The essence of mountaineering.
Simply put, the Alps are the most classic mountain range in the world. It is here where mountain climbing was born and still flourishes today. Virtually all forms of climbing can be found in the Alps, from high altitude ascents, to sport climbing, and from classic ski mountaineering tours to technical mixed climbs; often very accessible from huts and cable cars. The Alps are a true mountaineer’s playground where you can put more focus on the climbing. Usually within close proximity of all the modern comforts one could ask for. Climbing here should not be viewed as a wilderness experience. However, the range does offer as amazing scenic splendor and dramatic views as those found in more far off reaches of the world. What more, there is something to be said about sipping a latte at a street side café in Chamonix while admiring the alpenglo on Mont Blanc looming 12,000 feet above. The civilized yet quaint charm to be found in villages of the alps is what makes climbing trips here so memorable. Most the classic climbs start after an overnight stay at one of the many charming mountain huts found in the Alps. Combined with cable car access this makes for a fairly casual approach to the climbs. One needs only to bring a day pack with clothing and equipment for the climb itself. In the most huts you will be provided with bedding, a warm dinner, beverages and a pre-climb breakfast. If you have never experience climbing like this, you will enjoy climbing with a light pack and having a warm bed to sleep in. 
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What is the appropriate trip for you?
Maybe you already have a specific goal: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, or perhaps the Eiger. We offer trips in the Alps for all experience levels of climbers. In addition to consulting us personally, use these guidelines to help you choose the type of trip that best suits your needs. Climbs in the alps tend to be more lengthy and exposed than those found in the USA. Though not always technically difficult, the climbs often involve covering lots of moderate terrain with a great deal of exposure (e.g. the Matterhorn). The Chamonix, France area is a good base for a varied alpine climbing experience. There are routes of all ability levels to choose from. Both the novice and the seasoned mountaineer will find much to choose from here with the myriad of granite summits and ice streaked headwalls of the Mont Blanc massif. The regions is crowned by 15,770 foot Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. Zermatt, Switzerland and the nearby Sass Valley are abound with numerous, big 4,000 meter (13,200 ft.) peaks to climb. This area is a peak baggers playground. The standout peak here is the famous Matterhorn. Other standouts are Monte Rosa, the Weisshorn, Zinal Rothorn, and many more. The Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland near the hamlet of Grindelwald is perhaps most famous for the awe inspiring Eiger immortalized in Heinrich Harrer's classic book "The White Spider." This region is in the heart of Switzerland and is studded with scenic alpine pastures, chalets and breathtaking mountains and all the other attendant cliches. The cog rail train here provides amazing access to the three main peaks, the Eiger, Jüngfrau and Mönch. The latter two are not difficult and very pleasant outings. The Eiger is a technical climb. The Dolomites of Italy is perhaps Europes most famous alpine rock climbing arena. They offer high quality climbs of all ability levels on amazing alpine towers situated above small glaciers, grassy meadows and small, pastoral villages.
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We offer ascents of many of the classic alpine mountains & routes including the following:
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RATES
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Guiding fee schedule for 2005:
- 1 person: $525/day
- 2 people: $750/day
- 3 people: $900/day
Some climbs, such as the Matterhorn can only be guided at 1:1 ratio, however most of the preparatory climbs can be done at higher ratios. |
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MONT BLANC ASCENT
This is a five-day course that culminates in an attempt to summit the 15,770-foot summit of Mont Blanc. Upon its first ascent in 1786 the sport of mountaineering was born. Today, it still represents a significant ascent on any aspiring alpinist’s resume. We will spend three days preparing and acclimatizing for our ascent on the glaciers and smaller peaks around the Chamonix valley. Then we will make our bid for the summit on the final two days of this well-rounded mountaineering course.
Experience level: Good overall physical fitness, some previous climbing or mountaineering experience.
A typical itinerary
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MATTERHORN
A mastery in beautiful symmetry, the pyramidal summit of this 14,688-foot mountain represents the perfect mountain shape by which many other mountains around the world are compared. Cut on four sides by glaciation, the resulting four prominent ridge-lines offer straight forward, if slightly difficult means of ascent. The peak was first climbed in 1865 by the Englishman Edward Whymper and company, by the Northeast, or Hornli ridge. Due to the rudimentary equipment and utter lack of safe climbing skills, a tragic accident happened while descending from the summit. The ensuing controversy has become one of the most famous mountaineering tales ever and lies at the center of the wonderfully rich climbing lore of the quaint Swiss mountain hamlet of Zermatt.
Our ascent of the Matterhorn will also take the infamous Hornli ridge, only bypassing the area where Whymper’s party met with disaster over 135 years ago. This is a five day course designed to provide you with the best chances for success on this moderately technical adventure.
Experience level: comfortable on easy fifth class rock terrain with mountaineering boots, proficient at cramponning up moderate snow and ice slopes and good to excellent overall physical fitness.
Our typical itinerary
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EIGER
Perhaps no other mountain in the world conjures up such feelings of high adventure, challenge, and human triumph as the famous, 13,024-foot Eiger. Iconalized by the historic and well documented first ascent of its savage North Face in 1938, by a strong German-Austrian team of four young men, the North Face of the Eiger still stands today as one of the landmark achievements in the history of mountaineering. A wonderfully detailed account of this climb as well as a brilliant history of the mountain can be found in Heinrich Harrer’s book, The White Spider. This is a must read for all mountaineers.
Our ascent of this prolific mountain will not take on this frighteningly beautiful North Face, but instead opt for the more reasonable, yet tantalizing Northeast or Mittellegi ridge. This route is rated a "D" and is a long, rock and mixed climb. It goes up the east or left-hand side of the famous Nordwand (North Face). It is a classic route. We will likely descend the South Ridge. The climb itself takes two days, though it is recommended to spend a few days prior to the ascent climbing other nearby peaks to better acclimatize and familiarize oneself with the surrounding area.
The Eiger is located above the small mountain village of Grindelwald, Switzerland not too far from the lake shores of Interlakken. This is classic Switzerland with many landscapes reminiscent of scenes from The Sound of Music. There are many other wonderful peaks in the area including the Mönch and Jungfrau, both over 4,000 meters.
Experience level: comfortable on easy fifth class rock terrain with mountaineering boots, proficient at cramponning up moderate snow and ice slopes and good to excellent overall physical fitness.
A typical five day itinerary for the Eiger, Jungfrau, Mönch hat trick.
Europe Rates & Policies
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