The Challenge: 2026

Everest in the Alps is our signature ski touring challenge. Described as the toughest four days on skis, we invite you to join the few who have completed this monumental ascent, and face the height of Everest for the ultimate winter endurance challenge.

Training Starts Now!

It’s a gruelling event which involves approximately up to 40 hours of ski touring, with up to a total of 20 individual ascents over 4 days. Each day you will climb between 2,000m – 2,500m to reach the overall target of 8,848m. The average amount of time out on the snow is 11 hours a day, but it can be longer – however long it takes to keep on track. At altitudes of up to 3,500m, each Everest in the Alps challenger will burn through a daily average of 10,000 calories – the equivalent of running three back-to-back marathons. Preparation for the challenge takes months.

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ITINERARY: 2026

Sat 21st February & Sun 22nd February

Arrival in Geneva and transfer to Verbier. Settle into your accommodation and get ready for the challenge ahead.

Mon 23rd February – Preparation Day

Around midday the group comes together for a full briefing, covering the plan for the week and answering any final questions. In the afternoon there’s a short ski tour to stretch legs and test kit, followed by a team dinner in the evening to mark the start of the adventure.

Tues 24th February – Day 1 on the Mountain

Up at sunrise. Day one on the mountain, The route will vary between teams – you will be briefed daily on the next leg of the challenge. Overnight at Cabane Mont Fort.

Wed 25th February – Day 2 on the Mountain

A full day of climbing and descending, with teams pushing on towards their targets. Overnight at Cabane Mont Fort.

Thursday 26th February – Day 3 on the Mountain

Another demanding day on the mountain, testing stamina and teamwork. Overnight at Cabane Mont Fort.

Friday 27th February – Final Day

The last leg of the challenge ends back in Verbier, followed by a well-earned celebratory meal with the whole team.

Saturday 28th February

Departures for the UK.

ACCOMMODATION

VERBIER

The challenge begins and ends in Verbier. To allow for flexibility, team members arrange their own accommodation in the resort for the Monday and Friday nights. Most people choose to arrive over the weekend, but everyone must be in resort by 10am on Monday to collect kit and attend the safety briefing, ready to start the challenge at first light on Tuesday.

ON THE MOUNTAIN

During the challenge we stay at Cabane Mont Fort, a mountain hut perched high on the slopes with stunning views. Accommodation is simple and communal, with bunk-style rooms of 4–10 beds and shared bathroom facilities. Showers are available via tokens, which limit usage time. Staying in the hut allows teams to fully immerse themselves in the experience and gives us an early start each morning. The highlight? Their food and wine are outstanding.

FOOD

In Verbier, we’ll come together for an organised pre-event dinner on the Monday evening and a celebration meal at the end of the challenge.

During the event itself, breakfasts and dinners are provided at Cabane Mont Fort, while lunches will be taken at convenient restaurants on the mountain. To help keep your energy levels up throughout the day, we’ll also share advice and suggestions in the pre-departure information on the best snacks to bring along.

FITNESS

Everest in the Alps is within reach for anyone with a healthy, active lifestyle – but it does require dedicated preparation. The time and intensity of training will depend on your starting point, so we encourage all participants to commit early. For guidance, please see our dedicated fitness page.

MINIMUM FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

• Skin uphill on skis an average of 2,250 vertical metres per day over roughly 12 km, across four consecutive days
• Ski downhill the same distance each day, mainly on blue and red runs
• Carry a day sack of around 8kg (spare clothing, water, snacks)
• Perform in mountain conditions at altitudes of 1,500m–3,500m
• Cope with weather that may include extreme cold, strong winds, and poor visibility

WEATHER

At resort level (around 1,500m) daytime temperatures typically hover around freezing, dropping by roughly 6.5°C for every 1,000m gained in elevation. Conditions can, however, be much colder – during the 2018 event, the team faced unseasonably low temperatures of -30°C first thing in the morning.

Wind chill at altitude can make it feel significantly colder, and participants should be prepared for low cloud, snowfall, strong winds, and minimal visibility. Wind speeds increase with altitude and can reach gale force, with driving snow at times.

Weather reports will be received daily and shared with the team. While it’s unlikely that the event would be cancelled due to weather, conditions may require changes in tactics or route to ensure safety.

COST

We are currently confirming the 2026 costs with our suppliers and will update this page as soon as they are finalised. For reference, the total cost of the 2025 event was £4,599, with an £1000 deposit required to secure a place. The remaining balance was due three months before the start of the event.

Please note: this fee covers the administration, planning, and delivery of the event. It does not go to charity. 

Not everyone is able to self-fund, so it may be possible to incorporate the event costs into your fundraising target. This would need to be discussed and agreed with the charity.

INCLUDED

• Professional guides and assistant guides for each team

• Accommodation during the challenge at Cabane Mont Fort

• Monday pre-event dinner and Friday celebration dinner

• Breakfasts and dinners at Cabane Mont Fort

• Kit transport to Cabane Mont Fort

• On-site masseurs at Cabane Mont Fort

• Technical hard shell jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)

• Ski touring rucksack (Ortovox or equivalent)

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights or transfers to Verbier

• Accommodation in Verbier (Monday and Friday nights)

• Travel insurance

• Lunches and snacks (personal choice)

• Personal clothing (except jacket and rucksack provided)

• Ski touring equipment (boots, skis, skins, poles, ski crampons) – available to hire, see our Equipment page

• Ski pass (discounted rate available)

• Shower tokens at Cabane Mont Fort

PRE TRIP INFORMATION

Once your place is confirmed, you will receive a full information pack with everything you need to prepare for the challenge.

Enquire Now.