Explore the European Alps and tick off spectacular alpine classics...

Alpine Mountaineering

Alpine Mountaineering at its best; explore the Alps and tick the best routes!

The Alps: a rich and varied playground for the enthusiastic mountaineer! We have a scheduled trip led by our qualified mountain guides to meet all levels of mountaineering ability from our 'Best of Chamonix' taster weekends right through to technical ascents of classic Alpine North Faces. Whatever your personal goal, our experienced IFMGA mountain guides are here to make your trip one to remember!

The Alps are part of a rich tapestry of mountain terrain on offer in mainland Europe and mountaineering has a long and illustrious history in the region, with many peaks being targetted in the Golden Age of Alpinism by the likes of Edward Whymper and Francis Fox Tuckett et al.. These peaks are still a challenge and a great accomplishment when completed.

Our trips are graded from Introduction to Advanced, with plenty of choice for all-comers and all levels. If you are new to alpine mountaineering you may also want to consider our Alpine Introduction course which concentrates on mountaineering skills for crossing glaciers and moving safely in the mountains.


	Climb Mont Blanc (Intermediate)	Climbing Mont Blanc is a classic mountaineering challenge and our 6-day guided programme led by IFMGA Mountain Guides is designed to give you a great week's climbing culminating in the ascent to the summit of Mont Blanc. We have over 30 years of combined experience climbing Mont Blanc with clients and will ensure your Mont Blanc adventure is... view
	Monte Rosa Climber (Intermediate)	The Monte Rosa is the highest mountain in Switzerland and second only in height to Mont Blanc in the Alps. Our week-long itinerary provides sufficient acclimatisation and preparation time to make the Monte Rosa a realistic and achievable objective for fit, adventurous UK hill-walkers looking for a new challenge. view
	Saas 4000ers (Intermediate)	The Saas region has the greatest concentration of 4000m peaks in the Alps and is one of the very best centres for classic mountaineering. There are no less than eighteen 4000m peaks surrounding the area. Most of the peaks can be ascended without encountering great technical difficulty, however good fitness and some experience of using crampons... view
	Oberland 4000ers (Intermediate)	Home to the Eiger, the Bernese Oberland range of central Switzerland is one of the highest and most extensive massifs in the Alps. There are nine 4000m peaks here and these peaks offer a choice of remote and spectacular routes. The mountains of the Oberland are characterised by wide glacial valleys and sharp rocky summits. The area is as... view
	Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc (Intermediate)	NEW for Summer 2013! view
	Matterhorn Climber (Advanced)	Climbing the Matterhorn is on the 'must do' list of both aspiring and experienced mountaineers alike. The Matterhorn is one of the most famous and probably the most recognisable of all Alpine peaks, steeped in history of brave and daring summit attempts. The summit stands at 4,478m, and its perfect shape dominates the skyline. The climb of the... view
	Eiger Climb (Advanced)	An ascent of this legendary peak by the South Ridge or the Mittellegi Ridge is one of the finest expeditions of its standard in the Alps and is on the list of every aspiring alpinist. Eiger, whose name means Ogre, needs little introduction. Famed for its fearsome North wall the Eiger, like the Matterhorn, is known worldwide. The epic... view
	Technical Ascents (Advanced)	The central Alpine areas offer an abundance of world class objectives for the aspiring technical mountaineer. From the Mont Blanc Massif, through Arolla, Zinal and the Valais Alps, this is where mountaineering was born. The focus of this course is to undertake classic, moderately technical routes on the highest peaks of the Alps. view
	Alpine North Faces (Advanced)	This is an exciting week for experienced alpinists. Starting in Chamonix we venture onto some of the most famous and impressive North Faces in the Alps. This trip is run for only 3 weeks from mid-June until early July when expect routes to be in their best condition. view
	Alpine Rock (Advanced)	Alpine rock climbing takes many forms, from bolt-protected 'crag' climbs to high mountain faces and towering ridges. The Alps has an abundance of long, spectacular and famous climbs. view

Skill Level Overview

Introductory

I have no previous experience mountaineering experience but I am keen to learn the basics of using crampons and an ice axe and rope work. I would enjoy ascending rocky scrambles and easy angled snow and ice. For Via Ferrata trips a head for heights and some upper body strength is useful.

Intermediate

I have undertaken some previous rocky scrambling, ice or easy alpine climbing. I am comfortable moving on rocky and snowy ridges and slopes of up to 40 degrees. I enjoy the challenge of more remote technical terrain. I would like to learn more about alpine rope work. I can improve my crampon / ice axe technique and could scramble on rock with greater efficiency.

Advanced

I have previous experience climbing alpine PD+ or harder. I am undeterred by scrambling and have done some pitched climbing on rock or ice. I have a firm grasp of the rope techniques necessary for pitched climbing and crossing glaciers. I am confident when using crampons and ice axe. I relish the thought of climbing steep rock and ice or traversing an exposed ridge covered in snow and ice. I can abseil, know how to use a prussic knot and make myself safe on basic belay stances.

Stamina Level Overview

Level 1

I have good hill walking fitness and endurance. I enjoy walking for at least 5 hours on undulating terrain at a steady pace. I can ascend 500m in height per day. This stamina level can be achieved by regular walking in the UK, cycling, jogging or swimming.

Level 2

I have good aerobic fitness and leg strength. I can trek up steep, rocky paths and ascend up to 800m in a day. I enjoy being on the hill for up to 7 hours a day, and can cope with moderate altitudes above 3000m. To prepare for this trip the best activities are those that increase your heart rate and build your aerobic levels e.g. running, cycling and swimming. For via ferrata trips a moderate amount of upper body strength would be helpful, gained ideally through scrambling or lifting light weights.

Level 3

I have excellent cardiovascular fitness and plenty of endurance to cope with several demanding days in a row. I can climb 5-6 hours most days, and on summit days up to 10-12 hours. I have enough upper body strength to pull myself up short sections of fixed rope or ladders. Endurance fitness is gained through longer training periods of walking, running, cycling and swimming. These climbs can be strenuous with the need for upper body strength gained through, gym sessions, scrambling or in/outdoor rock climbing.

Level 4

I have a supreme level of fitness and stamina. I can move confidently on technical terrain for 10-15 hours at altitude. I have a strong upper body to tackle fixed ropes, vertical rock and ice. A prolonged period of cross training would help build endurance with 3 training sessions per week of at least 2 hours including walking, running, swimming and cycling. Upper body strength is essential for pitched ice and rock climbing and this can be gained from weight training or indoor climbing walls.

On the summit of the Breithorn	Anna and David climbing above Zermatt	Kings of the castle!	Ascending the Breithorn
Shadow play	On the Summit Ridge	Julie on top of the world (almost!)	Klemen climbing above Chamonix
	Blue sky day in the Bernese Oberland	Phil and Caroline climbing on the Dri Hornli	On the summit of the Breithorn