Our journey will originate from the beautiful city of Geneva, Switzerland, filled with world-class museums, sidewalk cafes and traditional European splendor. Time permitting we will spend a day touring this city after the climbs. From Geneva we travel to the heart of the Swiss Alps and one of the most beautiful climbing regions in the world, Bernese Oberland.

From the hospitable glacier village of Grindewald, high in the Bernese Oberland, we will attempt to climb the Wetterhorn before tackling the Eiger or the Jungfrau. The Jungfrau & The Wetterhorn are spectacular ascents offering sweeping views of the stunning Bernese Oberland. The Eiger rises majestically from the bottom of the valley without the division of foothills, which adds to its presence and mystique as the most famous mountain in the Alps.

After the completion of our Swiss ascents we will travel via bus and train across the border to the incredible alpine valley of Chamonix, France, and continue on to Mont Blanc. The prize of our expedition lies in this birthplace of guided alpine climbing. Rising out of the valley some 12, 000 feet, Mont Blanc stands as the highest mountain on the Western European continent and dominates the Alps skyline. Here we climb steep snow, knife-blade ridges and glaciers to a summit that awards the climber with exquisite views overlooking France, Switzerland and Italy. Fast moving storms and glaciers will necessitate the setting of solid camps along the way. A challenging climb both mentally and physically, requiring solid glacier and snow travel experience, Mont Blanc stands as one of the pinnacles of alpine mountaineering.

This exclusive 14-day expedition is based on a small client to guide ratio of 3:1, ultimately offering high personal attention. These mountains offer excellent climbing and provide all climbers the chance to participate in timeless ascents utilizing two distinct styles of climbing. "Lightweight alpinism", as used by most Europeans when climbing these mountains, takes full advantage of high alpine huts dotting the Alps countryside. The style more widely used in other areas of the world, "Expeditioning," entails carrying all our own gear and setting camps along the way to acclimatize properly.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is filled with museums and fabulous restaurants, and time permitting we will fully explore this magnificent city.

Day 2: Travel to the picturesque valley of Grindelwald. This will be our base for first half of the expedition. Along the way we will be rewarded with rich views of the Swiss countryside. Once in Grindelwald we will complete a comprehensive equipment check, and any final shopping.

Day 3: Approach one of several routes. Depending on conditions, we approach either the Wetterhorn, Jungfrau or one of similar difficulties, and set camp. We will discuss the strategies by which we will be climbing these peaks, review technical matters such as self-arrest, glacier travel, crampon use etc.

Day 4: Summit attempt. Descend to Grindelwald.

Day 5: Rest day. We will enjoy some of the many amenities that the Grindelwald valley has to offer, including gondola and train rides, shopping, and sightseeing in and around this pristine alpine wonderland.

Day 6: Approach Eiger high camp, set camp.

Day 7: Summit attempt via the Eiger's Western Flank route, involving steep snow, glaciers and 3rd class rock scrambling. Descend to Grindewald valley.

Day 8: Transport to Chamonix valley via trains and buses.

Day 9: One half of the day will be devoted to preparation for Mont Blanc. The second half of the day will be devoted to acclimatizing, as we approach our first camp. On the approach we use a variety of means to initialize our ascent, starting with a tram ride and followed by a cog railroad ride.

Day 10: Continue to high camp situated at 12, 000 feet. This day will be spent gradually climbing up a long rib to gain the top of the Gouter dome. Our camp will be set just over this vantage point, overlooking the Chamonix valley.

Day 11: Summit attempt, return to high camp.

Day 12: Tour Chamonix valley. Rest day.

Day 13: Transport back to Geneva.

Day 14: Return USA.

— Gordon Janow, Alpine Ascents Program Coordinator

Land Costs Include: