Alpine Climbing
Looking to climb your first 4000m peak? Climb some amazing rock ridges and spires? Summit Mont Blanc with your friends? Embark on your first north face?
I will be happy to turn your dream into a reality.
Feeling good after ascending the Hornli Ridge, Matterhorn.
4000m peaks
Why not climb some of these beauties? There’s something for everybody, so we could rapidly tick off your first 4000’er. Maybe you’d like to try one of the harder ones - like the Matterhorn? The classics are obvious targets - Mont Blanc, Weissmies, Gran Paradiso - but don’t forget the many lesser known Alpine peaks. 3000m peaks pack a punch too, like the Eiger! All of these peaks require at least one night in a hut in order to acclimatise. During the build up to the ‘main event’, we will sharpen your technical skills to make the ascent as straightforward as possible. Acclimatising is very important and is done on various peaks up to 4000m.
We can go where you like and do what you like. Smiles all around!
14 day Alpine Adventure
Embark on a 14 day trip where we can discuss location and objectives suited to you. We will climb for 11 days of the 14 allowing for rest days and adjustments for the weather. Any alpine objective will be considered and the opportunity to develop your skills will be constant. With this length of time in the mountains, we can improve, progress which will allow greater objectives and more milage meaning that you will come away stronger, fitter and with a great deal of experience. We will make use of mountain huts and uplift to allow quick access to the best objectives. The trip can be based from one location or can be spread across 2 or 3 areas of the Alps.
The 2018 14 day Alpine Adventure was based from Chamonix.
The 2019 14 day Alpine Adventure was based from Saas Fee. See the blog post HERE.
The 2020 14 day Alpine Adventure was cancelled due to COVID-19 and has been rescheduled for 2021
*** two upcoming in 2021***
14 day Alpine Adventure based from Interlaken (rescheduled to 2022 due to COVID-19)
14 day Alpine Adventure based from Chamonix (Blog post pending)
***Upcoming in 2022***
14 day Alpine Adventure based from Interlaken (third time lucky!)
Superb granite just above Chamonix
Alpine Rock climbing
The Alps are home to a multitude of outstanding rock faces, great granite cracks and majestic spires. Some are only one pitch high, while others involve 20+ pitches of dreamy climbing. Rock climbing in the Alps can be done at all altitudes, from road side crags through to stepping off a glacier to get to your first belay. So, whatever your level and aspirations, there are many routes that will suit you.
Self propelled teams on the Weissmies
Instruction or Guiding
All my Alpine courses are bespoke - unique to you and your group - so we can develop an itinerary that suits you perfectly. If you wish to sharpen your skills, learn to travel safely on glaciers, climb multi-pitch rock routes or lead yourself up your first 4000m peak, then our time together may lean more towards the instructional side. Here maybe less distance and height will be covered but the technical input will be much higher! If you are aiming to bag specific peaks and routes, then these will be our focus. A useful element of instruction ‘on the go’ will also be included. You will never be ‘tied in and dragged up’ but you will be offered a host of new skills to make your ascent more enjoyable. Working together as a team is very important and your chances of success are far greater when everyone does their bit. So, if you have a dream to climb a specific route, please get in touch. If you’re keen to experience mountaineering in the Alps, please get in touch. I will offer you a mountain itinerary that you will remember for a lifetime.
