21 June – 5 July Saas Grund, Valais, Switzerland and 30 August – 6 September Ailefroide Ecrins National Park, France

21 June – 5 July Saas Grund, Valais, Switzerland
Steve Christian
Our first alpine trip of the year will be to the lovely ‘Saastal’ based at Camping
Schönblick in the village of Saas Grund. It is the eastern region of the Swiss
canton of Valais, north of the Monte Rosa group. There is a concentration of
thirteen peaks exceeding 4000 metres that include technically easy normal routes
along with some classic snow and rock ridge traverses. It is a perfect venue for
new or experienced alpine mountaineers alike. There are also lower altitude
classic rock traverses and some good multi pitch rock climbs. Half and full day
walks are possible to a number of alpine huts, lakes and cols, which can include
ascents of smaller walking peaks.
The campsite is currently closed and opening for the winter season in the next
few weeks. They have reserved 25 camping places for us and we will be able to
book directly with them from mid-March onwards.
Steve Christian

30 August – 6 September Ailefroide Ecrins National Park,
France Nigel Berry
The second confirmed venue is Ailefroide in The Ecrins National Park, France for
the first week of September i.e. 30th August to 6th September. There is an option
to extend this for a further week after the proposed finish date depending upon
people’s preference. It will also be possible for people to independently go a week
earlier. It will be based from the campsite in Ailefroide Camping Ailefroide
(Vallouise-Pelvoux) | Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism
This venue works well at the end of the season August / September (when the
French finish their holidays) perfect for families, great campsite, no telepheriques
to pay for and possibilities for booking huts. Conditions can be mixed for snow
alpinism but still possible with the Pelvoux traverse or Dom de Neige / Barre des
Ecrin.
It has many bolt protected multi pitch granite routes, either from the campsite or
in the surrounding mountains, along with many bolted valley crags in adjacent
areas. There are nearby options for bouldering, canyoning and via ferratas. The
local and nearby walks are also varied and extensive.
Nigel Berry