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, the pride of the Swiss mountains. While it may not be the highest point in Switzerland, it is the highest peak built entirely on Swiss soil. While there are more daring peaks in terms of shape, such as the Matterhorn or the Weisshorn, the Dom is no slouch in this regard. It's actually surprising that there's a "relatively" moderate climb up this wildly glaciated peak, which faces mountains on all sides. To call it an easy four-thousand-meter peak would be an exaggeration. The mere fact that the entire climb can be completed entirely under one's own steam and without the assistance of a cable car makes it a true test of fitness. A wild, crevasse-filled glacier with large glacial crevasses and dangling seracs requires careful route selection. The summit is also not possible without contact with rock, which requires a bit of climbing at this high altitude. For those in good physical shape, the Dom is a summit goal that will fully fulfill all expectations of a beautiful mountain.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Dom - Festigrat: Our tour follows in the footsteps of the first climbers, J. Llewellyn Davies, Johannes Zumtaugwald, Johann Kronig, and Hieronymous Brantschen, who reached the summit via the Festigrat in 1858, before the "golden age of mountaineering." What's particularly impressive is the fact that they accomplished this feat in one day. We follow the hiking trail and, just below the hut, climb a rocky outcrop secured with wire ropes to the Domhütte, where we settle in and recharge our batteries for the strenuous second day. The next morning, we set off early to the Festigoch and climb via the Festigrat to the summit. It's a good idea to split the endless descent (over 3,000 meters of elevation gain) into two days for the benefit of your knees, and perhaps treat yourself to an additional night at the Domhütte.
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
PROGRAM
Day 1: Randa - Domhütte
We meet in Randa at the train station (parking is available in the parking garage right next door if you arrive by car). After a quick gear check, we begin the ascent to the hut. The first day, already surrounded by beautiful scenery, leads us up 1,500 meters in elevation to the Domhütte, which we will reach after about four hours of walking.
Day 2: Early in the morning, we are woken up by the alarm clock. After a quick breakfast, we head out into the night. In the light of our headlamps, we will climb higher towards the Festijoch Pass. Along the way, as a reward for getting up early, we will be greeted by a stunning sunrise that will make you forget everything. A unique experience in this unique setting that you won't soon forget. We continue our ascent undeterred, marveling at the constantly changing light conditions that such an early morning brings. After we have also conquered the rocky ridge on the Festijoch Pass, we continue along the ridge of the same name, climbing towards the summit in an appealing and beautiful way. Once at the top, a first-class panorama awaits us. Hardly any mountain towers higher than the Dom. Furthermore, the entire Valais mountain range, with its breathtaking mountains, stands before us. Once we've had our fill of this scenery, we begin our descent along the normal route back to the Festijoch and via the familiar path to the hut, continuing, depending on our energy reserves, down to the valley.
Tip: When booking, request a second night at the Domhütte. I will then book you a second overnight stay so that you can split the endless descent into two days. From the summit to the valley, there is a difference of over 3,000 meters, which can be a real ordeal after a 1,300-meter ascent in the morning. This way, you can comfortably enjoy the summit success with this unique panorama on the hut terrace and descend the next day. This also leaves more than enough time for the journey home. I would like to say goodbye to you at the hut – but not before toasting with you to this wonderful tour and a great achievement for reaching the summit.
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.
