Alpine Hike Gross Bigerhorn
Three days to 3'625 m, Switzerland's highest hiking summit
Endurance
3/5Walking time of 4 to 5 hours. Up to around 900 metres of ascent. For active mountain hikers with a solid base level of fitness.
Difficulty
T3+Demanding mountain hiking: the path is not visible throughout, the terrain is scree and boulders, and some sections are exposed.
Duration
3 days
Date
Daily from July to September
Participants
1 to 6 people
Gallery (8)
Description
Gross Bigerhorn is the highest hiking summit in Switzerland. Since the Bigergletscher retreated, a waymarked path leads all the way to 3'625 m, with no rope and no crampons. We take three days over it, with two nights at the Bordierhütte high above the Mattertal valley.
Highlights
Description
Three days in which the landscape keeps changing. From Gasenried the path climbs through larch forest onto the old glacier plain, then over moraines and scree fields to the Bordierhütte. Day two is the summit day: 740 metres of ascent over boulders and rubble, with a few steep sections, up to the cross at 3'625 m.
Technically the route stays within T3+ throughout, so no glacier equipment is needed. What it does take is stamina, sure footing and a head for heights.
Program
Day 1: Gasenried to the Bordierhütte
You meet your hiking leader or mountain guide early in the morning in Gasenried above St. Niklaus. Through the larch forest and across the old glacier plain, a long ascent takes you to the Bordierhütte. 7.5 km and 1'350 metres of ascent.
Day 2: Summit day on Gross Bigerhorn
An early start from the hut. 740 metres of ascent over boulders and rubble bring you to the summit at 3'625 m. After a rest at the cross you descend to the Bordierhütte for a second night.
Day 3: Bordierhütte to Gasenried
After breakfast at the hut, a long descent takes you back down to Gasenried.
Meeting point
At the agreed time with your hiking leader in St. Niklaus or directly in Gasenried (Grächen).
What is an alpine hike?
An alpine hike is a mountain hike in high alpine terrain, usually graded T3 to T4 on the SAC hiking scale. The path is not visible as a trail throughout, it crosses scree, boulder fields and moraines, and it calls for sure footing and a head for heights. Unlike a high alpine tour, it needs no rope and no crampons, because no glaciers are crossed.
What is the difference between a mountain hike, an alpine hike and a high alpine tour?
A mountain hike (T2 to T3) follows a waymarked mountain trail. An alpine hike (T3 to T4) crosses partly trailless sections of scree and boulders but stays clear of glaciers. A high alpine tour crosses glaciers and requires rope, crampons and an ice axe, as well as a qualified mountain guide.
What does T3 mean on the SAC hiking scale?
T3 stands for demanding mountain hiking. The trail is not visible throughout, individual sections are exposed, and you use your hands for balance. It calls for sure footing, a head for heights and regular hiking experience. A plus, as in T3+, marks the upper end of the grade.
How fit do I need to be for an alpine hike?
You should be able to walk for several hours at a stretch on rough ground and manage 800 to 1'400 metres of ascent in a day. Stamina over the full day matters more than speed. Every tour carries an endurance rating from 1/5 to 5/5 at the top of the page, with concrete walking times and elevation gain.
Do I need a mountain guide for an alpine hike?
It is not a requirement, since alpine hikes follow waymarked or recognisable routes. It is still worth it: our hiking leaders and mountain guides know the current conditions, judge the weather and rockfall risk, and find the route even when mist or fresh snow hides the waymarks.
What equipment do I need for an alpine hike?
Sturdy hiking boots with a good sole and ankle support, weather-appropriate clothing in layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen, enough to drink and some snacks. Tours with a hut stay also call for a silk liner, a head torch and a minimum change of clothes. The full list is under Equipment on every tour.
What is the difference between a private tour and a tour in a group?
On a private tour you have a say in the date, the pace and the route, and your guide is there for you and the people you bring. On a tour in a group you join other participants on a fixed date, which brings the price per person down. Both are led by the same qualified guides.
Gross Bigerhorn is the highest hiking summit in Switzerland. Since the Bigergletscher retreated, a waymarked path leads all the way to 3'625 m, with no rope and no crampons. We take three days over it, with two nights at the Bordierhütte high above the Mattertal valley.
- Endurance
3/5Walking time of 4 to 5 hours. Up to around 900 metres of ascent. For active mountain hikers with a solid base level of fitness. - Difficulty
T3+Demanding mountain hiking: the path is not visible throughout, the terrain is scree and boulders, and some sections are exposed. - Duration
3 days - Date
Daily from July to September - Participants
1 to 6 people
Highlights
Duration
- Approx. 5 hours from Gasenried up to the Bordierhütte, excluding breaks
- Approx. 2.5 hours up to the summit, approx. 2 hours back down to the hut
- Approx. 3.5 hours from the hut back down to Gasenried
Description
Three days in which the landscape keeps changing. From Gasenried the path climbs through larch forest onto the old glacier plain, then over moraines and scree fields to the Bordierhütte. Day two is the summit day: 740 metres of ascent over boulders and rubble, with a few steep sections, up to the cross at 3'625 m.
Technically the route stays within T3+ throughout, so no glacier equipment is needed. What it does take is stamina, sure footing and a head for heights.
Program
Day 1: Gasenried to the Bordierhütte
You meet your hiking leader or mountain guide early in the morning in Gasenried above St. Niklaus. Through the larch forest and across the old glacier plain, a long ascent takes you to the Bordierhütte. 7.5 km and 1'350 metres of ascent.
Day 2: Summit day on Gross Bigerhorn
An early start from the hut. 740 metres of ascent over boulders and rubble bring you to the summit at 3'625 m. After a rest at the cross you descend to the Bordierhütte for a second night.
Day 3: Bordierhütte to Gasenried
After breakfast at the hut, a long descent takes you back down to Gasenried.
Meeting point
At the agreed time with your hiking leader in St. Niklaus or directly in Gasenried (Grächen).
Additional costs
- Travel to and from Gasenried
- Two nights with half board at the Bordierhütte, for you and for your guide
- Drinks and extras at the Bordierhütte
The Bordierhütte stands at 2'886 m above St. Niklaus in the Mischabel range. It is one of the starting points for the Balfrin and the Nadelgrat. Bread from the wood-fired oven is a house speciality, and the kitchen works mainly with regional produce.
What is an alpine hike?
An alpine hike is a mountain hike in high alpine terrain, usually graded T3 to T4 on the SAC hiking scale. The path is not visible as a trail throughout, it crosses scree, boulder fields and moraines, and it calls for sure footing and a head for heights. Unlike a high alpine tour, it needs no rope and no crampons, because no glaciers are crossed.
What is the difference between a mountain hike, an alpine hike and a high alpine tour?
A mountain hike (T2 to T3) follows a waymarked mountain trail. An alpine hike (T3 to T4) crosses partly trailless sections of scree and boulders but stays clear of glaciers. A high alpine tour crosses glaciers and requires rope, crampons and an ice axe, as well as a qualified mountain guide.
What does T3 mean on the SAC hiking scale?
T3 stands for demanding mountain hiking. The trail is not visible throughout, individual sections are exposed, and you use your hands for balance. It calls for sure footing, a head for heights and regular hiking experience. A plus, as in T3+, marks the upper end of the grade.
How fit do I need to be for an alpine hike?
You should be able to walk for several hours at a stretch on rough ground and manage 800 to 1'400 metres of ascent in a day. Stamina over the full day matters more than speed. Every tour carries an endurance rating from 1/5 to 5/5 at the top of the page, with concrete walking times and elevation gain.
Do I need a mountain guide for an alpine hike?
It is not a requirement, since alpine hikes follow waymarked or recognisable routes. It is still worth it: our hiking leaders and mountain guides know the current conditions, judge the weather and rockfall risk, and find the route even when mist or fresh snow hides the waymarks.
What equipment do I need for an alpine hike?
Sturdy hiking boots with a good sole and ankle support, weather-appropriate clothing in layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen, enough to drink and some snacks. Tours with a hut stay also call for a silk liner, a head torch and a minimum change of clothes. The full list is under Equipment on every tour.
What is the difference between a private tour and a tour in a group?
On a private tour you have a say in the date, the pace and the route, and your guide is there for you and the people you bring. On a tour in a group you join other participants on a fixed date, which brings the price per person down. Both are led by the same qualified guides.
