High on the South West Face of the Dent de Geant, Italian / French Alps
Many of the classic alpine peaks have 'normal' routes that are actually challenging and exciting mountaineering outings. We aim to seek these out in 6 days of technical rock, ice and mixed alpine action. With a base in Chamonix we can operate throughout the Western Alps, climbing in the French Mont Blanc Range, Italian Aosta Valley or Swiss Valais. Depending on weather and conditions we can tackle anything from lower, more technical rock routes right through to mixed ridges on the high 4000m peaks.
Possible Ascents:
- Dent de Geant (4013m), South West Face (AD)
- Aiguille de Entreves (Traverse, AD)
- Zinalrothorn (4221m) Various routes options from AD- to D
- Dent Blanche (4357m) South Ridge (AD)
- Grand Cornier (3961m) South West Ridge (AD)
- Obergabelhorn (4063m) Arbengrat (AD)
- Eiger (3970m) Mittellegi Ridge (D)
- Grand Muveran, S. Ridge (D+)
- Mont Blanc du Tacul, Left Edge Route (AD)
- North Face of the Grand Paradiso (AD)
- Wiwanihorn, Stein Adler Route (AD)
- North Face of the Tour Ronde (AD)
Or let us know if you have other things in mind, we'll be happy to research them for you.
Suggested experience and fitness:
A solid background of UK hill walking and mountaineering e.g. scrambling, some easy rock climbing and winter mountaineering. A good level of fitness and mental toughness for long alpine days (up to 10 hours).
More Details:
Kit list for Alpine Mountaineering & Climbing
Alpine Mountaineering Gallery
Dri Hornli Ridge
Above the Almageller Hut, Saas Tal, Swiss Alps
Climbing on the Dri Hornli Ridge
Weissmeis South Ridge
Mike & Pete enjoying the summit ridge exposure on the Weissmeis
Mont Blanc du Cheilon
Mike enjoying the superb scrambling & exposure on this classic Valais Ridge traverse. The 3 obvious triangular peaks behind are (from L-R) the Weisshorn, Dent Blanche and Matterhorn
Approaching the summit ridge of Mont Blanc du Cheilon
Val d' Herens, Swiss Alps
Alpine Videos
Ascent in snowy conditions, July 2010
Evening panorama of the Swiss Valais Alps from the Carrel Hut
Ascent of the Aiguille du Midi North Face, Chamonix, September 2010
Rob Jarvis Ice Climbing On the North Face of Les Droites, Chamonix
Guide Andy Owen ice climbing in the Chere Couloir