Alpine Summer Courses
List Trips
Jagged Globe is committed to developing competent, rounded and self-sufficient Alpinists.
Which course is best for you? Download our Alpine Courses Matrix.Read more about Our Alpine Courses »
Alpine Climber
Our Alpine Climber week is a new course designed for those with Alpine experience to tackle some of the more challenging routes in the Mont Blanc Massif, Swiss Valais or even further afield. The guiding ratio of 1 Guide to 2 climbers opens up a wide range of exciting climbs on rock, ice and mixed terrain.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,695.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Alpine Diploma in Mountain Medicine Course Arolla
2024 Diploma in Mountain Medicine Alpine Course.
Difficulty
Prices
from £1,795.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
8 NightsRegion
European Alps
Alpine Improvers
Alpine Improvers aims to build on existing climbing and mountaineering skills, through both teaching and practice. The course is designed to turn you into a fully-fledged, independent mountaineer. You will come away competent to lead a rope team on moderate and rocky Alpine terrain at grade PD or above.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,325.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Alpine Introduction - Arolla
Our Alpine Introduction course introduces newcomers to the Alpine environment, teaching them the fundamental skills of alpine mountaineering. Designed for summer hill walkers, or those who have completed a winter skills course in Scotland or rock climbers who have climbed up to grade 'V Diff'.
Difficulty
Prices
from £1,695.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Alpine Introduction - Chamonix
The Alpine Introduction - Chamonix week introduces you to Alpine Mountaineering, with the aim of summiting a 4,000m glaciated peak, Gran Paradiso. The week is designed for summer hill walkers. No previous climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary.
Difficulty
Prices
from £1,695.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Alpine North Faces
A course for those who have previously climbed Scottish Grade III/IV or equivalent. The first three days are guided on a ratio of 1:2, the last three at 1:1. The dates for these courses are set early in the season, when we would expect some of the classic North Faces to be in condition.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,995.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Alpine Summer Private Guiding
Each summer we organise Alpine itineraries on a bespoke basis. This might be for 1:1 guiding or 1:2 guiding with a friend, where you have specific objectives in mind. Please contact us before March for a quote, at no obligation.
Difficulty
Prices
quote on requestDuration
4 NightsRegion
European Alps
Eiger Summit
The knife-edged Mittellegi Ridge on the Eiger is one of the most sought-after climbs in the Alps.
Difficulty
Prices
from £3,895.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt
The Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route is one of the world's great mountaineering journeys. This is one of our entry-level trips in the Alps, and is suitable for fit and active walkers who are used to long days in the hills, as well as those with some previous winter or alpine experience.
Difficulty
Prices
from £1,995.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
9 Nights(8 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Italian Haute Route
Lovingly known as the 'Spaghetti Tour', this high-altitude glaciated trek circumnavigates the Monte Rosa Massif, crossing from Switzerland into Italy and back. Many consider it a tougher proposition than the Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,195.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
9 Nights(7 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Matterhorn Summit
The Matterhorn is one of the world's most iconic mountains. From the mountain village of Zermatt, it's profile is unmistakable as your gaze is drawn towards the forboding north face and striking north east ridge of the Hornligrat. On the tick list of every aspiring Alpinist, the mountain is also famous for its difficulty in less...
Difficulty
Prices
from £3,895.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Mont Blanc Extension
This 3-day Mont Blanc extension is designed for those have completed an Introductory Alpine Techniques course in Arolla the week before. To have a realistic shot at Western Europe's highest mountain, we climb via the Gouter Route (Alpine grade PD), the most assured route for reaching the summit.
Difficulty
Prices
from £1,695.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
5 Nights(3 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Mont Blanc Summit
Climb Western Europe's highest mountain (4,807m). A good level of fitness, as well as previous ice axe and crampon proficiency is a pre-requisite. Our Mont Blanc Summit courses are guided at a 1:2 ratio all week, providing more flexibility than on a standard course.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,750.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Oberland 4000ers
Oberland 4,000ers is based around a trio of ascents on the sought after Bernese Oberland peaks, the Monch, the Jungfrau and the Finsteraarhorn. This is the toughest physically of our 4,000ers weeks, as you are in huts all week and the climbs are long and tiring. Think of it as a mini expedition.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,895.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Oberland Traverse
This tour is a journey into the heart of the Bernese Oberland, crossing high passes and staying in some rarely visited huts along the way.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,195.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(7 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Saas 4000ers
The easiest of our 4,000ers courses Saas 4000'ers builds on previous snow and ice experience. The course is progressive, to allow acclimatisation in the first few days. Then it's full on to climb as many 4,000 metre peaks as possible within the week. The course is guided at a 1:3 ratio on routes up to Alpine PD.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,595.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European Alps
Zermatt 4000ers
The Dufourspitze is the highest point on Monte Rosa and is Switzerland's highest mountain. It is easily accessed via snow, with the last 200m being a fine rock scramble, in a memorable position. This is our main objective for the week, which we guide at a 1:2 ratio.
Difficulty
Prices
from £2,695.00 Deposit £160.00Duration
8 Nights(6 days guided)
Region
European AlpsIntroduction
Preparation for the Alps
To help you get the most out of your Alpine Course we recommend you do some scrambling in the UK. Jagged Globe offers a Scrambles for the Alps weekend course in Snowdonia.
Which course is best for you? Download this guide as PDF (Alpine Courses Matrix).How to Choose the Right Course for You
| COURSES & GUIDING | WHO IS IT FOR? | THE AIMS | |
| Alpine Introduction - Arolla | Summer hill walkers or scramblers or those who have some basic ice axe/crampon experience. | To provide an introduction to Alpine Mountaineering in a superb, quiet setting. | Book Now » |
| Alpine Introduction - Chamonix | Summer hill walkers or scramblers or those who have some basic ice axe/crampon experience. | To provide an introduction to Alpine Mountaineering and climb the highest mountain in Italy, Gran Paradiso (4061m). | Book Now » |
| Alpine Improvers | Those with at least one week of Alpine experience on routes graded at least PD. Or, UK rock climbers who lead grade Severe or above, who want to learn the skills to climb in the Alps. |
Develop the skills of those with some Alpine experience, who are also comfortable on rock. Provide an introduction to Alpine Mountaineering for experienced UK rock climbers. |
Book Now » |
| Alpine Climber |
Those with at least one week of Alpine experience who are fit and can second at least UK grade Hard Severe and Scottish Winter Grade Ill. |
Climb classic routes in Chamonix and the Swiss Valais up to Alpine AD. | Book Now » |
| Alpine North Faces | Alpinists with recent experience on routes of at least Alpine AD, who are very fit. | Early-season climbing with the aim of doing some classic ice/mixed routes in the Mont Blanc Massif. | Book Now » |
| 4000ERS WEEKS | |||
| Saas 4000ers | Those with some Alpine mountaineering experience, or UK winter experience gained on a week-long course such as Jagged Globe's Introductory Winter Mountaineering. | Learn or refresh some basic Alpine skills and climb as many 4000m peaks in a week as the weather, conditions and fitness will allow. | Book Now » |
| Zermatt 4000ers | Those with at least one week of Alpine experience who would like to climb some big peaks. | The main objective is to climb the Dufourspitze - the highest mountain in Switzerland. | Book Now » |
| Oberland 4000ers | Those with at least two weeks of Alpine experience who are fit, acclimatise well, and would like to climb some big peaks. | Journey through the Oberland and climb as many 4000m peaks in a week as the weather, conditions and fitness will allow | Book Now » |
| SUMMITS | |||
| Mont Blanc Summit | Those with some Alpine mountaineering experience, or UK winter experience gained on a week-long course such as Jagged Globe's Introductory Winter Mountaineering. | Develop your Alpine skills and summit Mont Blanc (if weather/conditions/fitness allow. If not, we will attempt another significant peak). | Book Now » |
| Matterhorn Summit | Alpinists with recent experience on routes of at least Alpine AD+, who are very fit. | Climb the Matterhorn or another suitably challenging peak if the Matterhorn is not in condition. | Book Now » |
| Eiger Summit | Alpinists with recent experience on routes of at least Alpine AD+, who are very fit. | Climb the Eiger or another suitably challenging peak if the Eiger is not in condition. | Book Now » |
| JOURNEYS | |||
| Haute Route Chamonix to Zermatt | Summer hill walkers or scramblers or those who have some basic ice axe/crampon experience. Jagged Globe's Scrambles for the Alps course would also be good preparation. | To provide an introduction to Alpine Mountaineering and journey through the Western Alps. | Book Now » |
| Italian Haute Route | Summer hill walkers or scramblers or those who have some basic ice axe/crampon experience. | To provide an introduction to Alpine Mountaineering and circumnavigate the Monte Rosa Massif | Book Now » |
| Oberland Traverse | Summer hill walkers or scramblers or those who have some basic ice axe/crampon experience. | Traverse the glaciers of the remote and wild Bernese Oberland/ | Book Now » |
Alpine Preparation in Snowdonia, UK - Scrambles for the Alps
The terrain in the Alps is changing and greater competence on rock is required, even on our introductory-level courses. Our Scrambles for the Alps weekends introduce you to more technical scrambling, where a rope is required. They are great preparation and training for courses such as our Haute Route, Alpine Introduction, Alpine Introduction - Chamonix and Saas 4,000ers courses.
Private Guiding
If you wish to be guided on other climbs or other specific peaks, or at other times of the year, we can make special arrangements for you. Please Contact Us to discuss your requirements.Calendar
June 2026
- Available
- Full
July 2026
- Available
- Full
August 2026
- Available
- Full
September 2026
- Available
- Full
Details
Guides and Ratios
All of our Alpine guides hold the international mountain guides certificate. They are members of the British Association of Mountain Guides (BMG), which is, in turn, affiliated to the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). There is no other qualification allowed for working in the Alps as a guide and it is the highest award available to professional mountaineers.
The guides who will climb with you in the Alps are dedicated mountaineers with an intimate knowledge of the regions where we base our courses. As many of them also lead our expeditions, they will be able to advise you on your long-term expedition and mountaineering goals... read more »
Climber to Guide ratios
Please note that these are the maximum ratios. So for example, on the Alpine Introduction course, days 2-6 are staffed at 1:4, but you can expect ratios to vary between 1:2 and 1:4.| Alpine Introduction - Arolla | Teaching on day 1 - 1:6, Climbing days 2-6 at 1:4 | |
| Alpine Introduction - Chamonix | All instruction and climbing for 6 days at 1:4 | |
| Alpine Improvers | Days 1-3 at 1:4, Days 4-6 at 1:2 | |
| Alpine Climber | All teaching and climbing - 1:2 | |
| Alpine North Faces | Days 1-3 at 1:2, Days 4-6 at 1:1 | |
| Saas 4,000ers | All teaching and climbing - 6 days at 1:3 | |
| Zermatt 4,000ers | All teaching and climbing - 1:2 | |
| Oberland 4,000ers | All teaching and climbing - 1:2 | |
| Mont Blanc Summit and 3-day Extensions | All climbing at 1:2 | |
| Matterhorn Summit | Days 1-3 at 1:2, Days 4-6 at 1:1 | |
| Eiger Summit | Days 1-4 at 1:2, Days 5-6 at 1:1 | |
| Haute Route - Chamonix to Zermatt | Mountaineering journey - up to 1:4 | |
| Italian Haute Route | Mountaineering journey - up to 1:6 | |
| Oberland Traverse | Mountaineering journey - up to 1:6 |
Alpine Grades
The French Alpine grading system encompasses the technical difficulty, length and level of commitment required for the climb. If you are preparing for an expedition overseas of grade 2A and above, you should become familiar with this grading system, as it will help you assess your experience in relation to the requirements for each trip. Read more »Venues and travel
Jagged Globe Alpine Courses cover much of the Western Alps. Each valley base is specifically chosen to provide the best access to the mountains in that area. This reduces the travelling required during the courses and gives you more time to enjoy the climbing:
- Chamonix (France) - La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
- Saas Grund (Switzerland) - Hotel Pension Heino
- Arolla (Switzerland) - Hotel du Glacier Arolla
- Zermatt (Switzerland) - Hotel Aristella
- Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland (Switzerland) - Hotel Bel - Air Eden
Each course commences on the evening of the start date given in the programme and concludes after breakfast on the end date. Participants need to make their own travel arrangements to the course venue or start point, as indicated with each course description. Detailed travel advice for each venue is included in the course PDF.
Equipment
Each course PDF has an equipment list specific to that course. Jagged Globe includes the loan of ice axes, crampons, harnesses and helmets in the course cost, if booked in advance. If you need to hire boots, you can do so through us for the Alpine Introduction course, or at the course base for other courses.
