Give the Gift of Adventure! Top once-in-a-lifetime trips for bucket listers.
Experience gifting has become increasingly popular, especially when it comes to buying something for someone who already has everything! This Christmas why not buy your loved one an adventure they will never forget, because the ultimate gift is exciting memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether it is scaling the highest peaks, crossing mountain ranges or getting to the top of pristine powder in a helicopter we’ve put together a list of the best epic trips to tick off the list…
Climb the Matterhorn
While Mont Blanc might be the most famous of the high peaks in the alps, the Matterhorn’s impressive profile is probably the most iconic. First successfully summited in 1865, by a party led by British explorer Edward Whymper, the Matterhorn’s 4,478m peak is achievable by fit climbers with a structured training plan. Taking the same route as the first ascent, the climb isn’t hugely difficult for regular mountaineers, more sustained and delicate, so if you’ve experience using ropes and crampons and are comfortable scrambling on steep rock, then one of the worlds most famous big mountains is well within reach.
Guided Matterhorn trips throughout July & August are available with Mountain Tracks from £2,995 for 6 days including hotel & hut accommodation – https://mountaintracks.co.uk/holidays/matterhorn-climber
Trek or ski the Haute Route
The Haute Route is possibly the best-known Alpine passage, on foot or with skis, and is one of the most rewarding treks in both summer and winter. The 120km route travels from Chamonix to Zermatt following the classic high-altitude route ascending over glaciers among the spectacular 4,000m + peaks of Mt Blanc and the Gran Paradiso. Staying in alpine huts there is a unique sense of adventure shared with your fellow climbers. If you want to add to your challenge add another two days to your trip and reach the summit of Mt. Blanc and tick two amazing adventures off your list.
The guided summer Haute Route treks run from June to September and cost from £1,595 for 8 days including hotel and hut accommodation –
https://mountaintracks.co.uk/holidays/classic-haute-route-trek
The Haute Route ski tour runs on various dates in March and April and costs from £1,325 for 6 days including hotel & hut accommodation –
https://mountaintracks.co.uk/holidays/haute-route-ski-tour
Heliskiing
For most aspiring freeride skiers and snowboarders, heliskiing is definitely high up on the bucket list. The exhilaration of charging through the sky and dropping down onto snowy peaks combined with the access to untouched powder is the stuff of ski movies and dreams. In most parts of Europe, it’s actually illegal to Heliski, which makes Monte Rosa a particularly special place for those who love the backcountry! This isn’t just daytripper heli-skiing with one drop down a pretty tame slope, Monte Rosa has everything from open powder bowls to narrow couloirs and 4.500m peaks, all of which you will be getting exclusive access to, thanks to the Bell A-Star helicopter you’ll be flying in.
HeliSki Italia! takes place in mid March and costs from £2,795 for 6 days and includes Half Board accommodation, 6 days with IFMG Mountain guides and up to 8 heli drops –
https://mountaintracks.co.uk/holidays/heliski-italia