1858
4,545 m
J. Llewellyn Davies, Johannes Zumtaugwald, Johann Kronig, Hieronymous Brantschen
DOM
Festigrat (AD-, II)
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
1.100,- €
THE MOUNTAIN
The Dom via the Festigrat is a big, serious alpine tour in the Valais Alps – long, wild, and all the more appealing because of it.
2 days · Difficulty ZS- / AD-, II · Valais Alps
The Dom is the pride of the Swiss mountains. It may not be the highest point in Switzerland, but it is the highest summit that stands entirely on Swiss soil. There may be bolder-looking peaks such as the Matterhorn or the Weisshorn, yet the Dom certainly does not need to hide in that respect.
It is actually quite remarkable that this wildly glaciated peak, forbidding on all sides, has a “relatively” moderate line of ascent. But calling it an easy four-thousander would be going too far. The very fact that the entire ascent must be done under your own power, without the support of any cable car, makes it a true test of fitness.
A wild, crevassed glacier with major icefalls and hanging seracs demands good route-finding. The summit also cannot be reached without some rock contact, so a short section of climbing at this great altitude is required. For those with strong fitness, the Dom is a summit objective that fully lives up to every expectation of a fine mountain.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Dom – Festigrat: Our tour follows in the footsteps of the first ascensionists J. Llewellyn Davies, Johannes Zumtaugwald, Johann Kronig and Hieronymous Brantschen, who climbed to the summit via the Festigrat as early as 1858 – even before the “golden age of alpinism”. Particularly impressive is the fact that they completed this tremendous effort in a single day.
We follow the hiking trail and, shortly below the Domhütte, a rocky step secured with fixed wire ropes up to the hut, where we settle in and recharge our reserves for the strenuous second day. Even this approach is not merely a warm-up, but a proper part of the tour – and that is exactly what makes the Dom so special.
The next morning we set off early for the Festijoch and continue over the Festigrat to the summit. A good idea, for the sake of your knees, is to split the long descent over two days and perhaps treat yourself to another night at the Domhütte. That turns a very long undertaking into a slightly more relaxed journey, without losing the character of this great alpine tour.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Entire organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs:
- 1 overnight stay with half board (Domhütte)
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Expenses (accommodation) for the mountain guide
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per piece of equipment)
Facts
Location:
Wallis Alps
Best time of year:
July - mid-September
Duration:
2 days
Meeting point:
Randa - train station
What you need
Safety-relevant requirements
- Sure-footedness
Requirements for enjoyment
- Excellent fitness for climbs of up to 1,500 meters at high altitude
- If the tour is completed over two days, there will also be a descent of more than 3,000 meters.
PRICING
Participants:
1-2 people
Prices:
1 person:
2 people:
1.800,- €
1.100,- €
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
PROGRAM
Day 1: Ascent to the Domhütte
We meet in Randa at the railway station. If you are arriving by car, parking is available in the car park right next to it. After a short gear check, we begin the ascent to the Domhütte. Through beautiful mountain scenery, we gain a substantial amount of height already on the first day and reach the hut after a long but very manageable approach. There we make ourselves comfortable and prepare calmly for the big summit day ahead.
Walking time: 4.5 h | ↑ 1,550 m
⌂ Domhütte (2,940 m)
Day 2: Summit via the Festigrat
We are woken early by the alarm. After a short breakfast, we head out into the night. By the light of our headlamps, we climb towards the Festijoch. On the way, we are rewarded for the early start with a sunrise that makes you forget a great deal. Once we have also passed the rocky barrier up to the Festijoch, we continue along the Festigrat, with enjoyable climbing, towards the summit. Once at the top, a panorama awaits us that is truly second to none on the Dom. As soon as we have taken it all in, we begin our descent along the normal route back to the Festijoch and then by the now familiar way to the hut and, depending on our remaining energy, further down into the valley to Randa.
Total time: 12 h | ↑ 1,650 m | ↓ 3,200 m | Difficulty: ZS- / AD-, II
Info: Tip: When booking, ask straight away for a second night at the Domhütte. I can then add an extra overnight stay for you in order to split the very long descent over two days. From the summit to the valley there are more than 3,000 vertical metres to descend, which can really be felt in the legs after climbing 1,650 vertical metres in the morning. This way, you can enjoy your summit success in comfort on the hut terrace and descend the next day. It also leaves more than enough time for the journey home.
The story of the first ascent
In the summer of 1858, Davies spent his vacation in the Matter Valley and, with his guide, Johannes Zumtaugwald, had already climbed several smaller peaks. To conclude, he wished to ascend a previously unclimbed peak. Zumtaugwald enlisted Kronig as a second guide. In Randa, the clergyman Brantschen joined them at short notice, and the four set off from Randa's village square at 2:10 a.m. By 8 a.m. they had already reached the Festijoch, where they took a short rest. Crossing the Festigrat, they finally reached the summit at 11 a.m. in perfect autumn weather. They were back in Randa at 4:20 p.m., a remarkable achievement at that time, considering that nowadays the Dom is almost exclusively climbed in two days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - (FAQs)
Who is the Dom tour via the Festigrat suitable for?
The tour on the Dom is suitable for fit mountaineers who already have experience on alpine tours and in easy rock terrain. The long approach and the very extended summit day require, above all, good stamina and confident movement in high-alpine terrain.
Can I split the long descent?
Yes, and it is actually a very good idea. If you do not want to descend the full 3,200 vertical metres to Randa after the summit, you can request a second night at the Domhütte when booking. That makes the return much more pleasant.
What equipment do I need for the tour?
You will receive the detailed packing list with the confirmation email. The most important items are suitable mountaineering boots and a rucksack for the two days. Technical equipment can be hired from the mountain guide for a small wear-and-tear fee.
