Alpine 4000ers

On the summit of the weismiess

On the summit of the weismiess

Please see the Essential Information for the Alps page for info on guiding fees, preparation, accommodation & travel, equipment, and an explanation of fitness levels and mountaineering experience.

 Is This The Right Course For Me?

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4000 is the magic number in the Alps, and we will attempt several 4000m peaks during the week. Several nights in high mountain huts will help the acclimatisation process and set us up for success. The programme starts and finishes in Chamonix, but most of the time you will be based in the Saas valley in Switzerland.

What Will The Programme Look Like?

We design each course programme individually, but we give itinerary below gives a good idea of what you can expect to achieve. Please be aware that we often have to adjust an itinerary because of weather, snow conditions, fitness, lack of acclimatisation, etc. 

Day 0:    Arrive in Chamonix. Meet in the evening for a gear check and a chat about the week

Day 1:    Skills training on the Mer de Glace: movement on rock, snow & ice in boots & crampons; Alpine rope work. Return to valley

Day 2:    Drive to the Saas valley in Switzerland. Walk to the Britannia Hut (3000m) and practice crevasse rescue from the hut. Overnight in the hut.

Day 3:    Ascent of the Allalinhorn (4027m), and descend to the Tasch Hut (2701m). Overnight in the hut.

Day 4:    Ascent of Alphubel (4206m) and return to the valley

Day 5:    Walk to the Almageller Hut (2894m). Overnight in the hut.

Day 6:   Ascent of Weissmies (4023m) and return to valley. Drive back to Chamonix. Celebrate!

What Dates Are Available?

See the calendar for availability for Alpine mountaineering

What Will I Have To Pay?

See the Essential Information for the Alps page for info on guiding fees, hut fees and cable car costs. 

Here are some examples of what our clients expected to pay in 2023, based on the programme above.

With THREE clients with one guide for six days:

  • Guiding fee per person: £900

  • Share of mileage charge for travel to Switzerland and back: €35

  • Out of valley expenses per person, including personal expenses and guide's expenses: €50 + 560CHF

With TWO clients with one guide for six days:

  • Guiding fee per person: £1290

  • Share of mileage charge for travel to Switzerland and back: €50

  • Out of valley expenses per person, including personal expenses and guide's expenses: €55 + 620CHF

With ONE client with one guide for six days:

  • Guiding fee per person: £2460

  • Mileage charge for travel to Switzerland and back: €100

  • Out of valley expenses per person, including personal expenses and guide's expenses: €65+ 800CHF

Useful Blog Posts

See the Essential Information for the Alps page for blog posts about equipment and Alpine mountaineering and rock climbing.

What Do Our Clients Say?

I recommend Chris Ensoll very strongly: he’s totally unpretentious, friendly, genuine, enthusiastic, teaches you a lot, and goes out of his way to give you a good day.
Professor Stephen Law, July 2009