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>
Tom and Josh have just joined me for a week's alpine climbing in and around the Mont Blanc Massif. They had never climbed in the alps before (though I've completed a Chamonix - Zermatt Haute Route on skis with Tom previously) and were looking for a mix of instruction and guiding. The weather h... more>
The Monte Rosa Massif is home to the second highest peak in the alps (Dufourspitze) and has a further 7 more major 4000m peaks within its boundaries. The 'Spaghetti Tour' circumnavigates the massif (using Liskamm as its hub) but spends the vast majority in Italy, where the rifugios are famed f... more>
This last week has seen widespread rain and snow across the alps giving some challenging climbing conditions. The rain / snow limit has been down to 2300m and is set to lower further this week. Originally I had planned to traverse the Matterhorn (Italy to Switzerland) but it became obvious tha... more>
After a well timed day off for Jon and I (to coincide with poor weather) we decided to head to the Chamonix Aiguilles. These rightly famous needles are home to myriad rock climbs of all grades. From multi day traverses and journeys through to more modern offerings with bolts there is something... more>
Jon and I have just returned from one of the alps' finest mountaineering traverses of its type; the Domes de Miage - Bionnassay traverse. Soaring, knife edge ridges interspersed with interesting mixed climbing typify this route. John had booked a week with the intention of a multi day, ridge t... more>
Probabaly over 50% of enquiries received by me are to climb Mt Blanc. I climb it two or 3 times a season - any more and I think it would become repetitive (and too much like work). I had the chance to climb it early this season however from the Italian side via the newly refurbished Gonella hu... 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>
I've just delivered two 3 day courses on behalf of the Mountain Leader Training Association (MLTA). Their members have to complete a number of continuing personal development courses as part of their membership and I have been involved in the... more>
View comments (1)