The Swiss Alps

by Kev Reynolds

Overview

This, the latest volume in Cicerone's World Mountain Ranges series, is a unique planning resource for anyone preparing to explore the mountains of the Swiss Alps, providing all the information needed for a variety of mountainous pursuits - walking, hiking, climbing or ski mountaineering.

Covering each mountain area in Switzerland, the guide describes all the country's major peaks, passes and valleys to help readers choose the best locations to indulge their love of the outdoors. There is comprehensive information on all the key centres: Grindelwald, St Moritz, Zermatt and many, many more.

Detailing access, accommodation and facilities in valley bases as well as pinpointing mountain huts, all the necessary information on where to stay is included. Classic walks and climbs in all areas are identified and major hut-to-hut trekking routes are outlined.

Although aimed at outdoor enthusiasts of all standards, the guide gives climbing grades where appropriate and multi-day hiking routes are also outlined for the more experienced.

A well-illustrated guide with scores of expertly-drawn maps, this is the essential guide for active visitors to one of Europe's most mountainous countries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781852844653
Publisher:	Cicerone Press Limited
Publication date:	04/12/2012
Series:	World Mountain Ranges
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	464
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Kev Reynolds is a freelance writer, photojournalist and lecturer. A prolific compiler of guidebooks, his first title for Cicerone Press appeared in 1978; he has since produced 27 titles for Cicerone, with others being researched. A member of the Outdoor Writers' Guild, the Alpine Club and Austrian Alpine Club, his passion for mountains and the countryside remains undiminished, and he regularly travels throughout Britain to share that enthusiasm through his lectures.

Table of Contents

Overview Map 7

Introduction 11

About this Book 11

The Mountain Ranges 12

Practicalities 16

When to Co 16

Weather 18

Getting There 18

Getting Around 20

Accommodation 21

Mountain Huts 22

Maps and Guidebooks 24

Health Considerations 28

The Mountains 31

Mountain Activities 33

Safety Dos and Don'ts 41

Mountain Rescue 42

Plant and Animal Life 43

Environmental Ethics 46

Information at a Glance 48

Chapter 1 Chabilaisalps Alps 49

1:1 Val de Morgins 53

1:2 Val d'llliez 54

1:3 Vallon de Susanfe 64

1:4 Rhône Valley Approache 66

1:5 Vallée du Trient 67

Access, Bases, Maps and Guides 80

Chapter 2 Penne Alps 81

2:1 Val Ferret 86

2:2 Val d'Entremont 96

2:3 Val de Bagnes 103

2:4 Val de Nendaz 115

2:5 Val d'Hérémence 116

2:6 Val d'Hérens 120

2:7 Val de Moiry 132

2:8 Val d'Anniviers 137

2:9 Turtmanntal 146

2:10 Mattertal 149

2:11 Saastal 168

2:12 Simplon Pass 179

Access, Bases, Maps and Guides 181

Chapter 3 Lepontine and Adula Alps 183

3:1 Simplon Pass East 189

3:2 Binntal 192

3:3 Val Bedretto 194

3:4 Valle Leventina 200

3:5 Val Verzasca. 205

3:6 Valle Maggia and its Tributaries 211

3:7 Valle di Blenio 217

3:8 Vals Calanca and Mesolcina 224

3:9 The Northern Valleys 229

Access, Bases, Maps and Guides 237

Chapter 4 Berina, Bregagilla and Albula Alps 239

4:1 Val Madris and the Averstal 244

4:2 Engadine Valley: Left Bank 249

4:3 Val Bregaglia 256

4:4 The Bernina Alps 270

4:5 The Swiss National Park 285

Access, Bases, Maps and Guides 289

Chapter 5 Bernese Alps 291

5:1 Alpes Vaudoises 296

5:2 Les Diablerets to the Rawil Pass 301

5:3 TheWildstrubel Massif 306

5:4 Kandersteg and the Gemmipass 308

5:5 Blüemlisalp and the Gasterntal 310

5:6 The Kiental 313

5:7 Lauterbrunnen Valley 316

5:8 Grindelwald and the Lütschental 325

5:9 Haslital and Grimsel Pass 336

5:10 The Southern Valleys 341

Access, Bases, Maps and Guides 351

Chapter 6 Centra l Swiess Alps 353

6:1 Uri Alps: Dammastock Group 359

6:2 North of the Sustenpass: Titlis Group 369

6:3 Glarner Alps 378

Access, Bases, Maps and Guides 401

Chapter 7 Silveretta and Rätikon Alps 403

7:1 Silvretta Alps: Lower Engadine 408

7:2 Silvretta Alps: Prattigau 413

7:3 Rätikon Alps 420

7:4 The Alpstein Massif 429

Access, Bases, Maps and Guides 435

Appendix A Glossary of Alpine Terms 437

Appendix B Selective Bibliography 439

Appendix C Index of Maps 440

Appendix D The Swiss 4000m Peaks 442

Index 449