Though now climbed regularly, these peaks still offer a unique and unmistakable alpine challenge, and the character of the climbing encountered on them is as diverse as the peaks themselves. On Mont Blanc the primary challenge is high altitude glacier climbing, where weather, snow and ice conditions, acclimatization, and personal fitness all combine to provide the key to a successful summit climb. In contrast, the ascents of the Eiger and Matterhorn call upon technical rock skills and the ability to move quickly and efficiently along the spiny crests of their exposed alpine ridges. Because the three peaks are located in very different parts of the Alps, each gives the climber an unusual opportunity to explore the cultural and environmental diversity of this magnificant mountain range.

AAI offers a seven-day program to climb Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn and a three-day optional extension to climb the Eiger. We also can make the spectacular traverse of the Breithorn or climb other peaks in the area if conditions at the time of our climb keep us off the Matterhorn, and we can make the classic ascent of the Jungfrau if the Eiger goes out of shape. Most of the routes are done at a 2:1 ratio, with the exception of the Matterhorn and the Eiger which are both done at a 1:1 ratio. As described below, the peaks can also be climbed individually, but warm-up climbs are required both for technical review and for acclimatization.

Descending towards Mt. Maudit, after a summit of Mt. Blanc. Tim Connelly

Chamonix - Mont Blanc

The beautiful summit of Mont Blanc (15,771') is considered one of the world's great climbing prizes, and our routes to the top include varied snow and ice climbing on immense glaciers as well as a dramatic finish on a ridge crest that leads us to Western Europe's highest summit. The route we choose will depend on conditions, but we most typically climb the Goûter Route or a traverse via Mont Blanc du Tacul and Mont Maudit. After a night spent in a high alpine refuge, we rise very early to take advantage of the frozen snow of the early morning hours. Our routes wind their way up the immense glaciers which cover the entire north and west sides of Mont Blanc, eventually leading to a dramatic ridge crest and Western Europe's highest summit. Surrounded by immense glaciers and offering views of some of the most beautiful alpine peaks in the world, this is an impressive and photogenic climb from beginning to end.

Zermatt - The Matterhorn

This looming rock tower truly dominates the valley town of Zermatt (5257 feet). Rising 9500 feet above the valley, the Matterhorn, like Mont Blanc, stands as one of the great symbols of mountaineering achievement. In 1865 this dark rock tower remained one of the final major unclimbed summits of the Alps. When at last Whymper's party was successful in reaching the airy summit on July 14 of that year, a tragic accident on the descent, in which four of the seven climbers were killed, only served to increase the mountain's reputation of impregnability. Made easier by the presence of fixed ropes and other anchors, today the climb does not appear so fearsome as it did over a century ago. However, it still remains a long and very exposed route and one which offers the climber significant challenges. After a night in the Hörnli Hut we ascend the arête of the same name which rises nearly in a straight line to the 14,691-foot summit astride the Swiss and Italian border. The route is almost entirely on rock with only occasional snow patches where we leave the sharp ridge crest and climb gullies and chimneys on its flanks.

On route to the summit of the Eiger at dawn. Brandon Elley

The Eiger

In the heart of the Bernese Oberland, classic wooden Swiss chalets dot the hillsides amid green fields of grass and flowers. No other part of Switzerland epitomizes the traditional alpine vista as well as the valleys of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Our route of ascent on the Eiger is the Mittellegi Ridge, a fine dividing line between the mile-high North Face and the Fiescher Glacier. Our approach to this seemingly remote ridge is via the incredible Jungfraujoch Railway which enters on the west side of the Eiger, tunnels through the peak, passes the infamous North Face “windows” (often used as routes of retreat for storm-battered Eigerwand climbers), and finally emerges high on the southeast face at the Eismeer station at 10,364 feet. We disembark, traverse the upper reaches of the Fiescher Glacier, and climb the final slopes to the Mittellegi Hut which stands on the ridge at just over 11,000 feet. From here the route climbs steadily along the exposed ridge to the Eiger's summit, mixing third, fourth, and fifth class rock climbing and offering significant exposure.

Prerequisites – For any of these challenging climbs, you need to be in excellent physical condition and be able to climb 4000 feet in 4 hours including rest stops while carrying a 25 pound pack. You should also have experience with glacier travel and the use of crampons and ice axe in all fundamental techniques. For the Matterhorn and the Eiger, you need to have multi-pitch Class 5 rock climbing experience, be comfortable following at least 5.7, and have made 5th class ascents in mountaineering boots.

Program costs include guide fees and group climbing equipment. Not included are meals, lodging, téléphériques, and transportation between cities.

4 or 6-Day Chamonix - Mont Blanc Program

After an orientation in Chamonix, France, the program begins with a one-day ascent of the Cosmiques Arête on the Aiguille du Midi (12,602'). This classic mixed route gives us a chance to become acquainted with the Mont Blanc Massif and to begin the process of acclimatization in preparation for our ascent of Mont Blanc. In addition to the Aiguille du Midi, we review glacier skills or make a second ascent before tackling Mont Blanc (possibilities are the East Arête of the Pyramide du Tacul or the Midi-Plan Traverse).

• Length: 4 days
• Group Size: 1 or 2 climbers with one guide
• Cost: 2:1 $2160; 1:1 $3280

We highly recommend the six-day program because it allows us to climb of one of the classic routes on the beautiful Tour Ronde, the Southeast Ridge or the North Face.

• Length: 6 days
• Group Size: 1 or 2 climbers with one guide
• Cost: 2:1 $3240; 1:1 $4920

Or if you wish to climb other Classic Ascents in the French Alps, additional days can be added.

• Length: 1 day and up
• Group Size: 1 to 4 climbers with one guide
• Cost (per person, per day): 4:1 $350; 3:1 $430; 2:1 $540; 1:1 $820

On top of the Grande Floria, with Mont Blanc in the distance. Tim Connelly

5-Day Zermatt - Matterhorn Program

We meet in the alpine village of Zermatt, Switzerland, and begin our series of ascents with a two-day climb of the photogenic Rothorn. We approach a high hut by hiking through a beautiful alpine valley and gorge; on summit day we enjoy moderate glacial terrain, the climb of a moderately steep snow face to reach a ridge, and spectacular mid-fifth class rock climbing on a sharp arête that takes us right to the summit. Our second ascent is on the famous Breithorn which rises between Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. We make an airy traverse of this peak on snow, ice, and rock, climbing and rappelling a series of horns as we make our way to the summit. We then have an easy day as we make our way to the Hörnli Hut and prepare for summit day on the Matterhorn.

• Maximum Climber to Guide Ratio: 2:1 on the first two climbs and 1:1 on the Matterhorn
• Cost: 2:1/1:1 $3990; 1:1 $4600

If you wish to climb other classic ascents in the Swiss Alps, additional days can be added.

• Length: 1 day and up
• Group Size: 1 to 4 climbers with one guide
• Cost (per person, per day): 2:1 $720; 1:1 $920

On the approach to the Matterhorn. John Elley

7-Day Mt. Blanc and Matterhorn Program

If you wish to experience two of the finest alpine routes in France and Switzerland, consider Mt. Blanc and the Matterhorn in a single, seven-day program. We begin with four days of climbing in the Chamonix area, then travel by train to Zermatt. This program offers a great deal of flexibility (as well as a skills review and thorough acclimatization), a great overview of the finest terrain in the Alps, and a chance at two of the world's most sought-after summits.

• Maximum Climber to Guide Ratio: 2:1 except on the Matterhorn which is 1:1
• Cost: 2:1/1:1$4920; 1:1 $6040

10-Day Mt. Blanc, Matterhorn, & Eiger Program

For experienced alpinists, AAI offers a ten-day program to climb these three classics, beginning in Chamonix, France and ending in Grindelwald, Switzerland. This program runs as does the 7-day program described above, then includes a day of travel to Grindelwald, and two days for the ascent of the spectacular Mittellegi Ridge on the Eiger. With only two days dedicated to the beautiful journey between alpine villages, you will enjoy ten days of spectacular climbing in three distinct areas of the region that fostered the birth of alpine mountaineering.

• Maximum Climber to Guide Ratio: 2:1 except on the Matterhorn and Eiger which are 1:1
• Cost: 2:1/1:1 $7680; 1:1 $8800

The Mittellegi Hut on the shoulder of the Eiger provides a comfortable base camp for the summit attempt. Tim Connelly

Most people fly into Geneva the day before the program begins. Airport transfers are available from Geneva to Chamonix, Zermatt, or Grindelwald; please contact AAI's Travel Coordinator if you need assistance in arranging a transfer. Departure flights should be scheduled for the day after the last course day.

**Estimates on costs can be provided when you discuss your program with the Institute's Program Coordinator.

"The best climbing conditions for the Matterhorn and the Eiger are from late August to early September (both of those are mostly rock climbs, so the drier the better). Mt Blanc (mostly snow and ice) is best early season (with the most snow, so in July to early August), however it’s much more forgiving, so some years it is great even through the end of September.

Of course, there is no way of knowing what conditions will be like far in advance, not until until June and July of that summer anyways, so I’ll add a few more considerations:

It’s most crowded from Aug 1 – Aug 21 in the Alps. It's much less crowds in early September, but the chance of a snowfall that ices up the Matterhorn or the Eiger is more (slightly) likely. However, last summer the Eiger was out of shape all summer long since it seemed to snow every week or so up high. Mt Blanc was fine all summer long.

In 2003 and 2004, it was too hot in the Alps, most of the snow and ice faces were out of shape all summer long and the hazards of rockfall were significant. In those two summers, the best climbing was in July (not August) since there was more snow. In 2005 and 2006 probably mid July to mid August was the best time to climb (the fall storms arrived in late August those two summers).

So, what to do?

I’d guess most years the best climbing for the Matterhorn and the Eiger is in late August. However, in July there will likely be more snow and ice options and, if it’s a hot summer, then late July is fine for the Matterhorn and Eiger (and Mt. Blanc). If you really value quiet times with fewer climbers then late August and early September is best, although with a slightly higher chance of early season snow (putting the Matterhorn and the Eiger out of shape). Generally the first two weeks of August are high-season, with the numbers of climbers and the most amount of routes in shape. If you are climbing the classics, you could argue that they will be crowded all the time anyway, so the few extra climbers won’t really matter. If you value quieter times, at the expense of shorter operation hours (say, of buses and cable car times), then late summer is best. If you want the best snow climbing times (versus rock climbing) then July is a better bet, with slightly less crowds than August.

Have a think of what your priorities are — crowds, snow and ice, classic rock, doing it all, etc. - and remember at best these are all educated guesses and will depend on the current state of global weirdness anyways."