Gran Paradiso Summits - Trek the Alps of Italy
By: Marcus Crompton, Cheshire, UK
All
in all, I would say that this is the most enjoyable holidays I have had with KE
or any other operator. A large part of my total satisfaction with the holiday is
down to Kathy Murphy's skills and abilities as a leader for which I am more than
grateful.
Most enjoyable aspects - The
variety of terrain and scenery, the wildlife, the ongoing instruction in skills
on different kinds of terrain, the company, fun and friendship. The wine was
pretty good too!
I can't suggest anything to improve this one, it is a superb trip.
By: Iain McGuffie, Lancashire, UK
I particularly enjoyed the final summit day involving glacier travel and use of crampons/ice axes. This was a first for myself and my partner, and the training given by the guide in the afternoon before the summit night was excellent and made the summit day run much smoother. The standard of accomodation and food in the mountain refuges was much better than expected. We had used KE previously and were very impressed with the overall service.
By: Kay Simmonite, Yorkshire, UK
The route was very well planned out and the length of days arranged well to allow for resting. The trip went through a range of landscapes and scenery and gave a really good alpine experience which tested skills on all types of terrain (scree/boulder fields/valley walks/glaciers/snow slopes/via ferrata etc) - exellent!
The scenery was amazing and I loved the mountain huts. Staying in mountain huts is a major part of the experience and the accomodation on this trip was great!
The holiday was brilliant. I have no complaints at all!
By: Chris Terry, Illinois, USA
This was one of the best if not THE best organized hike climb ever for me (and I have done lots of them). Everything, including the weather was great. Nice combination of clients. The apartment was an excellent alternative to a hotel at either end. Great roommate. Great trip leaders. I especially appreciated the walking/climbing pace. No race 'BACK TO THE BARN'.
By: Adrian Gostelow, Lincolnshire, UK
An excellent itinerary which has a bit of everything, from normal trekking, glaciers, scrambling, and even a little via ferrata. Oh and of course a 4000m summit which has fantastic views across the Alps. A brilliant trip. Very enjoyable.
By: Richard Baines, Lancashire, UK
This was my first
Alpine 4000er and was a little apprehensive about getting to the summit.
However, I enjoyed it immensely even though the summit climb got the adrenalin
flowing! I learned a lot in just a week and feel I can go on to do more Alpine
peaks.
I was particularly
impressed with our guides decision making when confronted with one of our team
being struck down with altitude sickness. It also bonded our team together as
we were very concerned for her welfare. Fortunately she recovered sufficiently
to meet us all again at the celebratory dinner.
Of the whole holiday I most enjoyed getting to the top of the Gran
Paradiso! A feeling of great personal satisfaction and stunning views from the
top. Also being part of a great team effort and I have made a lot of friends in
the process.
By: Ian Cave, Oxfordshire, UK
This was my first climb
of a 4,000m alpine mountain, and I telephoned the KE office several times for
advice about kit, winter skills and fitness. They were always friendly,
encouraging ad gave useful practical advice. I followed this and so was very well
prepared for the trip and as a result had a marvellous time.
Before a trip in the Alps you always hope for the best but know that
it's unlikely you will have the perfect combination of weather, people and
leadership. This trip fulfilled my greatest hopes 100%.
By: Mark Mumby, Worcestershire
Excellent location and itinerary, very good huts, very good company. Second guide, Euwen, was excellent. His approach to safety was exemplary.
