HIKING THE SWISS VALASIAN ALPS, SAAS- FEE & ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND June 20-28, 2012 $1690  Dick Ernenwein, Trip Leader The high peaks of the Saas-Fee and Zermatt Giants, stunning glaciers and Switzerland's highest peak, the Dom, towering over Saas-Fee, and the most famous of mountains, the towering Matterhorn crowns the village of Zermatt. This is the setting. The panorama: breathtaking Italian, French, and Swiss Alpine Giants. The feeling: overwhelming. The impression: the highest of feelings. The promise: seven days of incredible hiking in two of the most famous high mountain villages in the world. This is a hiking trip that will be memorable and this is the third time in five years that I will lead an ADK hiking trip here. Both Saas-Fee and Zermatt, without a single auto, are located in the Valasian region of Southern Switzerland near the Italian border. Saas-Fee and Zermatt are characterized by dry, pure air and very frequent periods of constant fine weather with little rain or fog. We will spend four nights in Saas-Fee which lies in an idyllic valley at 5900 feet surrounded by the highest mountains in the Alps. No less than thirteen four thousand-meter (13000' plus) peaks encircle Saas-Fee at the foot of the glaciers like a shell and give it its distinctive name “the pearl of the Alps”. Our other four nights will be in one the most famous mountain villages in the world, Zermatt (Zur Matte). “Zur Matte”, on the morning pasture, is nestled in a green valley at 5315 feet elevation enclosed between steeply scarred mountains and dominated by the mountain of mountains, the huge and gracefully curved pyramid of the Matterhorn. Zermatt was a magnet for resolute mountaineers in the golden age of Alpinism. Basically, Zermatt still retains that character today. Above Zermatt rises the Matterhorn 14,692 ft., plus 16 other 4000 meter peaks and another 15 x 2000 to 3000 meter peaks. The level of daily hiking will be advanced moderate to strenuous. Please carefully study the daily itinerary and then you will be able to judge for yourself the level of difficulty. Please note the specific details of the hiking times, mileage, and verticals and the level of difficulty of each day's hike. Outing Cost: $1690 per person Payment Policy: A deposit of $400.00 is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance of $1290.00 is due no later than March 1, 2012. Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel the trip at any time, an $85.00 ADK registration fee is non-refundable. The balance of the deposit is fully refundable up to March 1, 2012. After March 1, 2012, no refunds are possible unless your space can be filled from a waiting list. However, if ADK cancels the trip or if in the opinion of the leader, this trip is not for you, the full amount will be refunded.      Accommodations: All rooms have private bath/shower, WC, hair dryer, cable, TV, direct dial phone, room safe, and large balconies. Price Includes: Lodging in a double (or single-extra fee) room, 8 daily buffet breakfasts 8 daily 4 course dinner (Saas Fee) and 5 course dinner (Zermatt) New for Saas Fee: all cable cars and valley buses included in price SWISS CARD: (2nd class) includes round trip from any entry point in Switzerland and unlimited purchase of train, postal bus, and lake steamer tickets at half price. A 50% reduction on Zermatt mountain lifts. Free entrance to all Swiss museums All Taxes and service charges. Not Included: Airfare Drinks and beverages at dinner mountain transportation (Saas Fee “free” and a 50% reduction for Zermatt are included with the Swiss Card) All Lunches Items of a personal nature. Travel Insurance. (highly recommended Daily Itinerary For more information contact Dick Ernenwein, 845-565-3866, 4 Commonwealth Ave, Newburgh, NY 12550. e-mail:  rernenwein@msn.com PRICING: THIS TRIP IS SUBJECT TO AN INCREASE IN COST AT ANY TIME UNTIL THE TRIP'S DEPARTURE DATE. BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP AND THE PRICE FOR THIS TRIP WAS ESTABLISHED AT AN EARLIER DATE, IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR A SURCHARGE IF THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR CONTINUES ITS DECLINE AGAINST THE EURO. Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control. All registration fees are non-refundable. Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information. MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION