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Alps Mountaineering
 

These trips are booked on a custom basis with IFMGA guides Larry Goldie and Jeff Ward. Only guides with international guide certification can legally guide in European countries. There are several main alpine centers that offer lifetimes worth of classic climbing. In addition to the fantastic climbing, the towns themselves with their abundant climbing history make the trip an unforgettable and unique climbing experience. Below we focus on several of these amazing towns.

Chamonix - This is the birthplace of Alpine climbing. Often considered the center of the Alpine climbing universe, this town offers an incredible diversity of climbing options. An extensive network of lifts and huts make approaching the climbs very quick and possible with minimal effort. Some of the classic peaks of the area include: Mt Blanc (the highest peak in Europe), Augille du Midi (several great climbing routes), Augille de l'M, Dent du Geant, Auigille du Tour, Crochues, Augille de L'main, Petite Auguille Verte.... The list goes on and on. Incidentally, the term Auguille means spire or needle, giving an indication of the peaks of the area.

Zermatt - This is the charming Swiss village best known for its view of the Matterhorn. Zermatt also hosts an extensive network of lifts allowing access to many classic routes. In addition to the Matterhorn, some of the other classics of the area are the Briethorn, Monta Rosa, Castor, Pollux, the Wiesshorn, Ober Gabelhorn, Riffelhorn... Zermatt also has a variety of great bad weather options, including via ferratta routes, cragging and adventure courses.

Wengen - Another classic Swiss village, Wengen Offers access to the highest railway in Europe - the Jungfraujolk. This train, which literally goes through the Eiger (with several viewing stops), reaches its top station at over 12,000', allowing climbers easy access to the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger. The Monchjolk hut offers a great base for climbing in the area and is reached by a short walk from the top of the train station.

Looking down on the Chamonix Valley
Looking down on Mt Blanc and the Chamonix Valley.

View from Zermatt
The Matterhorn from Zermatt.
 

Program Requirements
 

Climbers should be in good physical condition, though some of the real benefits to climbing in the Alps are taking advantage of the lift systems to avoid long approaches and staying at mountain huts to avoid carrying heavy overnight packs. That said, we will typically be at higher elevations than much of the U.S mountain ranges and the more fit you arrive, the more you will enjoy the experience. We strongly suggest arriving in country at least a day or two in advance of your trip to overcome jetlag and get used to the new timezone and elevation.

<span class="kh5">Town of Wengen with the Eiger in the distance.
Town of Wengen with the Eiger in the distance.
 
 
Logistics
 

These courses are all arranged on a custom basis with IFMGA certified guide Larry Goldie or Jeff Ward. To arrange a trip to the birthplace of alpine climbing, call NCMG to talk about options and your personal climbing goals. We will arrange an itinerary based on your goals and abilities, and provide some flexibility to accommodate poor weather or your desired route being out of condition. If you are unsure about what you would like to do, contact us and we can suggest some options for classic climbing programs.

Guiding fees below cover all fees and expenses for the guide, and do not include your lodging, transportation or other personal expenses.

 

Available 2011 dates:

  • Larry - July 17-24th

Click here for Alps equipment list.

Guiding fees(based on ratio)

  • 1:1 ratio $650/day
  • 2:1 ratio:$390/person/day
  • 3:1 ratio:$275/person/day

Click below to see photos from past years Alps climbing programs: