Switzerland - 7-15 August

Trip organiser: Dan

Piz Buin or bust 2010
aka
Newbury Mountain Club Hut 2 Hut 2010

Travel

I decided to fly in the end – getting to the remote end of Switzerland isn’t easy and coming into Zurich was the cheapest Sat-Sun option. Milan was almost half as cheap, but that was Friday – Sunday.

Hut Costs – per person, per day, half board = from 36–53 euros. Drinks and lunch are extra.

The Plan

Similar in ‘hardness’ to all the other Alps trips, ice axe useful, or poles. The higher passes are more akin to snowfields than true glaciers. The hardest days would be the same as the penultimate day in the Pyrenees last year, or the Venediger assent of 2008. Email me with any questions and of course I’ll be at the Dolphin.

SATURDAY 7th August. Fly from Luton – Zurich via EasyJet.
Depart Luton 06:35, arrive Zurich 09:15; including hold luggage this is £148.48, or £128.48 without.

Collect VW Polo at Zurich Flughof (£239.39), holds 5.

Drive to Silvrettadorf & the Madelainer Haus.

SUNDAY 8th August. Madelainer Haus (1986m) – Jamtal Hutte (2165m).

A good high day, to 2,839m, via the the Getschnerscharte. This is stage 64 of the Via Alpina Red Route.

MONDAY 9th August. Jamtal Hutte (2165m) – Heidelberger Hutte (2264m).

Another good high day, the crossing via the 2974m Kronenjoch recommended over the shorter, lower Zahnjoch 2945m. Even Kev Reynolds agrees.

TUESDAY 10th August. Heidelberger Hutte (2264m) – Ardez (1467m).

A long day, up over a lower col at 2647 before a long 1200m downhill. Accommodation is at a camping barn with showers etc. Ardez is a quiet village, with castle and a nice restaurant.

WEDNESDAY 11th August. Ardez (1467m) – Tuoi Hutte (2250m).

Easy day popular with walkers and cyclists.

THURSDAY 12th August. Tuoi (2250m) – Piz Buin (3312m).

Or a day off for those that would prefer to sit in the sun and catch some rays.

FRIDAY 13th August. Tuoi Hutte (2250m) – Wiesbadener Hutte (2443m).

Short day, up and over the Vermuntpass 2797m. Other peaks are possible as this is only a 3-4hr day.

SATURDAY 14th August. Wiesbadener Hutte (2443m) - Madelainer Haus (1986m).

A downhill day.

SUNDAY 15th August. Madelainer Haus (1986m) – Zurich, flights back are 20:05 – 20:40.

I HAVE BOOKED 5 PLACES, but can add more if needed. The Silvretta/Engadine is a quiet area of the Alps, fewer walkers than the west of Switzerland.

Please could you let me know ASAP if interested.