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.
