing you to their favourite locations enabling you to fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the area. You will be able to collaborate with them on the terrain and regions you would like to ski each day to maximise your enjoyment.

  We utilise a combination of funicular trains, ski lifts and ski touring to optimise our skiing time and each night you return to Grindelwald.

• Why AC?

  Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to their trips. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition and trip to offer our ski tourers the best possible experience.

  We employ strong and specialised IFMGA Ski Guides, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry.

  Many of our expedition members and climbers come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions and guided ski tours safe and successful.

• Payment Conditions

  • Inclusions & Exclusions
  • Payment Details

  Inclusions

  The price of your trip includes the following:

  • Ski tour guide
  • Group technical equipment
  • Lift passes as per the scheduled itinerary
  • Hut or hotel accommodation as per the scheduled itinerary
  • Local ground transport as per the scheduled itinerary
  • Breakfast & dinner during mountain component of the trip

  
  Exclusions

  The price of your trip does not include:

  • Any costs that are additional to the programme that come about due to changes to the programme caused by weather or organisational changes (any changes will generally be due to factors outside our control such as weather, lift failure, etc. and actioned only after you have been consulted by your guide)
  • Personal ski/mountaineering clothing and equipment as per lists supplied
  • Evening meals during hotel nights in town
  • Lunches
  • Extra additional meals or snacks/drinks purchased from huts/hotels
  • Insurance
  • Transport to and from trip departure location (although we can arrange it for you)
  • Gratuity

  Account Information

  For our European ski trips, prices are in Euros and must be settled in Euros. All prices are subject to change.

  All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:

  Bank of New Zealand
  Offshore Branch
  42 Willis Street
  Spark Central
  Wellington
  New Zealand

  for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited

  Account Number: 1000-594771-0002
  Account Type: Euros
  Swift Address: BKNZNZ22

  We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.

  Please note that in order to reserve a guide we recommend that you book well in advance. This especially applies to the high season period.

  Deposit

  In order to confirm a guide and your trip, we require a completed Booking Form and a deposit of €500.

  Balance Payment

  Full payment is due 60 days prior to the start date for your trip. We will send you receipts for all payments.

  Cancellation & Refund Policy

  Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. A skier may then cancel their participation on the following basis:

  • Cancellations outside of 60 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
  • For cancellations made within 60 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 50% of the full fee.
  • For cancellations made within 30 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 75% of the full fee.
  • For cancellations within 15 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.

  
  We recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent.

• Trip Notes

  • Trip Notes
  • The Team
  • Health & Fitness
  • More...

  The Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for the Adventure Consultants Grindelwald Ski Touring Week.
  
  You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:

  Grindelwald Ski Touring Week Trip Notes 2022

  Team Membership

  The number of guides is determined by the size of the group, the ratio of guides to climbers is 1:2 or 1:4 depending on the skill level of the group.

  Our Guides

  You will find the Adventure Consultants Mountain & Ski Guides companionable and strong guides with considerable power and willingness to see you enjoy your ski touring journey through the Alps.

  Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to their trips. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition and trip to offer our ski tourers the best possible experience.

  We employ strong and specialised leaders/mountain guides, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams with the best back-up and support available.

  Many of our climbers, ski tourers and trekkers come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make our expeditions and trips safe, enjoyable and successful.

  Head Office Support Team

  Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.

  Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
  
  Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
  
  

   

  

  Your Health

  Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and if you are on any medication. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.

  Level of Experience Required

  To ski tour in the European Alps you need to be physically fit, and be capable of strenuous exercise each day. Most days will start early, but there is usually some scope for some later starts and relaxed evenings to enjoy the classic European culture.

  Even skiing and climbing at the moderate altitudes in Europe has a definite physical effect on people. Most climbers and skiers notice a lower performance rate than normal. Touring days are physically demanding and can entail 1000m/3,300ft ascent at altitude.

  Difficulty Rating

  Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.

  Preparing for Your Trip

  To make the most of your skiing experience we encourage you to work on your fitness and skiing/snowboarding prior to the trip. Your guide places special focus on fitness levels and will regulate the pace accordingly. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for your trip.

  History

  The European Alps are full of climbing and skiing history. They are the birthplace of mountaineering and the rich heritage adds to the superb facilities (catered huts and lift systems), which provide for mountaineers and ski-tourers that is not seen elsewhere.

  Food

  You will be required to pay for your lunches and evening meals whilst on the trip. Any additional food, beverages or meals you purchase that are not mentioned in the inclusions will be at your own expense. In addition to lunches, it is a good idea to bring a small selection of your favourite snack food and hydration drinks with you to ensure you are fuelled by your preferred brands. Actual amounts depend on your consumption but two snacks per day would seem reasonable.

  If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration. If your dietary requirements are especially strict you are advised to bring a sufficient supply of your required food types with you to ensure you are provided for.

  Accommodation

  Accommodation is provided on a twin share basis in hotels for 6 nights. The hotels we utilise are clean and comfortable. If you prefer single accommodation or a higher standard of accommodation, we may be able to arrange this for you. Please enquire about options and costs at the time of booking.

  Clothing & Equipment

  Skiing in the European Alps requires high-quality clothing and equipment due to the extremes of weather conditions. Our focus is on having the essential clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable while touring. You will be sent an equipment checklist on confirmation of your booking and your guide will go through this with you at the beginning of your trip. You can rent ski touring equipment for the trip but you must provide your own appropriate mountaineering/ski clothing as per the equipment list. Actual equipment taken may vary subject to seasonal weather and route conditions. Group equipment including ropes and technical hardware will be provided by your guide.

• Itinerary

  • 3D Map
  • Map
  • Itinerary

  Day
  0	Arrival day in Grindelwald, Switzerland and overnight at hotel.
  1	Travel up the First Cable Car and then to the Oberjoch (2,486m/8,156ft) and from here, we ascend to the Faulhorn (2,681m/8,795ft) where we are treated to views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Lake Brienz. We then ski down to 1,600m/5,250ft near Bussalp or to the valley floor at 930m/3,050ft depending on how far our legs are willing to take us. This provides us with a good warm up day. Overnight at Grindelwald hotel.
  2	This morning we head to Isenfluh, where we catch a tiny 6 person cable car up to Sulwald (1,500m/4,920ft). From here, we ascend to Kleine Löbhorner at 2,519m/8,264ft and ski towards the scenic Soustal. There will be an option to combine this with ascending Schwalmere for an extra 400m/1,300ft ascent. We finish the day off by descending back to Isenfluh (1,080m/3,540ft) for another hotel night.
  3	We head off to explore the Rosenlaui Valley from where we will ascend from the Schwarzwaldalp Hotel, which is situated under the Wellhorn (3,191m/10,469ft) for an 1,100m/3,600ft ascent and powder descent. Overnight at hotel.
  4	Our objective today is the head up to the Oberjoch and then ascend the Reeti (2,577m/8,454ft), before moving onto the Uf Spitzen (2,381m/7,812ft) for some steeper powder skiing. We finish the day by skiing back to Grindelwald and spend another night at the hotel.
  5	We travel through the famous Lauterbrunnen Valley and take the lifts to the Schilthorn (2,980m/9,777ft). From here, we ski some exciting ridgelines towards a 400m/1,312ft ascent to the summit of Hundshorn (2,930m/9,612ft), which culminates in a 2,000m/6,560ft vertical descend to Kiental (950m/3,120ft). We finish the day with a celebratory drink on the train that will take us back to Grindelwald. Enjoy a final hotel night.
  6	Depart for home

• Add Ons

  • Hotel Upgrades
  • Ice Climbing
  • Friends & Family

  Chamonix is located in the heart of the Alps and is central to some of the best ski touring that Europe has to offer. There is a huge variety of properties on offer in Chamonix and after many years of operating in the Alps we have uncovered some of the area's finest. At Adventure Consultants we spend a considerable amount of time reviewing accommodation providers to remain aligned with our high standards.

  Contact us if you would like to upgrade your hotel before or after your European Alps trip, as there are several superb properties in the area. We profile our favourite selection below:

  HOTEL MONT BLANC

  Why we recommend this property

  Originally built in 1849, this fine establishment is located in the heart of Chamonix. Surrounded by private gardens, the hotel was recently renovated to be reminiscent of an elegant 19th-century palace. Each room offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains and has been interior-designed by renowned French designer Sybille de Margerie, inspired by nature and the environment. The 14-metre outdoor heated swimming pool can be used year round and offers spectacular views of nearby Mont Blanc. The hotel's in-house restaurant, 'La Mafatan', produces cuisine that will take you on a culinary journey.

  HOTEL LE MORGANE

  Why we recommend this property

  This luxury boutique hotel is located right in the centre of Chamonix and offers guests top-quality service. Chef Daniele Raimondi produces some of Chamonix's finest cuisine at 'Le Bistrot' restaurant. Le Morgane offers a variety of rooms from singles to deluxe and suites, each featuring balconies with views of Mont Blanc or Le Brévent. Hotel facilities include a small lounge, library, relaxation pool and spa, a ski storage room and free WiFi. Rental of bicycles and electric bikes, as well as a valet car service is available.

  Looking to make the most of the winter break in the Alps? Have a go at ice climbing on our Cogne Ice Climbing Weekend, or push it out to a full week of adrenaline and exploration on our Chamonix-Cogne Ice Climbing Week, taking in some of Europe's best and most classic ice climbing routes. Suitable for both beginner's and more experienced climbers, contact us to learn more.

  Your family or friends may wish to join you on your holiday but may not like the idea of ski touring or climbing a mountain. Let us know if this is the situation and we will be able to put together an itinerary that keeps them busy while you are up high. There are so many wonderful things to do, so contact us and we will help to organise the perfect programme.

• Travel & Rescue Insurance

  Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:

  • Travel insurance including trip interruption and cancellation cover
  • Medical Evacuation and Rescue Insurance

  
  For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.

• FAQ

  • Contact Us

    The following is to serve as a helpful guideline but please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!

    info@adventure.co.nz
    US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
    NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

  • Choosing a Provider

    How long have Adventure Consultants been in operation?
    Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read the full story of AC's history here.

    A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
    On all of the European trips that we operate, we offer focused guide attention throughout the course to ensure consistency across the programme. Whilst other operators combine you with large groups on training days, we know that your safety will be better protected and the learning progressions will be enhanced with the attentive care of your guide.

    Adventure Consultants guides are BMG/NZMGA and/or IFMGA/UIAGM qualified guides. They are professional skiers and mountaineers and operate to the highest standard. Our guides are not only highly experienced climbers, but they are great guides with good people skills hence you will find that your guide is friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip.

  • Food, Accommodation & Facilities

    What will the accommodation be like?
    During your nights in town, accommodation is provided on a twin share B&B basis in a comfortable hotel with good laundry facilities. In the mountains, we stay in alpine huts in a shared bunk room or dormitory. Washing and shower facilities are not available in the huts.

    A single supplement is not available in the mountain huts, but we are happy to arrange this for an additional cost at the hotels. If you wish to upgrade to a higher grade of hotel accommodation, then please get in touch to discuss the many fabulous options available.

    Which meals are provided?
    Adventure Consultants will provide breakfasts for the duration of your trip, plus dinners on nights spent in the mountains. You will be responsible for your own lunches, snacks and bottled water. We recommend you purchase snacks such as nuts, fruit, chocolate, muesli bars and baguette or crackers with cheese, ham and other fillings. Generally, lunch tends to start right after breakfast(!) and continue through the day as we keep energy levels high. Evening meals on non-mountain nights are also not included and this allows you to experience the exciting culinary options available in the alpine resorts. Should you decide to take a meal that is not in the programme, this is at your own expense. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip.

    What is the hut food like?
    Breakfasts in the mountain huts usually consist of European-style bread with jam and cheese etc. A typical evening menu would include a hearty soup followed by a pasta dish or stew and then dessert. If you feel like a glass of wine or beer with your meal, please bring cash or a credit card. 

  • Travel

    Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
    No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome (and encouraged) to explore your arrival/departure points before or after the trip if you have the time.

    When should I book my ticket?
    All our European ski trips operate privately on demand, so feel free to book whenever suits. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights early, you should ensure you can make changes to your tickets and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you need to cancel.

    Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
    For our European departures, we recommend that you arrive into Geneva International Airport, which is located just over the French border in Switzerland. Regular shuttles and train services operate up to Chamonix and private transfers can be arranged to Zermatt, Lauterbrun, Verbier and Grindelwald. We are happy to assist in arranging any transfer requirements and the driver will meet you at the airport, as well as drop you off at your accommodation.

    What if I am arriving early or departing late?
    Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans.

  • Clothing & Equipment

    Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
    Yes, you will get be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit.

    Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
    Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list!

    How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
    This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. It will depend on where you are going, but in general, you will not need a sleeping bag in the European mountain huts as bedding is provided. Adventure Consultants have an experienced Equipment Coordinator, so should any questions arise as to what is required, please do let us know.

  • Guides & Team Members

    How many guides will be assigned to our group?
    The ratio of climbers to guides is stated on each trip’s web page in the downloadable 'Trip/Course Notes' section (above).

    How much weight can we carry on the climb/course?
    When initially accessing the mountain huts, you will be required to carry all of the equipment that you will need for your stay. For day tours from your hut or hotel, you will carry your day pack with warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day.

    Who goes on your trips?
    Our climbers and skiers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance in view of climbing the world's highest mountains, or purely adventure. We provide courses, expeditions, treks, ski tours and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

    I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
    We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of Europe's more technical and challenging peaks. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.

  • Health & Fitness

    What kind of physical condition should I be in?
    We encourage you to work on your fitness prior to your trip. Gym training, swimming, running and cycling add to your base fitness and are a great addition to a pack training program. Visit our Fitness Training page for more details and check out the training programs and online coaching services that we offer in conjunction with our partners at Uphill Athlete.

    How do I know this is the right trip for me?
    We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.

  • Communication & Electronic Devices

    Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
    In Europe, there is no need to use a satellite phone as you will find that there is cell phone coverage in most of the towns and mountain huts that we utilise. Your guide will also stay in touch with our European Coordinator in Chamonix with updates on the trip. It is very easy to purchase a European SIM card but do remember if using a French SIM in Italy, you will be charged international rates and vice versa.

    I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
    The best place to reach a loved one is through our office. As mentioned above, your guide will stay in touch with our European Coordinator who is based in Chamonix, who then relays messages between your guide and our NZ office.

    Can I charge electronic devices while in the mountains?
    Generally charging is not available so please ensure that your phones, iPods and kindles etc. are well charged up before leaving the hotel for your trip.

  • Weather Forecasts

    What weather report service do you use? How often do you receive a weather report during the trip?
    Forecasts are posted daily in the huts and information relayed through the hut guardian to the guides. Your guide will also be in cell phone communication with our Operations Coordinator and/or Chief Guide for weather updates throughout the trip.

  • Insurance

    What insurance do we need to get?
    We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance, as well as evacuation and medical insurance. Read your policy's fine print to make sure it covers you for ski or snow boarding, and that it covers you for helicopter evacuation.

    Do I need evacuation insurance?
    Yes, it is very important. Evacuation insurance is required for members of our European trips to cover your evacuation from the mountain in the case of your injury or illness. You must ensure that your policy covers you for off-piste ski touring as many policies exclude these activities from their schedule of benefits. In the European Alps, rescues are coordinated by the local authorities and the very high costs are charged directly to the user i.e. you/your travel insurance company.

    Who do you recommend for insurance?
    Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself.

    What is trip cancellation insurance?
    Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our trips as it is not unknown for people to have unforeseen circumstances that force them to cancel their trips for reasons such as family illness, injury to self, etc. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.

  • Fees & Payments

    Can I pay by credit card?
    We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.

    What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
    Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can, however, recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.

    Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
    Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified guides, small group sizes, safe client-to-guide ratios and quality equipment, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors 'cheaper' trips.

    How do I sign up for a trip? 
    The best way to reserve your space on a trip contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.

    info@adventure.co.nz
    US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
    NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

  • Photography

    I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
    Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.

    What is the best equipment for photography in alpine environments?
    Remember photos are wonderful records of your trip but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to the mountains.

  • Employment

    I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
    Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.

    Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.

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