Schweiz Plaisir Selection

This is a selective guidebook describing the very best multi-pitch rock routes in the grade range of F4b to F6c, and is an excellent guidebook for first time alpinists. The emphasis of this guidebook is on fun (plaisir is fun in French) rock routes in fantastic alpine settings that generally don’t require a glacial approach.

The guidebook is split into 9 different regions in 3 different countries. In France it covers, Haute-Savoie (Chamonix area), and Dauphiné (Écrins). In Italy it covers Vall d’Aosta and Bergell. The majority of the guidebook covers Switzerland in the following areas: Wallis -Westliches, Ostiliches – Zentralschweiz, Tessin, Nordoschweiz, and Graubunden.

Each route has a general description covering its aspect, history and character. There is then a location map, plus a detailed, clear topo. Symbols are then used to indicated how well bolted the route is, what traditional gear is required (if any), altitude, route length and what ropes are required.

Published in 2012, this guidebook is in German, French and English throughout, and has many stunning colour photographs and other useful information.