Peaks
Eiger
The Eiger is one of the most sought after summits in the Alps and a formidable challenge. Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, this is a major Alpine classic. Got what it takes?
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Duration
1 week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
July - August
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Price
From €4450.00
Adventure Snapshot
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TACKLE THE LARGEST NORTH FACE IN THE ALPS
The Eiger is one of the most sought-after summits in the Alps and a formidable challenge. Located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, it is a major alpine classic. Chronicled in many well-known alpine climbing books such as 'The White Spider' by Heinrich Harrer, the Eiger is home to one of the most imposing north faces of the Alps. Steeped in history, the Eiger has a reputation that far precedes itself. This is a climb for anyone looking to indulge into the history of alpine climbing, and experience what it's like to be on this magnificent mountain for yourself.
We make the ascent to the summit via the Mittellegi ridge; in good conditions the climb usually takes 9-12 hours round trip. We base our Eiger climbs out of Chamonix because there are some great training routes in the Mont Blanc massif. Climbing these handpicked routes prior to going to the Eiger puts our clients in the best possible shape to be successful. This isn't a trip for beginners and will require a good level of fitness and climbing experience. That said it is most definitely a trip for bragging rights.
If you'd like to get some experience first then check out our North Wales Alpine Prep Course here or Chamonix Winter Skills course. Perfect for improving and preparing for big mountains like this one.
North Wales Alpine Prep Course here
Chamonix Winter Skills
Not sure whether you're ready to tackle the Eiger? No problem, take our Eiger 'Readiness' test.
Eiger 'Readiness' test
Learn more. Download our guide here.
DOWNLOAD PDFEnter your details to download the Eiger brochure
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Normally climbed via the Mittellegi Ridge with a descent via the South Ridge, this is a long and technical climb, and recommended for fit climbers only, but it is well worth the effort to get to the top of this world famous peak. Altitude is less of an issue on the Eiger than other popular peaks in the Alps, such as Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, because the summit sits just below 4000m at 3970m.
This climb is for anyone with a decent level of alpine climbing experience (AD+ grade) and a hunger to experience this magical and iconic mountain.
Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us a note and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.
If you'd like to get some experience first then check out our North Wales Alpine Prep Course here. Perfect for improving and preparing for big mountains like this one.
Not sure whether you're ready to tackle the Eiger? No problem, take our Eiger 'Readiness' test.
Eiger 'Readiness' test
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Duration
1 week
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Start Location
Chamonix, France
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Date(s)
July - August
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Guide Ratio
1:1
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Ability
Level ELevel E
With your experience people think you must be forged by ice and rock. You've got time in the mountains under your belt, you're confident and you're ready for a real test.
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Price
From €4450.00
Adventure Overview
LIVE THE ADVENTURE
Adventure Base: Through our clients eyes
00:53We asked our clients to let us know how their trips went. They decided to show us instead. Below is footage captured by our clients on some of our favourite adventures. Thanks guys.
The Cosmiques Arete
04:51As part of the preparation for climbing the Eiger we often tackle this gem of a climb. Here Olly and Charlie have a bit fun while doing it.
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS CLIMB
Certain items can be rented from Adventure Base such as crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, and trekking poles with snow baskets. You are able to add these to your cart at checkout. We use the latest kit from Black Diamond and Petzl, meaning you'll be using quality equipment at cheaper prices than if you were to rent from a local shop when you get here. Win! (Note: Your kit might vary sightly from the images below)
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary. For the full downloadable Eiger kit list, click here.
Rent locally
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Rent locally
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Rent locally
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Rent locally
Harness
Standard climbing harness
B2 Boots
Slightly more flexible and lighter than a B3 boot.
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
"I had an amazing week with Adventure Base. I really couldn't have asked for more from the team."
"I fulfilled my dream of standing on the summit of the Eiger thanks to the AB team. I liked the way the week was set up with sufficient training in the first part. We got lucky with the weather too!"
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
- Climb Eiger (3970m)
- All accommodation and guiding during the trip
- 3 nights in mountain huts on a half-board basis (breakfast and 3 course evening meals)
- 4 nights in Chamonix accommodation on a B&B basis (breakfast)
- Group welcome dinner at accommodation in Chamonix on arrival day
- En suite rooms in Chamonix on twin sharing basis
- Hand-picked Adventure Base mountain guides
- All of your guide’s expenses
- All transport (via road) within itinerary
What's not Included?
- Airport transfers to / from Chamonix (approx. €55 each way)
- Personal equipment rental
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal snacks, lunches, and drinks
- Evening meals when in Chamonix
- Uplifts according to itinerary
- Gratuities for the guides
This Trip is running on the following dates
OUR CHAMONIX ACCOMMODATION
When not climbing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen this mountain lodge with it's super comfortable rooms and warm atmosphere. The perfect spot to rest up in-between your stays in the mountain huts. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, but charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!
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Chamonix
Our base camp in Chamonix is a spacious five bedroom, five bathroom chalet sleeping 12 in the centre of town. The huge, sunny terrace with spectacular Mont Blanc views is a unique feature for such a central location and makes an excellent space to relax pre and post climb. Our chalet staff will be on hand to welcome you and will keep you well fed and rested throughout the week. As we are running so many climbing trips this summer, some customers will be staying in a nearby hotel as we have limited space in the chalet. You will be able to leave all your belongings at the chalet for the duration of the week. Please note any pre or post trip nights that you book with us will be spent at a nearby hotel.
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Duration
3 nights
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Internet
Wifi included
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Beds
Shared rooms
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Food
Breakfast + 1 welcome Dinner
Mittellegi hut / Monchsjoch hut
When up the mountain you will stay in the Mittellegi hut and the Monchsjoch hut where you will enjoy some of the best views the mountain has to offer.
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Duration
4
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Dorm Rooms
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Food
Breakfast & Dinner
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required. You can check out the full itinerary here.
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Day 1:
Arrival Day
You meet with your guide in the evening at the accommodation to go through the plan for the week as well as discuss the current weather and mountain conditions. Here you will have a chance to go through your kit under the experienced eye of your guide and ask any questions that you may have.
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Day 2:
First day in the mountains
Warm up day on a fantastic alpine route above Chamonix. Always good to spend the first day refreshing skills and familiarising yourselves with our guides and your other team mates on the course.
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Day 3:
Overnight in a mountain hut
Two full days spent in the high mountains above Chamonix, overnighting in a mountain refuge to help with acclimatisation. Typical routes would be traversing the Aiguilles Entreves, climbing the Tour Ronde and the Dent du Geant.
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Day 4:
More alpine routes
You spend a second day in the high mountains above Chamonix. Typical routes would be traversing the Aiguilles Entreves, climbing the Tour Ronde and the Dent du Geant, before returning back down to Chamonix at the end of the day. This is the final preparation for the Mittellegi ridge on the Eiger and are superb routes in themselves.
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Day 5:
Head to Grindelwald
Today you'll head to Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland via transfer and take the famous mountain train before continuing on foot to the Mittellegi hut, ready for your summit push the following day.
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Day 6:
Climb the Eiger
Summit day has arrived and with all the preparation and acclimatisation you have done, you set off to climb the Eiger and then descend to the Mönchsjoch Hut via the south ridge. Once down from the Mönchsjoch Hut you'll be transferred back to Chamonix.
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Day 7:
Spare day / return to Chamonix
There is one spare day built in to the itinerary in order to facilitate extra training if required and / or to move the summit day based on weather and mountain conditions. All of this is aimed at giving you the best chance of making the summit.
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Day 8:
Departure
Departure
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
Eiger: Do I need to have previous experience?
Yes. If you have previous experience on alpine grade AD terrain with good physical fitness, the Eiger is within your Read more
Yes. If you have previous experience on alpine grade AD terrain with good physical fitness, the Eiger is within your grasp. We aim to attempt the Eiger climb towards the end of the week, after suitable preparation and acclimatisation. You must have a good head for heights and a good level of balance control whilst walking along narrow exposed ridges.
MB: What Insurance Do I Need?
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments Read more
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but also environments that carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Click here to understand which one is for you.
Eiger: How many clients per guide?
Eiger: What are the guides like?
All of our guides are highly experienced. They have all been hand picked by us over the many years we’ Read more
All of our guides are highly experienced. They have all been hand picked by us over the many years we’ve been in the guiding industry. Our guides all speak a good level of English and are very attentive. Their primary role is to get you to the summit safely, but they also provide a high level of customer service along the way and are very interesting people to spend time with. They like to share their knowledge of the mountains and their experiences, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and pick their brains. Lastly, they know the routes on the Eiger like the back of their hands and this is the most important thing when it comes down to making key decisions in the mountains and providing the safest experience for our clients.
What are the mountain huts like?
The mountain huts we use for our Eiger course are fairly basic but comfortable. You will sleep in dormitories on Read more
The mountain huts we use for our Eiger course are fairly basic but comfortable. You will sleep in dormitories on a shared basis, usually 6-8 per room. The huts provide breakfast, lunch and a 3 course dinner. In Chamonix we tend to use the Refugio Torino and Cosmiques Refuge. For your Eiger climb we use the Mittellegi hut and the Monchjoch hut.
What size backpack should I bring?
Your backpack should be no bigger than 50l and no smaller than 30l. It is important that your backpack has Read more
Your backpack should be no bigger than 50l and no smaller than 30l. It is important that your backpack has an ice axe strap to stash your ice axe when you are not using it. Your backpack must also have a rain-proof cover.
What type of boots do I need for the Eiger?
You will either need B2 or B3 mountaineering boots for the Eiger. All mountaineering boots are graded in a B1, Read more
You will either need B2 or B3 mountaineering boots for the Eiger. All mountaineering boots are graded in a B1, B2, B3 system.
This will greatly depend on the conditions of the Eiger. If it is dry and warm B2 boots will be suitable. If it’s a little snowy and cold, B3 boots will be required. Both can be rented locally.
What will we do if the weather is bad?
This depends on a few factors and how bad the weather actually is. Should the Eiger be unsafe, we will Read more
This depends on a few factors and how bad the weather actually is. Should the Eiger be unsafe, we will study the conditions on other peaks in the Alps, in the Monta Rosa region for example. Should conditions be a lot better elsewhere, we will propose this to you as an option.
Strong high winds – this means reaching the summit is unlikely. High winds on the ridge will put us in danger and therefore we will likely look for an alternative.
Precipitation – When it snows on the Eiger it usually means a summit attempt will be very difficult. The route to the summit of the Eiger is a rocky ridge and if its covered in snow and ice it becomes a treacherous task. Route finding in a snow storm is also unsafe.
Whiteout – A cloudy whiteout will make a summit attempt difficult. Route finding in a whiteout is generally unsafe and therefore we will encourage you to consider an alternative.
Heat – This doesn’t tend to offer up any problems. When the Alps is hit with high temperatures and dry conditions, the Eiger is in good climbing condition.
Will I definitely make it to the summit?
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you to the summit safely, sometimes the weather or the Read more
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you to the summit safely, sometimes the weather or the conditions of the mountain don’t play ball. When there is precipitation, high winds and low visibility for example, we cannot guarantee reaching the summit and will sometimes recommend an alternative. Each Eiger course has a lead guide. The lead guide will always conduct a meeting with the clients and other guides the day before the Eiger ascent is due to begin (Usually the evening before we leave Chamonix for Grindelwald). During this meeting the latest weather forecast, conditions of the mountain, and the clients own ability to reach the summit will be discussed. Clients and guides alike will voice their opinions and/or concerns at the time and then decide how best to proceed. We fully trust our guides to make these final decisions based on their years of experience on the mountain. They are entrusted to make the final call and the client must accept any decision made. All decisions will have client safety as a top priority.
MEET THE GUIDES
Fabio
IFMGA Guide
Fabio has guided with us for close to ten years now and has summited Mont Blanc more times than we can remember. He's even helped Sir Richard Branson get to the top of Western Europe. When asked what his favourite mountain was his response was 'It's the mountain not known to many, in a remote country that provides opportunity for adventure. That said, I do love Cordillera Blanca (Peru) to guide in, Montserrat (Barcelona) because it's where it all started for me and Main De Fatima (Mali) because it's special to me!"
Pablo
IFMGA Guide
Pablo is originally from a small mountain village in Spain and came to Chamonix with only one dream to become a mountain guide. Based in Chamonix since 2013, Pablo made the Alps his playground as a guide and as an alpinist and has climbed many of the classic alpine routes. He combines mountain guiding with helicopter rescue work in Spain during the off seasons.
Miha
IFMGA Guide
Miha is an IFMGA guide from Slovenia based between the beautiful Julian Alps and Chamonix. He has been climbing for over 20 years all over the world, including expeditions to Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, USA, Mexico and Peru. He summited an 8000er on his first expedition to the Himalaya, did a first ascent on the previously unclimbed Lasher peak in the Himalaya and climbed El Capitan and many routes over the Alps.
Lars
IFMGA Guide
Lars is a IFMGA Guide originally from Belgium, with over 20 years of experience climbing and splitboarding in the Mont Blanc massif, the Alps and the greater ranges of the world. Having lived in Chamonix for over a decade he has enjoyed the unique and unlimited climbing possibilities in and around the valley. Lars is also one of the most recognised and experienced splitboard guides leading expeditions to Kamchatka, Greenland, Iceland and more.
Faust
IFMGA Guide
Born in the Aran Valley, from parents who were ski teachers and mountain guides, the motivation inherited by nature has led him to practice all facets of mountain sports such as climbing, skiing and mountaineering. He has spent his alpine career as part of the FEDME team (Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports) and his passion and profession have led him to travel to other continents to carry out his activity.
Fede
IFMGA Guide
"My favorite mountain is the Midi d’Ossau, in the Pyrenees. It is a volcanic and unique mountain, that a stands out from the other peaks around. It is a huge fortress with many different features that provides incredible rock climbing routes, and the most important thing is that is 20 minutes from my house ;)"
Jon
IFMGA Guide
"If asked about my favourite mountain or mountain range, it wouldn't be easy to answer since perfect places to climb, ski or explore can be found all over the world. But, if I had to choose one, I think I'd say the Pyrenees, not very high, but wild and still quite unknown: the mountains where I learnt when I was a child and where I can still live great adventures far from the crowd".
Ben
Mountain Leader
Ben is a fully qualified British UIMLA International Mountain Leader with Swiss and French equivalence and he is also a fully-qualified Swiss Brevet Fédéral Ski Instructor and an ISIA card holder and an accomplished outdoor educator and a qualified Outdoor Education and Geography teacher. He has been based in the Alps for a long time and has extensive knowledge on a whole variety of treks and adventures. Ben brings a whole bunch of experience to our guiding team, having worked as an Expedition Leader in challenging environments around the world in countries such as Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Costa Rica and at home in the European Alps, responsible for the safety and success of expeditions for many years. His passion for the mountains is infectious and he loves sharing a summit photo or long-distance trek with our community.
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Eiger trip is rated Level E, for the experts We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
- You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
- Little / no prior experience
- Shorter time duration
- No technical skills required but keen to learn
- Basic level of fitness
More your level?
View a trip in this difficultyLevel B
For those with some prior experience
- You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
- Some basic skills
- Moderate fitness
More your level?
View a trip in this difficultyLevel C
For accomplished adventurers
- You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
- You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
View a trip in this difficultyLevel D
For the pros
- You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
- You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
- Some level of technical skills
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
View a trip in this difficultyLevel E
For the experts
- You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
- Very high level of fitness
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
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€4450.00
READY TO CLIMB THE EIGER?
We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
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