Normal Route – Nadelhorn PD

Route:

Normal Route – Nadelhorn - Zermatt

Category:

Mountaineering - Ski Touring

Route Gallery:

Route description:

The twelve highest mountain in the alps presents a variety of routes including the famous AD traverse of the Nadelgrat, which takes in four 4000m peaks along it's ridge.

The normal route from either the Mischabel hut or Bordier hut offers a pleasing snow arete of more modest difficulty, PD standard. From the Bordier hut the route is longer, but has some excellent views, is quieter and weaves through some interesting glacial terrain.

Once reaching the windjoch (the col separating the two routes) the route follows the aesthetic snow arete leading all the way to the summit. This varies in difficulty depending on conditions, ice making it more technical.

Our three day trip typically starts in Chamonix, climbing from one of the lifts on day one, when we practice personal climbing skills as well as refreshing crevasse rescue.

Day 2 takes us to Switzerland and an ascent to the hut before climbing the Nadelhorn on day 3.

Required experience/skill level:

 

 

 

Intermediate. A good level of fitness is important for the climb to the hut and then the peak itself. Some solid experience of using crampons on both snow and ice important.

On our three day trip, the first day is usually spend climbing and training around Chamonix where you will have a chance to refresh your crampon skills as well as crevasse rescue.

Length (in metres):

Summit: 4327m

1000m ascent from Mischabel hut, 1450m from the Bordier.

Time/duration:

2 days (including hut approach)

To Bordier hut, 4 hours. A classic alpine hut walk.

To Mischabel hut, with the lift 3.5hours. A very steep walk.

From Bordier hut - 4.5 - 5 hours in ascent, 3.5 hours descent.

From Mischabel Hut - 3 - 4 hours ascent, 2 hours descent.

Starting point/base:

Hornli Hut, accessed from Zermatt using lift system and two hour approach walk.

Maximum guide ratio:

1:2

Normal season:

Normally Mid June to Mid September, but conditions vary every season.

Links/ featured courses:

Private guiding on this three day trip available upon request.

For scheduled group course please check our Scheduled Mountaineering Trips.

Lifts/huts etc:

Bordier Hut

Mischabel Hut 

Comments/notes:

The Nadelhorn is a classic alpine peak, with superb hut walks and inspiring mountains in every direction. It's a step up from peaks such as the Grand Paradiso or Bishorn.

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Booking & Enquiry Process

• Browse the scheduled trips above and click View Details to check dates, guide ratios, and indicative pricing.

• Depending on the trip, you can enquire about your preferred dates (so we can confirm suitability and availability) or book online with a deposit (with the balance due six weeks before departure).

• Each participant reads our Terms & Conditions and completes a short medical form (sent by email).

• Once confirmed, final meeting details and logistics are sent out ten days before your trip.

Last-Minute Bookings & Custom Dates

Call us on +33 (0) 787371926 or send us an enquiry for last-minute availability or private guiding.

Please note that indicative prices shown are subject to change and are valid for bookings made at least one month in advance. Last-minute bookings may be subject to an additional charge depending on hut or lift availability.

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