Hi

I am a complete novice to the alpine scene (not been above 2000m) nor have I done any winter walking. So, my questions are if I wanted to do allalinhorn in summer 2011...is it possible ? Can I hire a guide easy enough ? Should I look at improving my winter skills first ? Do I need to acclimatise ? What equipment is necessary ? Is it a tough slog or is (hands on) climbing involved ?

Thanks, Knight987

Allalinhorn is accessible via cable car in less than two hours (snow plod).
Wait for a good meteo; hire a guide; rent boots, crampons, ixe axis, harness; take sunglasses, appropriate clothing (i.e. gloves, cap, ...) and just do it... slowly and steadly

Spending another day above 2500...3000m before surely will help to enjoy the trip.

Martin

First, it’s no easy thing giving advice to someone you don’t know. That said, the Allalinhorn and also the Breithorn from Klein Matterhorn can be climbed by anyone being reasonably fit and acclimatized. Having no experience the advice is to learn to walk with crampons and to join a guided group. As always the weather and crevasses may enter into the equation.

/Hans

Flachlandtiroler wrote:Spending another day above 2500...3000m before surely will help to enjoy the trip.

+1

You shouldn't attempt a 4000er without being trodden a 3000er first. Neither you've attempted a 2000er. What mountains have you ascended BTW, in late July we saw a rescue on Allalinhorn, a rope of three had fell into a crack. I don't know what type of mountain experience had them but we also could have fallen there despite my 4000er's experience. Never underestimate the mountains' risks mate

Hi Folks, thanks for the advice. Re: altitude I have been up to 1600m in alps (summer). Mountaineering is something I am looking to take up after breaking my back when racing MTB years ago and now have certain limitations (I can still scramble and walk up and down hill ). Only problem is I am now 43 and have no one to learn from and so would like to use guides to get my experience. I appreciate your advice and will consider 3000M target this year followed by some winter training in UK before an 'easy' 4000er.