Alpine Mountaineering

Chamonix - with its excellent system of telepheriques and huts - is ideal for an introduction to alpine climbing. Instruction in modern techniques, including glacier travel and crevasse rescue, will lead to an opportunity to climb a 4000m peak.The more advanced will scale some great classic alpine peaks culminating in a traverse of Mt. Blanc, the highest point in the Alps.

If you only have a short time why not go for our new Mont Blanc Blitz?

The Mont Blanc Blitz

The summit of western Europe in six days, together with some of the great classics of Chamonix on the way. 

Day 1. Traverse of Aig. Crochures

We climb up to and traverse a rocky ridge at 2,800metres, moving together and learning to look after each other. We then eventually descend to the valley where we will do more technical training, including crevasse rescue techniques.

Day 2. Albert 1^st Hut

All high peaks need a refuge as a starting point, so as to catch the snow when it is firm and cold. Today we move up into a hut at 2700metres, adding much needed and further acclimatisation to our bodies.

Day 3. Aig,. Du Tour/Tete Blanche

Starting at first light, we cross a large glacier and climb to the summit of Aiguille du Tour, at 3,500 metres. If conditions and timing are good, we will add in the Tete Blanche which is also the same height.

Day 4. Cosmiques Arete

Arguably one of the great routes of the Chamonix range. Ease of access, fantastic surroundings and above all, interesting climbing, make the Cosmiques one of the most-sought after routes in the Alps. The route can at times get busy, but the ambiance while on the ridge is wonderful. Has the easiest descent in the Alps.

Day 5. Gouter Hut

Using the invaluable mechanised transport Chamonix is famous for, we reach the start of our climb to Mt. Blanc. Around four to five hours will get us to the Gouter Hut at 3817metres, where we will spend the night.

Day 6. Mt Blanc

Leaving the Gouter Hut at an early hour (around 02.30) we ascend to the summit of Mont Blanc. We return the same way, only stopping at the hut for refreshments, and we continue on down and return to the valley. A long day but the hard work is over. Celebrations await us.

Contact Smiler for Dates and prices

Other Alpine Courses and Trips

Details of our other alpine courses and trips can be found via the links above.

......or would you prefer another area? We run alpine tours in Zermatt, The Bernese Oberland, as well as:

• Rock and ice in Bregaglia/Bernina.
• Beginners/intermediate tours in Sass Fee/Sass Grund
• For the more advanced our Big Three -
  Eiger, Matterhorn,Mont Blanc in one tour.

If you cannot spare the time for a major tour why not try for a single peak or route. Any of the big three can be climbed singularly, so if you are interested in the Matterhorn, Eiger or Mont Blanc contact us now.

 

....or have you ideas of your own? We are always happy to discuss any route or peak. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced there will always be a suitable challenge for us to meet together. Give us a call to realise that dream route.

Don't talk about it. Get it Done!

If you aspire to the classic Alpine routes, those with a little more adventure, then the choice is yours. Please contact Smiler with your ideas and aspirations - we hope to help you fulfil your alpine ambitions.