Ski Tour Grand Combin

Advanced
3 days
Challenging ski tour to a 4000m peak
Ski tour with sections climbed in crampons
Long ski descent to Fionnay

Season:

March May

Departure Times

Key info

Extensive experience of glacier ski tours
Walking times of up to 10 hours with a backpack
Experienced climbing with crampons on snow and rock

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

A tour for experienced ski mountaineers: climb in crampons, summit experience at 4,314 m, long ski descent back to the valley.

This ski tour to the Grand Combin requires experience, fitness, and solid kick turn skills. A long climb up glaciers, steep sections on crampons, and an impressive summit moment make this tour a real adventure. The ski descent to Fionnay rewards the efforts of the long climb.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Hut approach to Cabane FXB Panossière
The starting point is in Fionnay. From here, we initially hike uphill on foot, as skis may need to be carried for the first stretch depending on snow conditions. The hike through the forest is steep before the terrain opens up and Grand Combin becomes visible. Steadily climbing up wide slopes we reach the Cabane FXB Panossière. There is time to enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks.
Distance
5.5 km
Ascent
+1250 m
Walking time
5 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Summit Ski Tour to Grand Combin 4,314 m
Our day begins in the dark. We descend to the glacier, then the long climb begins. The Glacier de Corbassière leads us slowly but steadily upwards. At the Plateau des Maison Blanche, the view of the mighty summit cap opens up. The terrain becomes steeper, and the skis need to be carried on the backpack. With crampons and ice axe, we continue through the Couloir du Gardien onto the upper glacier. After a final break, the final slopes to the Grand Combin de Grafeneire follow. If conditions and fitness allow, we can include additional peaks in the area before the long ski descent to the hut begins.
Distance
16 km
Ascent
+1750 m
Descent
-1750 m
Walking time
7-9 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Ski Tour to Petit Combin 3,663 m
Today, we head back onto the glacier. This time, we climb more directly and steeply to the Petit Combin. The summit offers an impressive view of the Grand Combin and the route covered the previous day. The long ski descent to Fionnay is a crowning conclusion to the tour, although depending on snow conditions, the skis may need to be carried for the final stretch.
Distance
12.5 km
Ascent
+1250 m
Descent
-2450 m
Walking time
5-7 hrs

What's included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Hut reservation

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Backpack 25-30 l

Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or winter hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Thermal underwear

Ski touring boots or snowboard boots

Crampons with anti-snow plates
Ski touring skis or splitboard with skins and tele crampons
Ski poles (preferrably telescopic)
LVS (avalanche transceiver)
Avalanche probe
Avalanche shovel

Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Headlamp
Silk sleeping bag liner
Toiletries
SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting point
Activity location

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