The most popular mountaineering route accessed from Almageller hut is the Traverse of the Weissmies (4023m), a classic 4000er in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. But before, once at Almageller hut, we recommend to climb one of the region's most spectacular attractions; the Portjengrat. Much more demanding both in difficulty and length. Read More
Archives for Mountaineering
Grepon-Mer De Glace – A Pearl Among Classics
In the middle of the complex south-east face of Grepon unwinds one of Chamoinx's greatest classics; Grepon-Mer de Glace, D, 850m, first done in 1911! Now days it's sometimes done in one day return from Chamonix, ascent via Montenvers train and cable car down-load from Plan de l'Aiguille. We did it a bit more old-school, carrying bivouak gear, setting off in the afternoon and spending the night on a large ledge 200m above the petit Trelaporte glacier. Read More
Arete Ryan – Aiguille du Plan East Ridge
The East ridge of Aig. du Plan rises from a series of massive bergschrunds, off Glacier Enverse de Blatière, in the heart of Les Aiguille des Chamonix. This prominent ridge line was first climbed in 1906 by Lochmatter brothers and Ryan, later on alternative starts were added in adaption to the varying conditions of the glacier. Arete Ryan is a mix of slabs, cracks, chimneys and horizontal line-dancing. Solitude, exposure and wildness! Read More
Normal Route Aiguille de la République
The satellite of Grands Charmoz catches the eye of every climber. The esthetic shape is a serious temptation for those who like to stand on top of a sharp rock needle with 1000m of air between them and the glacier. The Normal Route to La République offers a relatively easy way to the summit needle. Still the route is 600m long, mainly grade 4 alpine rock climbing, that requires efficacy in rope maneuvers, route finding and progress on traditional gear - it's a complete alpine adventure! Read More
What Can Climbers Do For The Alpine Environment?
Mountaineering itself is a celebration of nature, but when practiced by tens of thousands climbers every summer it inevitably causes progressive damage to the alpine environment. It is very much in the self-interest of alpinists to save our eco systmes and ensure that regulation of mountaineering stays minimal in the Alps. Read More
How To Dress For Summer Alpine Mountaineering
The right clothing significantly increases your comfort and also your chances for success when alpine climbing. Weather conditions and temperatures changes quickly in the Alps. You need to be able to stay dry and maintain the right degree of warmth from morning till the afternoon. Dress code of summer mountaineering with examples of items and brands. Read More
How To Learn Alpine Climbing
What is alpine climbing and how do you attack and proceed in this activity? Climbing in the high mountains demands careful preparation and a certain amount of experience. Only by stepping up slowly, choosing the right objectives and acquiring the adequate skills before, this adventurous sport becomes safe and highly enjoyable. Read More
How Hard Is It To Climb Mont Blanc?
We often get the following question before people book a guided Mont Blanc ascent with us: How hard is it? How much preparation and acclimatization do I need? How do I train for climbing Mt Blanc? This is what you can expect from a week of mountaineering in Chamonix including the ascent of Mt Blanc: Read More
Climb Easy 4000m Peaks in the Alps
Some alpine 4000m summits are accessible to mountaineers without much technical climbing capabilities. To climb the relatively easy 4000m peaks in the Alps you still need to have some mountaineering experience, or be a good winter mountain walker climbing together with a mountain guide. Read More
What Equipment To Bring To Climb Mont Blanc?
We suggest the following items to bring for a summer ascent of Mt Blanc. The equipment list applies quite well to most alpine one-day summit climbs, although the actual climbing gear varies. Read More
How to start Mountaineering
Looking at mountains, you wish to stand on top of that summit looking down, instead of the other way around. You are one of those people yearning to experience remote places where you are exposed to the laws of nature, an adventurous person who likes to feel the joy and satisfaction of reaching higher than you thought you could. So how to get started with climbing mountains? Read More