RIFFELALP & GORNERGRAT

I've never seen a box of chocoltaes with this on!

The locals beneath the Breithorn

Dufourspitze & the Gorner Gletcher

The Weisshorn from Riffelberg

Liskamm

There are many cablecars, trams and railways to whisk you up high above Zermatt for some breath taking views into the glacial world, or you can of course walk! The Gornergrat railway takes you to over 3000m for one of the grandest views of the Monte Rosa group. If you choose to walk there is a fantastic high level promenade to stroll above the Gorner Glacier for terrific non stop views and photo opportunities on every bend. Below is Riffelalp and two gorgeous wee lakes with those famous post card views of The Matterhorn. The sun was shining and the skies were completely clear again today, temperatures even warmer. It was roasting back in Zermatt even at 5pm.

ZERMATT WEEK - OBERROTHORN 3414m

No caption needed!

The fabulous last bit of ridge to the summit of the Oberrothorn

Zinalrothorn & Weisshorn from the summit

Rimpfisch-horn from the summit

The views are just as great on the descent!

Fine views over to Monte Rosa & Liskamm on the descent

A week over in Zermatt to finish off a fine summer season in The Alps. Probably the most visited town in The Alps, famous for that remarkable mountain The Matterhorn. One of the most iconic mountains in the world and it can be seen from virtually any point in the town even if you don't want to go for a walk, including just sitting at a restaurant or your hotel! I've visited the valley and area many, many times over the last 20 years and never tire of the wonderful walking direct from the town which seems to get bigger and bigger on every visit. We kicked off in fine style on the Oberrothorn at 3414m which lies on the east side of the  Mattertal, giving fantastic views of some of the big 4000m peaks in the region. The weather was absolutely stunning, completely clear skies and a beautiful temperature.

FINAL DAY OF FINAL TMB THIS YEAR

Last day of this, my final TMB for 2014. After 6 circuits this summer this last 9 days have seen the finest weather conditions all summer. We've enjoyed warm sun every day and the group have been treated to some of the most beautiful Alpine scenery you could ever wish for. The last day of the trip saw us over the Col de Balme and back into the Chamonix valley. Well done to the group who were up for all the big alternative routes at every opportunity.
TMB season finished but over in Zermatt tomorrow for more Alpine splendor.

FENETRE ARPPETTE

The Fenetre Arppette is an alternative higher level route to the standard 'Bovine Route' on the TMB from Champex to Forclaz. Its a magnificent walk which is probably the toughest col on the trek. Not because of distance or height gain, its a tough challenge because of the steeper and rougher terrain. Typically 'Scottish hill' underfoot. My group this week started off with 8 then after 2 days we were down to 6 then back up to 8 for a couple of days, 6 and now we are just 4! Nava states she is 'more than 68 years old' whatever that means! She did brilliantly today coping with the boulder field and strenuous inclines. We made it to Forclaz just as the rain started.

GRAND COL FERRET

Another stunning morning with clear air and fabulous clarity. Over into Switzerland today via the Grand Col Ferret. Getting warmer as the week goes by.any folk out on the trek including g very big groups. The last week for many big tour operators on the TMB.

MONTE DE LA SAXE, REFLECTIONS

The weather on this final TMB of the season just gets better and better. So lucky this season to get the Monte de la Saxe section in great weather on all 5 of the previous tours. Today was probably the finest one weather wise. The Autumn colours and clarity of light made today special. All the wee lochans had those gorgeous reflections of Mont Blanc & the Grandes Jorasses. The group were down to 6 again after young Adle and his Mum departed the tour has they could only fit 4 days into their holiday. Fab day and early evening outside the Bonatti Refugio, sitting with a cool beer in the warm sun with Mont Blanc in the background rounded the day off nicely.

A WEE WANDER UP HIGH

Day off in Courmayeur and the settled spell of weather continues. Took a wander from Hellbroner over the Glacier du Geant. The new cablecar system from Courmayeur up to the Torino is supposed to be complete by next Spring but still looks a long way off. It was surreal watching loads of folk just trudging across the glacier in all sorts of attire being oblivious to what was under their feet. Back on the road again tomorrow for our second half of the TMB and weather looking great :)

THE BIG DAY INTO ITALY

One of the finest days along the tour and the closest views of Mont Blanc is the high level Travers above Val Vani. The fit team were soon over the Col de La Seigne and I to Italy for elevenses. The cloud broke up in the afternoon and gave some stunning cumulus cloud formations in lovely sunshi ne. Fastest time ever, only 8.5 hrs

COL DES FOURS FOR A CHANGE

Another lovely sunny day, the best spell of weather all summer in The Alps I would say. Today the team were down to 6 as Jan & Adlyne had to pull out unfortunately. The TMB contiues from Les Contamines over the Cols of Bonnhomme & Croix de Bonhomme. Has the team were fit, fast and eager plus some great weather we added an extra col - Col Des Fours. Its been some years since I last went over this one so a good extension to the day. Nice to see some uncommen flowers up high still. One of the many Mouse Ears at over 2500m still in flower and only 200m away we spotted several Ibex. Good effort by the team. 

MORE PLEASE

Another glorious day as we set from Les Houches. I could get used to this!

FINAL TMB FOR 2014

So my final romp around Mont Blanc this season and what a gorgeous blue skies day it was. Hardly a cloud in the sky all day, coupled with a relatively cool NE airstream giving beautiful light for photos. My final group of 8 all from USA and wide age range from 13 to 75! This trip is slightly different to the usual round I've been doing all summer. With 8 days of walking we walk up to the Brevent for day one. Giving fabulous views of the Mont Blanc range. This week I am guiding for Alpine Hikers.