Ski mountaineering Grand Combin at over 4,000 metres

Gigantic glaciers, steep passages in firn and ice and abseiling on skis - that's how we get to the Grand Combin summit!

Technics

Endurance

The Grand Combin is a mighty four-thousand metre peak in the heart of the Valais Alps. Remote and impressive! The best time to climb it is in late spring, because only then are the snow conditions really good. Thanks to the local taxi driver, we set off up the mountain to reach the hut on skis on the first day. On the second day, we set off very early to reach the foot of the northern flank of the Grand Combin via the Glacier de Corbassière. We climb through the "Couloir du Gardien" with crampons and ice axe to the summit plateau, where we reach the Combin du Valsorey and the Combin de Grafeneire. On the descent, we reach "La Mur", a steep ice passage that we overcome by abseiling to reach "Le Corridor". Here we ski down on a glacier terrace and enjoy the spring sunshine and the marvellous slope. A long and impressive day at over 4,000 metres! On the last day, we decide where and how to ski depending on the conditions. There are a few shorter ski tours to leave the valley and return home happy and full of memories.

Venue & meeting point
- Area: Grand Combin, Lower Valais
- Meeting point: approx. 9.00 Martigny
- Conclusion: approx. 15.00 Martigny
- Overnight stay: two nights in the Cabane FXB Panossière
Requirements
- Mastering the ski touring technique with its basics (skins, hairpin turns).
- Safe downhill technique in open terrain and in different types of snow.
- You have experience with ice axe and crampons.
- Stamina for ski tours of around 1500 metres at a normal pace (~300-350m/h).
- In addition, there are sections where we carry the skis and trudge through the snow.
- Splitboarder:inside by arrangement only.
Group size
- Takes place with up to 2 guests per mountain guide.
Price and services
- CHF 1570.-
- Including planning and realisation with mountain guide and his travel expenses.
- Including accommodation costs with half board.
- Excluding travel expenses, possible train tickets, personal consumption.
Material and equipment
- We have for you a detailed packing list with packing tips compiled.
- For this tour you need the following material from this PDF. We carry our equipment with us all the time. Pack only what is necessary.