THE EIGER, MATTERHORN, AND MONT BLANC

We have been Guiding for well over a decade in the Swiss and French Alps. The Alps are one of our favorite destinations! We begin in the charming town of Chamonix, France. Chamonix is considered the world capital of alpinism, where easy access and quality climbing is a key characteristic. Chamonix is situated at the foot of the Mont Blanc Massif. From anywhere within Chamonix, we have impressive views of the highest point in western Europe, Mont Blanc, reaching an altitude of 15,771 feet.

Mont Blanc will be our first objective on this trip. We do a spectacular traverse via Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mount Maudit , and finally summit Mont Blanc, then descend via the Gouter route, on the other side of the range! The climb is absolutely spectacular! We are constantly surrounded by some of the most beautiful glaciated peaks in the world.

We then move to Zermatt, Switzerland to tackle our next objective, the Matterhorn (14,691 feet). One of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps, the Matterhorn speaks for itself raising 9,500 feet above Zermatt, dominating the town with its majestic presence. Our route will follow the original route climbed by Edward Whymper in 1865, "The Hornli Ridge". This route is a spectacular granite rock climb, with ocassional snow patches and a final snowy summit ridge.

Our last adventure takes us to Grindelwald, located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, in Switzerland. This beautiful Swiss village, and the valley in which it sits, epitomize the typical swiss alpine setting. Grindelwald is situated at the foot of the impressive Eiger's north face and majestic peaks like the Monch, and the Jungfrau. Our objective here is to climb the Eiger via a semi technical rock arete called the Mittellegi Ridge. Depending on conditions we also have the option to climb the easier south ridge of the Eiger. The Eiger is a fun climb and a very attainable summit. This peak has a false reputation of being a "killer mountain" based on the history of the climbs attempted on its infamous North face. Participants must be in excellent physical condition and some rock and snow climbing experience is required.

COST INCLUDES
Professional Mountain Guides, all local transportation except train to the Eiger from Grindelwald (train, bus, telepherique), all community gear (ropes, hardware, medical kit, tents and cooking gear if needed, etc.), food while you are in the mountains and * alpine huts.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Flights and transportation to Chamonix and from Grindelwald, train to the Eiger, personal equipment, food in towns, hotels in town, passport, personal items and services (laundry, drinks, tips, etc.), and expenses incurred in the event of a rescue. *Extra nights in alpine huts if needed.

CLICK HERE TO SEE EQUIPMENT LIST

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:	Team meets in Chamonix, France. Equipment check and afternoon briefing at the hotel.
DAY 2:	The trip starts with a one day ascent of the Cosmiques Arete (12,600'). The idea is to get familiarized with the Mont Blanc Massif and to begin our acclimatization for Mont Blanc. We get to the base via telepherique and climb this beautiful and classic mixed route on high quality Chamonix granite. Easy scrambling.
DAY 3:	Weather depending we may climb a peak in the Mont Blanc Massif /or head to Mont Blanc the next day.
DAY 4:	Begin climb of Mont Blanc. We have several alternative routes to choose from. Depending on conditions, most likely we will ascend via Mont Blanc du Tacul and Mont Maudit. After spending the night at an alpine hut we have an early start toward the summit of Mont Blanc, the highest point in Western Europe (15,771¹) and a heavily glaciated mountain offering spectacular snow and ice climbing. Our routes follow the tremendous glaciers that cover the North and West side of Mont Blanc. Late return to Chamonix and dinner!
DAY 5:	Travel to Zermatt, Switzerland where our next objective is the prominent Matterhorn, one of the world¹s most classic climbs. Spend the night at Hornli Hut.
DAY 6:	Early start. We have a very long day ahead, beginning our climb of the Hornli Ridge with headlamps. Challenging and fun rock climbing will take us to the Matterhorn summit at 14,691'. Return to the Hut, and possibly down to Zermatt. Connect with train to Sion.
DAY 7:	Travel to Grindelwald, Switzerland our final destination located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland where we will begin our climb of the Eiger. One of the major European peaks, the Eiger speaks for itself.
DAY 8:	Aboard the Jungfraujoh Railway, an amazing engineering feat, this cog railway will take us actually through the infamous North Face. We disembark and climb to the Mittellegi Hut.
DAY 9:	Weather permitting, we climb the Mittellegi Ridge, an exposed and exciting ridge that will take us all the way to the Eiger summit. Descend to the Hut and possibly Grindelwald.
DAY 10:	Train to Geneva, Fly back home or continue traveling in Europe.

NOTE
Aventuras Patagonicas will cover only one hut day (night, dinner and breakfast) per peak. Only one night at each hut is needed to accomplish each peak, however if a second night is needed because poor weather you will have to cover that additional night.

This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only, weather days and rest days are always a possibility while on a climbing trip.