The Swiss 4000ers

Days 1 and 2. Outbound to Saas Fee

Fly to Geneva and transfer to the vehicle-free town of Saas Fee (1800 metres). Wander through the narrow lanes, enjoy the views and start to get accustomed to the altitude. Enjoy a first acclimatisation walk in the company of your fellow mountaineers, possibly the spectacular high route to Grachen.

Days 3 and 4. Weissmies

The first of the peaks, Weissmies (4023 metres) means 'White Moss', a somewhat peculiar name for this white pyramid, almost entirely covered by eternal snow and glaciers. Take the cable car up to 'Chruzbode' and walk from here up to the Hohsaas Hut (3100 metres), resting high above the valley. Spend the afternoon on the nearby glacier to get accustomed to walking with crampons and the proper use of an ice-axe. The next day leave the hut in the dark early morning hours. Cross the glacier and start the steep ascent to the summit which you should reach after about 3 to 4 hours. Return to the hut and take the cable car down to Saas Grund and back to Saas Fee for a good night's rest.

Days 5 and 6. Strahlhorn

The Strahlhorn (4190 metres) is considered the easiest Swiss peak above 4000 metres. It involves an extended walk across glaciers and a final, fairly steep ascent over a long ridge. The reward is an absolutely fantastic view covering many of Switzerland's most famous mountains. Travel up to the Felskinn station by cablecar. From here, a short, fairly level walk brings you to the Britannia Hut, your home for the next two nights. Leaving the hut again in the early hours, walk across the mighty Allalin Glacier to reach the Adler Pass, dwarfed by the cliffs of the Rimpflischhorn. From here you start the final ascent to the summit of the Strahlhorn. Return to the Britannia Hut.

Day 7. Alphubel

The Alphubel (4206 metres) is a broad massif whose highest point cannot be seen even from Saas Fee. It is a fairly steep climb over a rugged glacier but after the (hopefully) previous successful climbs, you will not find the Alphubel too difficult. From the Britannia Hut traverse back to Felskinn from where you start an extended walk over the enormous icy desert of the Fee Glacier. Several steep sections finally lead to the broad summit of the Alphubel. If the conditions are favourable you will descend to the summit of the Langflue (2869 metres), from where a cable car returns you to Saas Fee. Luxuriate in the comfort of a hotel and enjoy an evening meal together to celebrate a challenging week full of fantastic memories and inspirational mountain vistas. An adventure everybody can be rightfully proud of, but be warned - high altitude climbing can become addictive!

Day 8. Homeward

After breakfast, return to Geneva for your flight home.