The trip

LEVEL ****          

Elevation: +/-1100 to 1300 m on average per day.
Walking time: 6 to 8 hours per day.
Route: Rocky trails that cross passes between 2800m and 3000m in altitude every day. Some passes are steep, and there are several exposed or technical sections, mainly at the start of the season when crossing residual snowfields. The trails are relatively well marked except when approaching certain passes.
Snow will still be present on the route until at least the end of June. You will probably walk on long snow-covered sections, which makes the route a little more challenging. High-top hiking boots, gaiters, and walking sticks are mandatory. Be prepared!

Ascent of the Bishorn: walking with crampons without any particular technical difficulty or vertigo, but it is a long walk on a glacier.

You need to be in good general physical condition. Practice an endurance sport such as walking, running, or cycling regularly, for 6 to 8 hours per week. Your physical preparation will make your trip easier and allow you to enjoy it all the more.
Click here to see the description of the levels: hiking levels

SUPERVISION

Number of participants between 6 and 12 people supervised by qualified professionals (mid-mountain guide and high-mountain guide). At the beginning of the season, the number of participants may be reduced depending on snow conditions.  The mountain guide or high mountain guide may have to modify the program to adapt it to the level of the participants and/or natural conditions. They remain the sole decision-maker in the final instance.
As a token of gratitude, it is customary to tip your guide at the end of your hike, depending on your satisfaction. This is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated.

ACCOMMODATION

6 nights in mountain huts, in dormitories.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are served at the accommodation. For lunch, your guide will prepare a picnic, usually consisting of a variety of salads and regional products. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements when you book. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring a few additional items for your own picnics.

MAPS

Federal Office of Topography: 283T Arolla, 284T Mischabel, 3305T Crans-Montana

Practical information

ACCESS TO THE STARTING POINT

Meet at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Zinal Tourist Office (Valais, Switzerland).

BY TRAIN
Outbound: depart from Paris - Gare de Lyon to Lausanne or Geneva. Then take the train to Sierre CFF station and the bus to Zinal.
Return via the same route.
Timetables are available on the SNCF and CFF websites.

BY CAR
Head towards Geneva, Chamonix, Martigny, Sierre, then Zinal.

The hike ends at around 4.00 pm in Zinal.

INSURANCE

In accordance with regulations, we are insured for professional civil liability. Under no circumstances can we replace your personal civil liability insurance. If you have chosen the EUROP ASSISTANCE repatriation insurance that we offer, Altitude Mont Blanc acts solely as an interface between the customer and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict terms and conditions of sale. You are responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claims.

Before making any decisions, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.

TO CONTACT US

If you are running late, please contact the agency: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Walking trousers
• Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Lightweight down jacket
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
• Pair of gloves and a warm hat
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy walking boots, already broken in with a good sole stiff enough to support   crampons (no trail running shoes or flexible hiking shoes). Crampons to suit all types of hiking boots will be available, it is not necessary to have glacier mountaineering boots.
• 1 change of clothes for the evening
• A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

• Toilet bag
• Sheet-bag
• Quick drying towel
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Thermos
• Knife, fork and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches (0.40L to 0.50L)
• Plastic cup for coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Head torch or hand torch
• Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
• Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended for the climb to the summit)
• Identity card or passport

BACKPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of about 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.

EQUIPMENT FOR THE SUMMIT

Crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe for climbing the Bishorn are provided. An ascension at 4000 m requires warm clothing in case of deterioration in the weather (thermal leggings, warm hat, waterproof gloves, waterproof jacket and supplementary warm layers to add if necessary). High rising walking boots with a good rigid sole are mandatory. Poles are essential.