Guided Ascent of the Eiger via the Mittellegi Ridge
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The Eiger is one of those mountains that grabs your attention and lures climbers in. Rising to 3,970 m in the Bernese Alps, it’s famous for it's sharp ridges, legendary north face, and the sheer presence it has above Grindelwald. Climbing the Eiger is a serious undertaking: rock, ice, snow, exposure, long days, and alpine weather that can change quickly. But when everything lines up the payoff is huge: views you’ll never forget, a sense of achievement few peaks can match, and a story you’ll tell for years.
We’ll help you prepare in the days before, giving you time to acclimatise and making sure we select the route that best suits your skills and goals. We generally climb the Eiger via the Mittellegi Ridge, but there are other options for more experienced climbers. |
Sample Programme
Day 1: Climbing in the Chamonix Valley, for example Cosmiques Arete or Perrons Traverse. Overnight in Chamonix. Day 2: Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to take the lift up from Courmayeur. Climb the Aiguilles d'Entrèves. Overnight at the Torino Hut. Day 3: Climb Dent du Geant. Descend to the valley and overnight in Chamonix. Day 4: Drive to Grindelwald and ascend to the Mittellegihütte (3,355m). Overnight in the hut. Day 5: Ascent of the Eiger via the Mittellegi Ridge. Overnight in the Mönchjochhütte. Day 6: Spare day - either climb the Eiger or if we climbed the Eiger on day 5 then use day 6 to climb the Mönch. |
WHERE SHOULD I BASE MYSELF?
For an Eiger course you should fly to Geneva. We'll spend the first three days around Chamonix, and then the final three days around Grindelwald.
WHEN CAN I CLIMB THE eiger
It's always conditions dependent, but the Eiger can usually be climbed from mid June to late September.
If the weather and conditions aren't good enough to climb the Eiger then we will offer alternative routes that are more appropriate for the conditions at the time.
If the weather and conditions aren't good enough to climb the Eiger then we will offer alternative routes that are more appropriate for the conditions at the time.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
The Eiger is a very demanding climb, so you will need to have mountaineering experience before joining the course. You should have climbed mountaineering routes of VDiff in big boots in the UK or AD in the Alps, and ideally be comfortable in crampons. You will need to have good upper body strength and the stamina for an 8-10 hour day.
As a gauge of the physical fitness required, you should be able to maintain an ascent rate of 300m per hour with your climbing pack.
You should also be comfortable in the mountain environment and have good personal admin.
Having a good level of fitness is key to experiencing successful and enjoyable days out in the mountains. To increase your chance of successfully summiting the Eiger, we work with Apexx Endurance Coaching, who provide custom training plans written specifically for you and your goal. Get in touch with Apexx Endurance Coaching directly to start your training.
As a gauge of the physical fitness required, you should be able to maintain an ascent rate of 300m per hour with your climbing pack.
You should also be comfortable in the mountain environment and have good personal admin.
Having a good level of fitness is key to experiencing successful and enjoyable days out in the mountains. To increase your chance of successfully summiting the Eiger, we work with Apexx Endurance Coaching, who provide custom training plans written specifically for you and your goal. Get in touch with Apexx Endurance Coaching directly to start your training.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Please get in touch for prices and more information.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
The price will include an IFMGA Certified Guide. You need to cover your valley accommodation, huts, lifts, transport, food, insurance and your guide's expenses.
WHAT KIT DO I NEED?
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Clothing
Waterproof Jacket - Full weight with helmet compatible hood is best Waterproof trousers - Full Weight with 3/4 or full length side zips Socks - Warm mountaineering socks plus thin liner socks and spares Thermal/Base Layers - Wicking thermal top and bottom. Long sleeves and a hood can be good in sunny weather. No cotton. Technical Fleece - Technical fleece midlayer. Zippered front is useful Softshell Jacket - Mid weight, wind resistant, light insulating layer Belay jacket - Down or synthetic insulation Warm mountain trousers - Should fit comfortably under your waterproof trousers Gloves - Thin inner gloves and at least 2 pairs of warm, waterproof gloves Hat - Warm hat that must fit under a helmet Spare mittens - Recommended if you suffer from cold hands |
Climbing Equipment
Rucksack - 40-50 litres is recommended to fit extra winter kit Boots - B2 or B3 rated climbing boots Crampons - C2 rated crampons Rock climbing shoes - must be comfortable enough to wear for several hours Approach shoes or trainers Trekking poles Harness - Climbing harness with a belay plate and locking carabiner 120cm sling and locking carabiner Helmet - Climbing specific helmet Ice axe - Single mountaineering ice axe |
Hut Kit & Other Equipment
Sunglasses - Cat 3 or Cat 4
Goggles - Cat 3/4 for sunny days. Low light lenses for poor weather.
Suncream - Suncream and Lipbalm - SPF30 or higher
Headtorch - Lightweight and fully charged headtorch (or new batteries)
First Aid kit - Small personal kit including personal medication, blister plasters and pain killers
Waterbottle - 1 Litre (flask or waterbottle)
Lunch & Spare Food - Enough for a full day on the hill; preferably lots of snacks you can pull out of pockets easily
Small wash kit
Sleeping bag liner
Spare t-shirt/socks/pants
Earplugs
Wallet
Passport
Alpine Club/BMC card (for hut discount)
Insurance documents
Mobile phone
Sunglasses - Cat 3 or Cat 4
Goggles - Cat 3/4 for sunny days. Low light lenses for poor weather.
Suncream - Suncream and Lipbalm - SPF30 or higher
Headtorch - Lightweight and fully charged headtorch (or new batteries)
First Aid kit - Small personal kit including personal medication, blister plasters and pain killers
Waterbottle - 1 Litre (flask or waterbottle)
Lunch & Spare Food - Enough for a full day on the hill; preferably lots of snacks you can pull out of pockets easily
Small wash kit
Sleeping bag liner
Spare t-shirt/socks/pants
Earplugs
Wallet
Passport
Alpine Club/BMC card (for hut discount)
Insurance documents
Mobile phone
