Phil Bucher
The Alps are home to countless options for Alpine tours. Sales advisor Thomi shares beginner-friendly routes, along with an explanation of the SAC scale for assessing the difficulty of an Alpine tour.
Looking for beginner-friendly Alpine tours that are easy but varied? Here are some suggestions for straightforward yet stunning Alpine tours in the Swiss Alps. While you’re still finding your feet, it’s important that you don’t do any of the following tours on your own: always go with a mountain guide or someone with a lot of experience and knowledge of high Alpine terrain.
Allalinhorn (VS) – one of the easier 4,000-metre peaks
Valais’ Allalinhorn is considered one of the more straightforward 4,000-metre peaks in Switzerland. By extension, this Alpine tour isn’t exactly a hidden gem – but it’s still worth your while. Once you’ve taken the Metro Alpin funicular to 3,400 metres, you’re not that far off the summit at 4,027 metres. On a technical level, the tour ranges from ‘easy’ to ‘not very difficult’ (L/WS) according to the SAC scale, but watch out for crevasses in the glacier terrain.
Sustenhorn (UR) – a pleasant tour across the glacier for beginnersSustenhorn (UR) – a pleasant tour across the glacier for beginners
The Sustenhorn in the canton of Uri is particularly popular among those taking their first steps in the world of glaciers. On the first day, you hike over the Göscheneralp to the Chelenalphütte hut, before continuing to the summit from there on the following day. You can return via a different route, trekking across the glacier to the Tierberglihütte hut. The technical level of the tour is classed as ‘easy’ under the SAC scale, but you nevertheless need a decent level of stamina.
Roc des Plines (VS) – through open high mountains
The Roc de Plines is a little-known peak in the Western Alps, reached via an ascent from the Cabane du Trent that passes over expansive firn fields and gentle glacier slopes. Technically, this Alpine tour is classed as ‘easy’ or ‘not very difficult’, depending on the route. Good wayfinding skills are important in the open mountain landscape so you know you’re heading in the right direction even in difficult conditions or in the dark. This Alpine tour is a good choice for beginners who already have a certain amount of experience.
SAC scale for Alpine tours
The SAC scale classifies Alpine tours in Switzerland by various levels of difficulty. The scale ranges from ‘L’ (easy) and ‘WS’ (not very difficult) to ‘EX’ (extreme). Tours marked ‘L’ and ‘WS’ are suitable for beginners: they have few steep slopes and glacier crevasses, and any climbing stretches are straightforward.
The SAC’s classification system is a handy aid for finding an Alpine tour corresponding to your level. However, you still need to prepare properly for an ‘easy’ or ‘not very difficult’ tour. Above all, this includes being familiar with the conditions on the ground: what’s the weather like on the day of your Alpine tour? How much snow is left from winter, and where? What equipment do you need? For example, will you need to be roped together or do you need to be able to abseil? It can be helpful to opt for a guided Alpine tour: a mountain guide knows the region and what to expect. You can book tours – from easy beginner-friendly tours to demanding Alpine tours through snow and ice – via providers like our partner mountaineering school Höhenfieber.
Geltenhorn (BE) – a lesser-known tour
An unsung gem with beautiful scenery: the Geltenhorn in the Bernese Oberland is always a rewarding destination. While the route takes you to the summit via the Gälte glacier on day 2, this is perfectly feasible, technically speaking, for beginners. Classified as ‘not very difficult’ on the SAC scale, there are some short stretches on the ridge leading to the summit where you’ll need to scrabble over rocky ground – and be pretty sure-footed.
Silvrettahorn (GR) – a varied ascentSilvrettahorn (GR) – a varied ascent
Glaciers, firn and rocky sections: there’s plenty of variety to be found on the Alpine tour to the Silvrettahorn in Graubünden. The standard route takes you from the Silvrettahütte hut towards the south ridge via the Silvretta glacier. The upper part is exposed, so you need to be steady on your feet. On the SAC scale, this tour is classed as ‘not very difficult’. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Grisons and the Tyrolean Alps.
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