Loaded with amazing alpine objectives & rock climbs, the Mont Blanc massif & greater Chamonix area offer a large selection of routes, many accessible via cable car or a short glacier approach. Classics include, but are not limited to:

• The Cosmiques Arête & South Face of the Aiguille du Midi (Grade II, 5.6-5.9)
• Classic rock climbs in the Vallee Blanche and Argentiere Basin (Grade II-IV, 5.6 – 5.10+)
• Routes on and around the Aiguille du Tour (easy snow to technical mixed routes)
• The Dent du Géant, Marbrées & Entrèves Traverses, Tour Ronde and more (easy ridge traverses & more difficult climbs)
• The ultra-classic Midi-Plan Traverse – snow & mixed traverse to a beautiful summit
• A classic ascent of Mont Blanc, via the Dôme du Goûter or the Trois Monts traverse

See the rock climbing page for more classic alpine rock routes, and inquire for specific pricing.  Rates are €300-€600/day depending on guide/client ratio, route length and difficulty.

One of the most famous mountains in the world, the Matterhorn begs any aspiring alpinist to challenge him or herself on its stunning ridges. Standing at 14,692 ft (4,478 meters), the Matterhorn dominates the view above Zermatt in Switzerland & Cervinia in Italy.  While not technically difficult at around 5.6-5.7, the routes are long and always include sections of snow and ice, and steep fixed ropes.  Therefore climbing this peak requires solid alpine climbing skills and plenty of stamina for the 4,000 ft ascent.

Note that Matterhorn ascents typically include training climbs around Chamonix or the Zermatt region to tune up on required skills and help with acclimatization. For those who don’t climb regularly in the Alps, we recommend a 4-5 day climbing schedule, with a rock day, climbing on some lesser peaks and culminating in the Matterhorn summit climb.  For more experienced climbers we can put together shorter itineraries.  Pricing starts at €500/day for the guide, plus expenses.  We can also arrange a custom agenda to make the most of your trip, including hotel recommendations and enjoying the best restaurants in Zermatt.

One of our favorite mountains in the Alps, the Eiger’s reputation as a challenging mountain proceeds itself. Standing just under 4,000 meters in the Bernese Oberland, the Eiger offers several routes with an incredible variety of difficulty and terrain – from the snowy west face to the perilous Nordwand, the peak itself is a veritable alpine playground.  Jeff has climbed on all four points of the peak and one of his all-time favorite climbs was making an ascent of the North Face in winter conditions.

A great introduction to the Eiger is the classic Mittellegi Ridge. A rock and snow alpine route no more difficult than the Matterhorn, this is a very obtainable goal for the aspiring alpinist. Solid skills with an ice ax and crampons and climbing mid-5th class rock in boots are part of the drill. Not only is this peak a great warm-up for the Matterhorn, but the nearby Monch and Jungfrau make great additional climbs to get on while we are up in the mountains, and help with acclimating for bigger peaks like the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.  Pricing starts at €500/day.

For those making the trip out to the Alps from faraway lands, we recommend an agenda that links up climbs on a few of the 4,000 meter peaks to maximize your time in the mountains!  Here are a few ideas/agendas to consider:

The classic alpine trilogy involves climbing the Eiger, the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, some of the most renowned peaks anywhere in the world. This linkup covers several regions and is logistically complex, but includes climbing some of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps.

Located in the Bernese Oberland above Grindelwald, Switzerland, climbing the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau is great tour.

Traversing Piz Palu, Piz Roseg and Piz Bernina outside of St Moritz in the Engadine Valley of Switzerland provides a great experience in a region that also offers great family hiking.

The traverse of the peaks around Monta Rosa is known as the “Spaghetti tour” for the way it weaves in and out of Italy and Switzerland, following the stunning alpine crest border between the two countries, and feasting on Italian pasta along the way. This 5-day traverse starts and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland or Cervinia, Italy, and includes 5 of the 4000 meter peaks.

With 82 peaks in the Alps over 4000 meters, there are more options then you can shake a stick at – some people spend a lifetime trying to climb them all, while a handful of people have accomplished the feat in a mere season (both summer & winter!).  Interested in ticking a few of them off?  Get in touch!