May is a great time to be in the alps. The resorts are quiet (or closed altogether) as are the refuges. With a flexible approach to objectives there is lots to do at this time of year and this week has seen the transition from winter to spring, with the snowpack transforming at most levels. Th... more>
I've spent the last week with Michael and Cathy. They flew all the way from the US of A (Florida) where the highest point above sea level is less than 30m! The original plan was to climb Mont Blanc so we set off on a training/acclimatisation programme in the Chamonix valley. On day 1 we headed... more>
The Gran Paradiso National Park was established in 1922 when King Vittorio Emanuele III gifted his hunting ground to his country. Its former use is still evident in the abundant wildlife including marmot, chamois and in particular, ibex. The mountains here are part of the Graians and typically... more>
Neil and Miles hit a period of snowy and mixed weather so once again I headed out east to the Englehorner Hutte. A short walk in and quick drying rock has ensured that I will come back to this area again and again. There are routes of all grades here for everyone from PD to ED and you could e... more>
At 4061m the Gran Paradiso is Italy's highest peak (entirely within its borders). It lies in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park near the Aosta Valley. The regi... more>
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