Technical summits week in Chamonix (with optional Matterhorn ascent)
Your IFMGA-certified guide Tal will lead you on a challenging and rewarding week of technical summits in the world-renowned and delightful Chamonix, with the option of an ascent of the majestic Matterhorn!
Group
Alps
11 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- A week spent ascending different mountains every day!
- An option to ascend the mighty Matterhorn!
- Perfect to improve your mountaineering skills!
Description
If mountaineering is one of your passions and you are looking to take your skills to the next level, then join me as I guide you on a week-long technical summits expedition through Chamonix, and for those who want to push themselves to the limit, an optional ascent of the world-famous Matterhorn.
Chamonix has long been regarded as a mecca for outdoor activities, especially mountaineering, and its majestic snowcapped peaks are a picture postcard of tranquility, a perfect crystallization of alpine scenery. The truly awesome Matterhorn is nestled in the legendary Alps and provides stunning views across Europe.
Meeting on the first day in Chamonix/Argentiere, we then hold a briefing and a gear check before spending the night in a hotel. The next morning we head to the first valley, where we will acclimatize and move together on different terrain.
For the subsequent 4 days we will ascend different summits, using a variety of techniques on snow and ice. These are also an opportunity to take in the beautiful sweeping views and nature of the area, as you breath in the crisp alpine air and admire at the wonder of it all.
The 7th day is when we head back to Chamonix, but this merely concludes the activity for some, as those who take up the option will stay on for 4 more days to conquer The Matterhorn (see itinerary below). This requires us to drive to Zermatt, before staying the night in the Hornli Hut, 3260 metres high.
From here we ascend to the summit, a massive 4477 metres up in the sky, a very special peak and view, before descending back down, the final day being the drive back to Chamonix.
Improve your skills and scale some of the most impressive mountains in Europe – book now so you don’t miss out!
For those who want to learn more, I offer an “Alpine Semester” 12-day mountaineering course in the Austrian Alps, here!
I also provide a 1-week intensive mountaineering course in Chamonix, here!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Mountain guide expenses
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay and rappel devices
- Quickdraws
- Crampons
- Ice axe
Price details
- The price includes:
- a. 4 days in the mountains*.
- b. Planning and guiding by an IFMGA/UIAGM qualified guide/Aspirant.
- c. Transportation throughout the activity
- d. Guides expenses
- e. Climbing gear (ice exes, ropes, harnesses, helmets etc.)
- f. * Guiding in a in a max/ minimum 1:2 ratio
- * for additional cost the activity can be extended and include more days.
- Price does not include:
- a. A Matterhorn ascent is not included in the price please see below.
- b. Flights and insurances.
- c. Cable cars (at least twice through the week, up to 60 € per day)
- d. Mountaineering boots (rental)
- e. nOvernights in a mountain hut (Half board estimation 80 € a night)
- f. Hotel in the valley ca. 100 € for 1 person in a double room with half board
- g. A Matterhorn ascent
- For an additional Matterhorn activity in 2 days*, an additional sum will be charged per person only for planning and guiding. The client will be asked to cover all the additional costs (transportation/ parking, hut fees, half board, drinking water, cable cars etc.) for more clarifications please contact us directly after booking the prep. activity.
- * To decrease pressure, an extra day/reserve day can be booked the meaning of which that we will be able to prolong the ascent's dead line from 4.5 hours to reach the summit, to 5.5 hours, while spending another night in the hut/start later and avoid the stressful race on the summit day or have an extra day for a second attempt. An additional day will mean an additional payment.
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet
Meeting at 17:00 in Chamonix/Argentiere- the exact hotel’s address will be sent to you before the activity – for a briefing and a gear check.
Day 2: Head to valley
A short route from the valley up, to acclimatize and move together on combined terrain. We will ether spend another night in the valley or already stay in a hut.
Day 3 to 6: Ascents
Depending on weather and conditions we will spend each day ascending to a different summit. On some of the days, we will start the day using the lift, and on some of the days we will start our ascent from a hut.
Day 7: Complete activity
We plan to be in the valley the latest at 16:00 and drive back to Chamonix where we will return the gear and conclude the activity.
Day 8: Rest day (optional)
A rest day in the valley
Day 9: Ascend Hornli (optional)
Drive to Zermatt and ascent to the Hornli hut 3260 m.
Day 10: Matterhorn ascent (optional)
Ascent via the Hornli ridge on the Matterhorn 4,477 m and a descent back to the valley.
Day 11: Finish (optional)
A drive back to Chamonix.
Details
More info
Since we try to maximize the efficiency and may head straight to a very high summit- we recommend the participants to acclimatize on their own before starting the week with us and spend a day and a night above 2500m.
The mentioned timetable is exemplary and may vary due to conditions, ability of the participants, safety & weather limitations.
A Matterhorn ascent should be booked at least 30 days before the activity starts.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
A very physically demanding activity- a very good level of physical fitness is required we will be climbing some days more than 1,000 meters with 10 kg (about 20 Lbs) rucksacks.
The participants are required to be absolutely sure-footed and have extensive experience in snow, rock, and ice, be it through past guided activities or courses.
For participants that don't fall under the above-mentioned requirements, we recommend taking part in our Alpine Semester or Swiss Classics weeks, for training and a reality check.
Since we try to maximize the efficiency and may head straight to a very high summit- we recommend the participants to acclimatize on their own before starting the week with us and spend a day and a night above 2500 m. Optional huts are the Weissmies hut at 2,726 m (Recommended in combination with another higher hut on the second night), the Hohsaas restaurant at 3,100 m, the Britannia hut at 3,030 m, The Hörnli hut at 3,260 m. All mentioned huts can be reached alone without technical difficulties.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
Technical summit/Matterhorn does not fit under the definition of "my first summit above 4,000 meters." You either need to be a graduate of a long and thorough alpine training/have done some benchmark ascents in the Alps such as other 4,000 m summits at a PD+ level (Mont Blanc, Dom, Breithorn traverse, or Nadelhorn, for example).
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
No, all of your needed technical gear is provided by us.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
No porters in the Alps, we carry our hit ourselves
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
It is based on half board either in a hotel in the valley (double room) or in a shared room in an alpine hut.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
An alternative will be offered as early as we possibly can.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
Non.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
1:2 during the prep. 1:1 on the Matterhorn
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
Summer from mid June, and mid September
Can I join a group?
Yes, though a "group" is very small (2 people).
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Tal
5.0
(10)
Mountain Guide
I am in the mountains all year-round, either guiding a trip or exploring on my own. Mountain guiding is not only my profession and passion but also my inner calling. I am a qualified IFMGA mountain and ski guide.
In 2012, I established my mountaineering school "Mountains" with the motto: Quality guiding on snow, rock and ice. You can count on a low client to guide ratio, reliable gear and high quality programs led by our talented team of guides. We are not adrenaline junkies - we put safety first and strive to meet and exceed all of our clients' needs.
We take great pride in having more than 30% returning clients and would be thrilled to welcome you to our "Mountains" family during your next rock, snow or ice adventure!
Languages
| German | English | Arabic
Certificates
VDBS | IFMGA
What people are saying about Tal
Thank you! It was really fantastic! I learned a lot and will keep at it - I have to say that ice, especially mixed and dry, is almost more fun than rock. Thank you for the super week and the great hotel! See you soon!
Tal and Dave,Thank you both on a terrific week in Chamonix! I had a great time and really feel now that I learnt a lot from you during this time! Climb save and see you next year :)
Hi Tal, I had a wonderful trip -- thank you so much for being such an excellent guide! Definitely want to do it again. Frankly, not sure why I bothered to fly home at all...... Really really want to go back :) Best, Amber
Arindam
It was a very good experience. Will return to Tal for more climbing projects.
Debbie
The course was intensive and fun! Tal is an incredible teacher and has a very vast knowledge which he shared with the group. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a short adventure in an incredible location.
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