The Berner Oberland Haute Route is one of the classic high level ski tours in the Western Alps. It is located entirely in Switzerland, south of Interlaken in the Jungfrau region. The Jungfrau region is the area around Grindelwald which is so famous for the Eiger, which towers above this world renowned climbing and skiing center. The Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch are three spectacular peaks which form the magnificent backdrop for the villages to the North and are also the northern boundary of the largest glacial basin in the Alps. These glaciers, and the peaks which surround them, provide an incredible amount of opportunities for ski tours of all lengths and difficulties.

Aletschhorn from Jungfraujoch

This haute route has many different variations and therefore the tour need not necessarily be as strenuous or difficult as the classic Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route. The area is dotted with a number of excellent Swiss alpine huts which makes it possible to easily alter a tour if the weather or snow conditions should make this necessary. The presence of these huts also allows us to travel lightly during the day. We will be skiing with light packs so that the climbs will not be too difficult and so that we can enjoy the turns on the downhill runs. Depending upon the conditions and the ability level and desires of the group, it’s possible to ascend a number of excellent ski peaks, or these could be bypassed in favor of a more straightforward hut to hut tour.
View from Koncordia Hut

The Berner Oberland Haute Route is every bit as spectacular as the "classic" Haute Route. The tour travels across the Aletchgletcher, the longest glacier in the Alps, and through the Koncordiaplatz which is the largest glacial basin in the Alps. The area also has a number of 4000 meter peaks in and around it. And of course, the tour begins by traveling by cog railway right along the foot of the famous Eiger north face. The views of this face from Kleine Scheidegg will humble all but the most hard-core of mountaineers.

Skinning up under the Sattelhorn

While this six day tour need not be as difficult as the Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route, skiers should still be in good to excellent physical condition and be at least strong intermediate skiers. Participants should be able to ski in control in various kinds of ungroomed snow and have the ability to perform uphill kick turns on fairly steep slopes. Previous mountaineering experience is not a requirement to participate in or to enjoy this tour. We will have time at the beginning of the trip to introduce and/or review the necessary mountaineering skills which may be required throughout the tour. If you love backcountry skiing this is a trip that you will never forget!