Climbing the Iconic Eiger

Things to know

• Covid measures in France and Switzerland

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in France and Switzerland, please refer to the official website of France Diplomacy and COVID-19 entry restrictions in Switzerland.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, certified IFMGA mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 5 days of climbing (including training, duration of the tour subject to changes depending on a number of factors)
    • Transportation during the tour

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Chamonix, France
    • Accommodation
    • Parking in Grindelwald
    • Train to Jungfraujoch
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to climb Eiger’s Mittellegi Ridge or the North Face Route, you need to be an experienced alpine climber on rock, snow, and ice. You need to have excellent physical fitness, strong mental stamina, and be capable of strenuous exercise for the entire duration of your tour. Multi-pitch climbing rope skills, including belaying and lead climbing, are essential. On some days, you’ll be climbing for 10 to 15 hours a day on technical terrain, which requires full focus and confidence.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  Alpine climbing the Eiger mountain isn’t a walk in the park. Like many rewarding ascents, successful ascent of the Eiger is a result of a long preparation. That being said, this tour is not suitable for beginners. If you’re looking to get into the climbing world, we recommend this course of Chamonix rock climbing basics or a day of alpine climbing in Chamonix.

• What do I need to bring?

  This is a list of technical climbing equipment that you’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Alpine climbing harness with a primary attachment locking carabiner, 3 locking carabiners, 8 regular carabiners, and a belay device
    • Ropes
    • Ascender
    • Accessory/prusik cord
    • Bungee tether
    • Technical ice axes
    • Crampons
    • Double length runner (48”)
    • Belay/rappel device
    • Trekking poles
    • Bivy gear

  Here’s a list of clothing we suggest you bring:

  • • Warm hat, face mask, sun hat
    • Heavyweight, medium-weight, and lightweight gloves
    • Summit mittens and hand warmers
    • Neck gaiter
    • Glacier glasses & ski goggles
    • Softshell, hardshell, and puffy jacket
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Softshell pants, hardshell waterproof pants
    • Bottom synthetic or wool long underwear bottoms
    • Synthetic or wool layers, underwear, and socks
    • Synthetic or wool underwear
    • Mountaineering socks
    • Overboots
    • Mountaineering boots

  Here are other personal items you’ll need:

  • • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
    • Water bottle and 1L of water
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • First aid kit
    • Sunscreen and lip balm
    • Camera — optional
    • Sunglasses
    • Toiletries
    • Maps and compass

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For alpine climbing the Eiger peak, client-to-guide ratio is 1:1. For training climbs in Chamonix, there may be 2 clients with one guide.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows. 

  Alpine climbing the Eiger can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join alpine climbing the Eiger on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund. 
    • For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. 
    • For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking. 
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Chamonix, France—your starting point—most people fly into Geneva Airport in Switzerland 1.5 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a train or bus.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.