Alphubel
Mountain tour on the Alphubel
-
Endurance
3Hiking Time: 6–7 hours. Up to approx. 1200 vertical meters. Requires solid endurance, also in alpine terrain. -
Technique
3You're skilled in climbing at grade II and navigating moderately steep terrain on rock and ice. You are confident using crampons, ice axe, and rope techniques. You’ve already completed tours on mixed terrain and feel safe around crevasses and ridges. -
Duration
approx. 9 h -
Date
Mid-July - mid-September -
Participants
1-3 persons
Gallery (5)
The Alphubel is a striking four-thousand-metre peak in the Allalin group - you can recognize it from afar by its characteristic, flat summit plateau. Our guided ice tours on the Alphubel are ideal for you if you have already gained some experience on easier four-thousand-metre peaks and now want to take the next step in the world of high mountains.
Highlights
Description
Your alpine adventure begins early in the morning at the Täschhütte (2,701 m). From there, an easily accessible hiking trail leads to the Alphubel glacier. Here we put on our crampons - and the high mountains begin. After the ascent to the Alphubeljoch, you have two options: We can either choose the steeper, technically challenging Eisnase or the classic, slightly easier normal route. Both lead you up to the wide firn summit of the Alphubel at 4,206 m - with magnificent views of the Matterhorn, Täschhorn and the Valais Alps. The descent is along the same route back to the Täschhütte.
Program
Day 1: Individual ascent to the Täsch hut
- Arrival by train to Täsch
- Independent ascent to the Täschhütte (approx. 2.5 h, 800 m altitude)
- Welcome by your:n local:n, IVBV-certified:n mountain guide:in around 18:00 at the hut
Day 2: Ascent of the Alphubel
- Individual breakfast at the hut
- Departure at around 04:00 with your private mountain guide
- Ascent via the normal route or via the steeper Eisnase
- Summit experience at 4,206 m with impressive views
- Descent to the Täschhütte, where you say goodbye
- Individual descent into the valley and return to Zermatt
- Crampon compatible mountain shoes with a rigid Vibram sole
- Harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- Ice axe (for the Matterhorn: depending on the conditions)
- Hiking pole
- Helmet
- Backpack, approx. 30 l
- Warm and weatherproof clothes
- Finger gloves (evtl.changing gloves)
- Beanie / headband
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Headlamp
- Drinks
- Energetic snacks (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
- Washing kit
- Few changing clothes
- Bandades
- Small personal pharmacy
- Innenliner (mandatory)
- Money, passport
Notes
The ascent of the Alphubel is a long high-altitude tour. When making your booking inquiry, please let us know which four-thousand-metre peaks you have already climbed and what other mountaineering experience you have.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Breithorn normal route. This is also an ideal way to acclimatize. This can also be done in a group, provided another person has registered for it.
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
The Alphubel
General information about the Alphubel
- The Alphubel is 4,206 m high and belongs to the Allalin group in the heart of the Valais Alps.
- Its striking, flat summit plateau makes it easily recognizable from afar - whether from Zermatt, Täsch or Saas-Fee.
- The Alphubel is a popular destination for high-altitude tours from Täsch or Saas-Fee in both summer and winter.
Special features of the Alphubel
The Täschhütte at 2,701 m, the starting point of the tour, is secluded in the idyllic valley of the Täschalpe and is also a rewarding destination for hikers with a rustic hut atmosphere.
- The Alphubel offers something for everyone: the easy normal route for beginners, the steeper Eisnase for those with firn and ice experience and the racy Rotgrat for experienced alpinists.
- Thanks to its location between the Mattertal and Saas valleys, you can enjoy a fascinating view of many of Switzerland's most famous four-thousand-metre peaks on the ascent.
Do I need a mountain guide for a high-altitude tour?
Yes, especially for beginners, the company of a certified mountain guide is highly recommended. Alpine tours often lead over glaciers with crevasses, steep firn flanks and exposed ridges. An experienced guide not only ensures safety, but also imparts valuable knowledge about technique, route selection and alpine dangers.
What advantages does a local mountain guide offer?
A local mountain guide knows the specific conditions of the region, such as weather conditions, glacier conditions and current route conditions. This expertise enables flexible tour planning and increases safety. In addition, a local guide enriches the experience with background information on the local mountains and culture.
What should I look out for when booking a mountain guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What levels of difficulty are alpine tours divided into?
Alpine tours are rated according to the SAC mountain and alpine tour scale, which ranges from L (easy) to EX (extremely difficult). The French designations range from F (facile) to ED (extrêmement difficile). These classifications take into account the technical requirements, length of the tour and objective dangers.
What equipment do I need for an alpine tour?
The equipment required varies depending on the alpine tour and can be viewed directly on the equipment list for the respective ski tour.
In general, the standard equipment for an alpine tour includes
- Crampon-proof mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Rope (depending on tour type and group size)
- Carabiners and slings
- helmet
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS device
When will a decision be made on the implementation of the high tour?
The final decision on whether to go ahead with an alpine tour is usually made 48 hours (sometimes only 24 hours) before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. You will be informed by us as early as possible about possible changes or cancellations.
How do I choose the right high-altitude tour for my ability?
The choice of an alpine tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. A gradual progression - from shorter to longer tours, from easy to technically more demanding - is advisable. Our mountain guides are happy to accompany you on this path and support you in your alpine development
Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We are happy to provide you with personal advice directly. Come and visit us at the home base!
How can I best prepare myself for a high-altitude tour?
Good preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Regular endurance training - such as hiking, running or cycling - not only improves your fitness, but also your resilience at high altitudes. Technique training is just as important: you need to practise using crampons and ice axes to be able to move safely in the terrain. If you also attend alpine courses, study maps and familiarize yourself with meteorology and alpine dangers, you will have a solid foundation for making independent decisions in the mountains. Our mountain guides will not only support you along the way, but will also be happy to give you tips on how best to prepare - so that your alpine tour with ZERMATTERS is an unforgettable experience.
How difficult are alpine tours and how are they classified?
Alpine tours can be divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC Alpine Touring Scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Not very difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Some of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow even more precise grading.
The rating is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, technical requirements and type of terrain (e.g. firn, ice, rock or glacier). Auxiliary criteria such as objective hazards, retreat options and seriousness of the route are also taken into account.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements for a tour?
Our mountain guides not only have a lot of experience, but also pay attention to the difficulty level of the tour when assessing it. At the same time, they decide on site whether the tour can be carried out as planned. If you do not meet the requirements and this compromises safety or the course of the tour, the tour may have to be adjusted or terminated prematurely. This decision is always made in the interests of the safety of everyone involved.
By the way, with a private mountain guide you are more flexible and can adjust the pace and route individually.
-
Endurance
3Hiking Time: 6–7 hours. Up to approx. 1200 vertical meters. Requires solid endurance, also in alpine terrain. -
Technique
3You're skilled in climbing at grade II and navigating moderately steep terrain on rock and ice. You are confident using crampons, ice axe, and rope techniques. You’ve already completed tours on mixed terrain and feel safe around crevasses and ridges. -
Duration
approx. 9 h -
Date
Mid-July - mid-September -
Participants
1-3 persons
The Alphubel is a striking four-thousand-metre peak in the Allalin group - you can recognize it from afar by its characteristic, flat summit plateau. Our guided ice tours on the Alphubel are ideal for you if you have already gained some experience on easier four-thousand-metre peaks and now want to take the next step in the world of high mountains.
Highlights
Duration
- Ascent to the summit of the Alphubel (4206 m): approx. 5 hours from the Täschhütte
- Descent back to the Täschhütte (2701 m): approx. 4 hours
Number of participants
- Normal route 1 - 3 participants per mountain guide
- Eisnase 1 - 2 participants per mountain guide
Description
Your alpine adventure begins early in the morning at the Täschhütte (2,701 m). From there, an easily accessible hiking trail leads to the Alphubel glacier. Here we put on our crampons - and the high mountains begin. After the ascent to the Alphubeljoch, you have two options: We can either choose the steeper, technically challenging Eisnase or the classic, slightly easier normal route. Both lead you up to the wide firn summit of the Alphubel at 4,206 m - with magnificent views of the Matterhorn, Täschhorn and the Valais Alps. The descent is along the same route back to the Täschhütte.
Program
Day 1: Individual ascent to the Täsch hut
- Arrival by train to Täsch
- Independent ascent to the Täschhütte (approx. 2.5 h, 800 m altitude)
- Welcome by your:n local:n, IVBV-certified:n mountain guide:in around 18:00 at the hut
Day 2: Ascent of the Alphubel
- Individual breakfast at the hut
- Departure at around 04:00 with your private mountain guide
- Ascent via the normal route or via the steeper Eisnase
- Summit experience at 4,206 m with impressive views
- Descent to the Täschhütte, where you say goodbye
- Individual descent into the valley and return to Zermatt
Additional costs
- Overnight stay and half board in the Täschhütte for you and your mountain guide: from approx. CHF 89.00 per person
- Rail journey Zermatt-Täsch return: return journey: from approx. CHF 8.60
- Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Material
To ensure that you are optimally equipped for the ascent of the Alphubel, you should definitely have this equipment with you:
- Crampon compatible mountain shoes with a rigid Vibram sole
- Harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- Ice axe (for the Matterhorn: depending on the conditions)
- Hiking pole
- Helmet
- Backpack, approx. 30 l
- Warm and weatherproof clothes
- Finger gloves (evtl.changing gloves)
- Beanie / headband
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Headlamp
- Drinks
- Energetic snacks (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
- Washing kit
- Few changing clothes
- Bandades
- Small personal pharmacy
- Innenliner (mandatory)
- Money, passport
Notes
The ascent of the Alphubel is a long high-altitude tour. When making your booking inquiry, please let us know which four-thousand-metre peaks you have already climbed and what other mountaineering experience you have.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Breithorn normal route. This is also an ideal way to acclimatize. This can also be done in a group, provided another person has registered for it.
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
The Alphubel
General information about the Alphubel
- The Alphubel is 4,206 m high and belongs to the Allalin group in the heart of the Valais Alps.
- Its striking, flat summit plateau makes it easily recognizable from afar - whether from Zermatt, Täsch or Saas-Fee.
- The Alphubel is a popular destination for high-altitude tours from Täsch or Saas-Fee in both summer and winter.
Special features of the Alphubel
The Täschhütte at 2,701 m, the starting point of the tour, is secluded in the idyllic valley of the Täschalpe and is also a rewarding destination for hikers with a rustic hut atmosphere.
- The Alphubel offers something for everyone: the easy normal route for beginners, the steeper Eisnase for those with firn and ice experience and the racy Rotgrat for experienced alpinists.
- Thanks to its location between the Mattertal and Saas valleys, you can enjoy a fascinating view of many of Switzerland's most famous four-thousand-metre peaks on the ascent.
Do I need a mountain guide for a high-altitude tour?
Yes, especially for beginners, the company of a certified mountain guide is highly recommended. Alpine tours often lead over glaciers with crevasses, steep firn flanks and exposed ridges. An experienced guide not only ensures safety, but also imparts valuable knowledge about technique, route selection and alpine dangers.
What advantages does a local mountain guide offer?
A local mountain guide knows the specific conditions of the region, such as weather conditions, glacier conditions and current route conditions. This expertise enables flexible tour planning and increases safety. In addition, a local guide enriches the experience with background information on the local mountains and culture.
What should I look out for when booking a mountain guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What levels of difficulty are alpine tours divided into?
Alpine tours are rated according to the SAC mountain and alpine tour scale, which ranges from L (easy) to EX (extremely difficult). The French designations range from F (facile) to ED (extrêmement difficile). These classifications take into account the technical requirements, length of the tour and objective dangers.
What equipment do I need for an alpine tour?
The equipment required varies depending on the alpine tour and can be viewed directly on the equipment list for the respective ski tour.
In general, the standard equipment for an alpine tour includes
- Crampon-proof mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Rope (depending on tour type and group size)
- Carabiners and slings
- helmet
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS device
When will a decision be made on the implementation of the high tour?
The final decision on whether to go ahead with an alpine tour is usually made 48 hours (sometimes only 24 hours) before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. You will be informed by us as early as possible about possible changes or cancellations.
How do I choose the right high-altitude tour for my ability?
The choice of an alpine tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. A gradual progression - from shorter to longer tours, from easy to technically more demanding - is advisable. Our mountain guides are happy to accompany you on this path and support you in your alpine development
Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We are happy to provide you with personal advice directly. Come and visit us at the home base!
How can I best prepare myself for a high-altitude tour?
Good preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Regular endurance training - such as hiking, running or cycling - not only improves your fitness, but also your resilience at high altitudes. Technique training is just as important: you need to practise using crampons and ice axes to be able to move safely in the terrain. If you also attend alpine courses, study maps and familiarize yourself with meteorology and alpine dangers, you will have a solid foundation for making independent decisions in the mountains. Our mountain guides will not only support you along the way, but will also be happy to give you tips on how best to prepare - so that your alpine tour with ZERMATTERS is an unforgettable experience.
How difficult are alpine tours and how are they classified?
Alpine tours can be divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC Alpine Touring Scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Not very difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Some of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow even more precise grading.
The rating is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, technical requirements and type of terrain (e.g. firn, ice, rock or glacier). Auxiliary criteria such as objective hazards, retreat options and seriousness of the route are also taken into account.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements for a tour?
Our mountain guides not only have a lot of experience, but also pay attention to the difficulty level of the tour when assessing it. At the same time, they decide on site whether the tour can be carried out as planned. If you do not meet the requirements and this compromises safety or the course of the tour, the tour may have to be adjusted or terminated prematurely. This decision is always made in the interests of the safety of everyone involved.
By the way, with a private mountain guide you are more flexible and can adjust the pace and route individually.
