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The French and Swiss Alps are unrivaled in their
diversity and quality of alpine climbing routes. This is where
the sport of alpinism was born and continues to thrive. Unlike
any other climbing experience in the world, the Alps couple incredible
climbing and scenery with a reliable system of recreational infrastructure
offering easy access to hundreds of different objectives.
We base our Alps trips out of the mountain cities of Chamonix,
Grindelwald, and Zermatt. These world renowned alpine locations
offer comfortable accommodations and many different aerial trams,
cog
railways, and ski lifts to access climbing routes easily. Unlike
other climbing destinations, The Alps are very civilized and alpinism
is embraced. We will stay in huts very close to the base of routes,
thus eliminating the need for carrying overnight camping gear or
much food. Each night we will enjoy a warm bunk, friendly company,
and excellent food prepared by the local hut keeper. This allows
for a very high level of comfort while climbing, and the ability
to knock out numerous routes in a short period.
The Mountains: beautiful
high summits, superb quality routes of all difficulties, and
alpine history under every step.
Mont Blanc Massif
High above the famous valley of Chamonix sits the alpine
playground of Mont Blanc. This 15,000' summit has an incredible
history and unimaginable opportunities for rock, snow, and ice
routes. With its numerous huts and trams, the Mont Blanc area gives
alpinists the ability to avoid a few thousand feet of approach
hiking with a large pack. Most huts are located very close to the
base of classic routes and offer full service to their guests.
It is hard for some Americans to understand the allure of the Alps
until they enjoy that first glass of wine around a beautiful dinner
after climbing an amazing alpine ridge or face.
The technical nature of most routes and the local customs often
dictate small teams (1:1 or 2:1 guest to guide ratio). Some popular
objectives in the Mont Blanc/Chamonix area are:
Novice - Intermediate:
Aiguille du Tour(normal route), Petite Aiguille Verte, Aiguille
du Midi(Arete du Cosmiques), Mont Blanc du Tacul(NW Face)
Intermediate - Advanced:
Mont Blanc(Gouter route), Tour Ronde (SE Arete),
Midi-Plan Traverse
Zermatt, Switzerland: The
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is one of the most recognizable and sought
after summits in the world. Its rich history and incredible climbing
make it the highlight of many climbers' European alpine holiday.
In addition, there are many outlying areas that provide great training
climbs and aesthetic routes of all grades. The Matterhorn is a
difficult climb requiring a high level of skill on snow and rock,
as well as good general fitness.We always recommend doing at least
2-3 days of prior climbing before attempting the Matterhorn. Our
favorite climbs in the area are:
Dri Horlini, Portengrat, Weissmeis,
Breithorn, Riffelhorn, Rimpfischorn, Pollux, Castor, and many others.
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Grindelwald,
Switzerland: Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau
This area, known collectively as the Berner Oberland,
is home to some the finest and most historic alpine routes in all
of Europe. Many climbers opt to include a couple of the most classic
routes in this area in combination with other areas. However there
is plenty to do for weeks right there.
Trugberg, Eiger South Ridge, Eiger
Mittlellegi Ridge, Monch SE and SW Ridges, Jungfrau and many
others.
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Rates and 2008 Schedule
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2008 ALPS AVAILABILITY: SJMG
Director and fully certified IFMGA
Mountain Guide Clint Cook will be guiding
in the European Alps this coming season.
His remaining availability is as follows:
April
1 -
May 1, 2008: Ski
Mountaineering Trips. Customized
itineraries, Haute Route, and Berner
High Traverse.
Open Availability. minimum 3 consecutive
days
July
1
- September 1, 2008: Open
Availability.
minimum 3 consecutive days.
Call
Soon! Dates are filling for the short
summer season. Pick your itinerary
from the days above.
Popular
Combinations: These
are all just suggestions and ideas.
We specialize in creating the perfect
itinerary for each trip based on route
conditions, weather, fitness, and your
personal experience and ultimate goals.
We do not schedule large fixed-date
group trips. The ability to operate
as a small unit is a big part of the
experience in the Alps. All trips are
booked to fit your schedule and availability,
please email or call our office to
discuss the best options for you.
12-day
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and Eiger
8-day
Matterhorn and Mont Blanc
6-
day Matterhorn
4-day
Monch, Jungfrau, and Eiger
Custom
/ Private Guiding Rates:
(minimum 3 days)
1:1 ratio $600 per climber per
day
2:1 ratio $375 per climber per day
3:1 ratio $300 per climber per day
(Different routes have different maximum
ratios. More difficult routes are done at a 1:1 ratio only.
Often we will do easier "training" routes at a
higher ratio and bring in an additional IFMGA Guide for the
more difficult ascents. All rates include expenses for the
guide, including hut fees, transport, lifts,meals, and lodging.
They do not include these expenses for the guest.)
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There are only a handful of American guides with the credentials
to legally guide in Europe. These guides posses a very high
level of training, knowledge and experience that is necessary
for moving efficiently and enjoying the unique routes of the
Alps. No matter who you go with, make sure they are IFMGA/UIAGM
Certified.Go to www.amga.com for
more information.
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