Climbing in the Alps - Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and other iconic peaks

Climbing the most iconic peaks of the Alps is a great opportunity to experience the majesty of nature. Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Eiger - each route is a story in which you play a major role! From the feeling of ultimate unity with nature to the delight of standing above the clouds on the coveted peak.

The Alps have a wide range of routes that vary in difficulty: from accessible trekking routes for beginners to technically challenging climbs for professionals. Here you will discover not only breathtaking views, but also be able to test your strength, find new friends and fill your life with bright moments that will stay with you forever.

Alps for beginners: which peak to climb for the first time

Climb to the top of the Gran Paradiso (4061 m). Impressive glaciers stretching for kilometers, massive ridges, including the famous Aiguille du Midi. Unique sunrises, when the beauty of the Alps gradually turns into pink and golden colors... and crystal clear lakes, as if in a fairy tale. Of course, on this route, spiritual connection with the mountains and a charge of energy are guaranteed!

Who is this route for? Climbing the Gran Paradiso is a great option for the first high-altitude experience, because there are practically no technical difficulties. However, you'll need to be stronger in terms of endurance 🙂. The main challenges may be altitude adaptation and climbing on snow and ice.

Climbing of medium difficulty: 3 routes on Mount Mont Blanc

The Traverse of the Three Peaks of Mont Blanc (Mont-Blanc du Tacoul with a height of 4248 m, Mont Maudit - 4465 m, Mont-Blanc - 4809 m) is one of the most beautiful and impressive routes in the Alps, involving climbing the three main massifs of Mont Blanc. It is ideal for those who want to test themselves and enjoy epic panoramas on the border of France and Italy. Boundless glaciers, steep snow-covered slopes - in general, the view of the mountains in all their majesty is at your service!

Who is the route for? For intermediate climbers, tourists who have already mastered the basics of working with crampons, ice axes and insurance. The climb takes 7–9 hours to reach the top, and the descent is about 5–6 hours, so the route requires endurance.

Climbing Mont Blanc from France is a royal journey. Why? Because this program is one of the best. Imagine: convenient and fast access, short route duration, excellent infrastructure and moderate difficulty, what else does a climber need to be happy? Also glittering glaciers, steep cliffs and endless snowy expanses. Yes, the panoramas here are magnificent!

Climbing Mont Blanc from Italy is a wilder and more secluded route than the classic one. Here, snowfields and a landscape with steep ice slopes have already prepared their outfits. Here you will find the Italian ridge, which gives you a special sense of adventure... Although the ridge requires more effort, it will reward you with stunning views!

This route is considered more difficult than the French ascent, so it is designed for climbers with intermediate and advanced training.

Alps for the experienced: technical routes to the Matterhorn, Eiger, Den du Jean mountains

Our program "Matterhorn Express Climbing" is one of the most iconic mountaineering adventures. After all, to visit one of the most photographed peaks is something special! What amazing and delicious treats will the pyramidal beauty treat you to? An unforgettable golden sunrise, alpine magic of steep rocky and icy sections, massifs of the Pennine Alps...

This program makes climbing accessible to those who are limited in time but already acclimatized. It is a great opportunity to test your strength on one of the most technically challenging routes in Europe. Matterhorn Peak (4478 m) rewards those who reach it with wow views and a sense of real triumph.

Who is the route for? Recommended for climbers with experience of climbing difficult routes. The way to the top of Matterhorn and the descent takes 4–7 hours, depending on the pace. Therefore, you need to have high physical endurance and confident skills in working with crampons and ropes. Is this for you? Then go for it!

Climb the Matterhorn from Switzerland via the classic Hörnli Hut route. It will surprise you with its diversity - from rocky sections to snow cornices. The morning sunrise, illuminating the alpine massifs, makes this route a true aesthete's dream. The mountain rises like a giant pyramid, and the views of its slopes are striking in their symmetry and drama. During the climb, you can enjoy the panoramas of the Alps, including the famous Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa peaks.

Therefore, this is a route for climbers with experience in climbing technically difficult mountains. You will definitely need to be confident in moving through rocky and snowy areas. We recommend taking it when you are already acclimatized.

Climbing Mount Eiger (3970 m) will offer cosmic views of the Jungfrau and Mench massifs, glaciers and valleys. The sunrises here are especially impressive, as they paint the mountains in warm colors. The Eiger peak is known for its iconic northern slope (Nordwand), the routes through which are among the most difficult in mountaineering and attract with their grandeur. The Eiger, or as it is also called the "wall of death", became famous due to numerous attempts to climb its peak... but, unfortunately, many stories ended tragically.

Who is this route for? Only for experienced climbers. Recommended for those who have already completed difficult climbs and are not afraid of extreme conditions. You will need a good physical shape, as the route is difficult and long.

This is a traditional track to one of the most picturesque peaks in the region. The climb is equipped with ropes that make it much easier to climb. That is why the route often attracts numerous climbers.

Climbing Den du Jean (Dent du Géant, i.e. the Giant's Tooth), 4013 m, will allow you to see magnificent views of the Mont Blanc massif, the Val d'Aosta glaciers and valleys... The iconic peak, located on the border of France and Italy, will show you its sharp rocks, which, indeed, resemble a giant tooth. They seem to be carved, and from a distance they are admirable. The Dent du Geant Normal route attracts climbers not only for its beauty but also for its technical challenges. However, it is not suitable for everyone, as the ascent includes climbing with sections 4c-5a (according to the French classification).

When is it better to go and how to prepare for climbing the peaks of the Alps

The best time to climb the peaks of the Alps is from June to September (and ideally, July and August). At this time, the weather is warm and stable, the risk of avalanches is minimal, and the mountain routes are as accessible as possible. That's why KULUAR chooses this period to storm the peaks. But, as they say, thorough physical preparation is essential - is the key to a successful and safe trip. Our routes include high-quality acclimatization, which allows the body to get used to the altitude. Successful ascents require not only excellent physical fitness, but also a set of special knowledge and skills that are important to master and consolidate before starting mountain travel. Therefore, the KULUAR hiking club has developed a comprehensive system of training programs - mountaineering school та climbing schools that cover all levels of training: from basic to advanced.

What equipment and gear is needed

For a comfortable expedition to the Alps, it is important to choose the right equipment. The approximate list includes:

• trekking boots;

How to choose trekking shoes

• thermal underwear and insulation layer, accessories (socks, gloves, buffs);

How to choose thermal clothing for hiking and climbing

• membrane clothing (jacket and pants);

How to choose a membrane jacket

• backpack;

How to choose a backpack for hiking in the mountains

• first aid kit, headlamp and sunglasses;

What to take in a personal first aid kit for a hike

• climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, helmet and belay system).

It will also be very useful for you to familiarize yourself with the material: Answers to frequently asked questions.

For more detailed equipment lists, see the description of each route in the "In your backpack" tab.

If there is something missing in your arsenal, don't worry! We offer equipment rental, as well as discounts on the purchase of equipment in our friendly outfitter stores. And our consultants will also help you with expert advice - with KULUAR you will be 100% prepared for the climb!