Switzerland

I might be headed to Switzerland for a week or two. I'd like suggestions for peaks to climb if anyone has them. I'd prefer just snow with nothing more than 5.0 climbing so I can just bring an axe and crampons and leave the rope and gear at home. This is primarily a working trip but I figure I'd be nuts not to do a peak or two. Any suggestions are welcome.

All depends on the time of year. If your first trip Zermatt is worth checking out. Castor/Pollox are worth checking out.

My bad, last week of March 2014. Snow slogs are fine, I just want scenic and pretty plus exercise.

March is still ski season ... most huts will not have a warden. March is not even yet quite Haute Route season. As such, for that time of year I am not sure what I would suggest as all of my trips have been April-Sept. Though I have skied parts of the Haute Route in March.

Allen Sanderson wrote:March is still ski season ... most huts will not have a warden. March is not even yet quite Haute Route season. As such, for that time of year I am not sure what I would suggest as all of my trips have been April-Sept. Though I have skied parts of the Haute Route in March.

Hmm, I can ski but I'm not sure if my wife is game, we were hoping for a snow climb. Maybe I actually have to work all week? Any general suggestions for fun that time of year that involves some outdoor stuff? Shoot, any general suggestions for Switzerland? I don't leave the continental US very much but have a heck of a good cardio base and would be happy with any long trek over there whether its walking, climbing, whatever.

I just want to experience something new and pretty with minimal gear requirements.

Lots of good peaks in the Alpstein Range, about 1 hour east of Zurich. Lots of snow up in the high country that time of year, could have lots of avy danger/crummy weather in the higher mountains, but these are a little lower in elevation and have better weather. Also very accessible (though everything in Switzerland is).

SinRopa wrote:I think you'd like Grindelwald. Take the train all the way up to the "Jungfrau Top of Europe" station, slog up the Monch (couple hours up, about half that down), descend, and take the train back into Grindelwald. Make sure you know when the last train down is leaving... There's also the Eiger trail, it's a nice hike that comes close to the base of the North Face. It starts (or ends) at the Eigergletscher station and you end (or start) down in Alpiglen. There's a ton of other hiking around there too.

Just found this youtube.com/watch?v=CVTvmfS…

Awesome, working on a project with a buddy of mine in Bern will have me out there. Looks friggin awesome, thanks for the pointer, I'm beyond psyched about being there.

SinRopa wrote:I think you'd like Grindelwald. Take the train all the way up to the "Jungfrau Top of Europe" station, slog up the Monch (couple hours up, about half that down), descend, and take the train back into Grindelwald. Make sure you know when the last train down is leaving... There's also the Eiger trail, it's a nice hike that comes close to the base of the North Face. It starts (or ends) at the Eigergletscher station and you end (or start) down in Alpiglen. There's a ton of other hiking around there too.

If in Bern Grindelwald will be easy access. However, the train ride up to Jungfrauloch is nice but really expensive, like $200 pp/RT. Also while a very nice hike along the Eiger the trail will be mostly under snow as will be many trails - snowshoeing would be the way to go. That is if they have a "normal" winter. I hiked it April with snow and mud. Renting snowshoes will be easy. Just pack your walking sticks.

Where are you flying into and out of? For instance, if Zurich there are great walking tours of the city. Similar for Lausanne and Geneve. All great cities to visit.

PS Note that the video was shot in August - prime tourist season.

Allen Sanderson wrote: If in Bern Grindelwald will be easy access. However, the train ride up to Jungfrauloch is nice but really expensive, like $200 pp/RT. Also while a very nice hike along the Eiger the trail will be mostly under snow as will be many trails - snowshoeing would be the way to go. That is if they have a "normal" winter. I hiked it April with snow and mud. Renting snowshoes will be easy. Just pack your walking sticks. Where are you flying into and out of? For instance, if Zurich there are great walking tours of the city. Similar for Lausanne and Geneve. All great cities to visit. PS Note that the video was shot in August - prime tourist season.

In and out of Zurich, staying in Bern.

My friend just emailed me the same thing, he said it is very expensive and very crowded to take the train.