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Mittellegi Ridge is the classic Eiger introduction for aspiring alpinists and the perfect training ground for the Matterhorn. This rock and snow alpine route requires solid skills with crampons and an ice ax as well as the ability to climb mid-5th class rock in mountaineering boots. You’ll spend several days preparing on some classic Chamonix routes to get ready. The Mittellegi Ridge is long and intricate, with moderately technical exposed terrain. You’ll follow the east ridge of the mountain overlooking the famous North Face.
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Climbing the Mittellegi requires some prep time and planning with your guide, so you’ll arrive in Chamonix two days prior to the climb. You’ll spend the night in Chamonix.
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Today you’re continuing your training for the big climb. The Mont Blanc Massif has plenty of peaks on which you can acclimatize and practice for the Eiger, such as the Arête des Cosmiques. There’s not a set number of climbs for these first two days, they will depend on a number of factors and will be decided by you and your guide after booking. After a day out, return to your accommodation.
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Drive to Grindelwald, a charming village in Switzerland around 3.5 hours away from Chamonix. Take the 1.5-hour train to the Jungfrauhoch saddle. When you get there, complete the technical ascent up to the Mittellegi Hut, where you’ll spend the night.
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Today’s the day when you finally get to the top of Eiger! Wake up early because there’s a long day of climbing ahead of you. When you reach the summit, standing at an altitude of 4,215 m (13,830 ft), take a moment to appreciate the incredible view. Descend the South Ridge to the Monchsjoch Hut at 3,658 m (12,000 ft). If conditions aren’t optimal, you’ll climb the South Ridge instead.
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Depending on the weather and energy levels, spend another day mountaineering on the area’s classic routes. From the Monchsjoch Hut, choose between the Monch, Jungfrau, or Grosses Fiescherhorn. At the end of the day, take the Jungfraujoch train back to Grindelwald and return to Chamonix to celebrate your achievements!
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What you get on this adventure:
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- 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:
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- Transportation to Chamonix, France
- Airport transfers — we recommend Mountain Drop-Offs
- Accommodation
- Parking in Grindelwald
- Train to Jungfraujoch
- Guide gratuities — optional
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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.
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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.
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This is a list of technical climbing equipment that you’ll need:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- 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:
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- 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.
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To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
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.
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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!
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