Summer Guided Mountain Trips and Scheduled Courses: A Sneak Preview

Below is a preview of summer programs and guided trips that I hope to launch on our Chamonix Mountain Guides website in more detail soon.

Mont Blanc Courses Summer 2009

So far we have the following six day Mont Blanc Courses Scheduled:

June 14 - 20 June
June 28 - 4 July
July 12 - 18 July
July 26 - 1 August
Sept. 6 - 12 Sept.

We run Mont Blanc as a six day inclusive package (guiding, lift tickets, hut and hotel accommodation, valley transport) for €1550*. Typically we spend four days training and acclimatising then approach Mont Blanc from the Cosmique refuge climbing what’s known as the ‘three summits route’ (Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc). Alternatively, if the conditions or nature of the group dictate; the Gouter Ridge via the Tete Rousse is a good option.

*Please contact us for more details and the ‘fine print’.

Mont Blanc Resources: read here about 10 tips to Maximise Mont Blanc Summit Success

Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route on Foot!

So you’ve heard of skiing the Haute Route. Ever thought of walking from Chamonix to Zermatt in summer with your family? Instead of putting tracks through fields of powder snow and sipping vin chaud in cosy huts by the fire, think of grassy slopes and trails peppered with summer alpine blossoms, likely sightings of chamois, ibex and marmots and relaxing afternoons enjoying a Panache or a cup of tea on the deck of an alpine refuge or hotel with splendid views of the Alpine Giants.




We are running Walkers Haute Routes as a seven day trip for people with a moderate fitness level in July and August. Be the first to book and we can cater the trip around dates that suit you.

A 7 day Haute Route costs €1650 (min 3 persons) Groups smaller than three, prices on request. We run these trips at a max guide to client ratio of 1:6.

Alpine Introduction Course

5 days, 1:4 guide / client ratio, Course cost €850 (min 3 persons) Groups smaller than 3 prices on request.

So far we have the following five day Alpine Introduction Courses Scheduled:

June 15 - 19 June
June 29 - 3 July
July 20 - 24 July*
July 27 - 31 July
August 10 – 14 Aug.
August 31 - 4 Sept.

*Two places remaining.

The Alpine Introduction is designed for outdoor enthusiasts keen to get a taste of mountaineering and what alpine climbing is all about. No previous experience is required though you need a moderate fitness level to get the most out of the course.


The goal of the week will be to climb an alpine summit and in so doing put together the skills acquired in the first few days of the course. These include use of crampons and ice axe, safe glacier travel and crevasse rescue, climbing techniques on snow rock and ice, route finding and map interpretation.

This course typically takes advantage of the fantastic and accessible alpine environment surrounding the Orny and Trient refuges in Switzerland.

Mountain Experience Course

The M.E.C. is suitable for families* We run this leisurely alpine experience course at a 1:6 guide to client ratio.

Contrary to its sometimes macho image; the alpine environment is not limited to the exclusive domain of young virile men with sharp tools charging up mountainsides and conquering summits.
The high mountains can be enjoyed and experienced in different ways by almost everybody. Above all, our trips are about having fun and appreciating the amazing environment we are privileged to have access to.
Walk the Vallee Blanche, stay in a remote mountain refuge, try out some ice climbing or simply seek out the perfect spot for a lakeside alpine picnic.

For more information on what we can offer contact us.

* Including children 10 years and older