Mountaineering Holidays
From low altitude, skills focused itineraries in the Alps to some of the highest and most impressive expeditions in the Himalayas, Andes, and beyond, our premium mountaineering courses, climbs, and expeditions place a strong emphasis on education, experience, and the continuous development of essential mountaineering skills. Whether you're wondering how to start mountaineering, looking to deepen your mountaineering training, or aiming to summit your first peak, these experiences are thoughtfully curated for those seeking a solid foundation on which to build a long and rewarding relationship with the mountains. Every expedition includes an experienced LHO expedition coordinator, course director, or team leader working alongside our certified guides, and most trips include trip photography as part of our standard itinerary, so you can stay focused on the climb while we take care of the details.
Our Alpine programmes are supported by a published roster of certified IFMGA mountain guides with verified qualifications and real LHO guiding experience.
CLIMB MONT BLANC
Six guided mountain days: a dedicated glacier-skills school at a maximum of 1:6, two applied alpine training days at a maximum of 1:3, and a three-day Mont Blanc phase at 1:2. Life Happens Outdoors' eight day Mont Blanc Summit Course is designed for fit, prepared first time alpine climbers who want structured acclimatisation, mountain skills training and a guided attempt via the Goûter route. It is not a beginner fitness programme: you must arrive ready for long mountain days and sustained ascent and descent at altitude. IFMGA-certified guides lead the mountain days, with a maximum of two clients per guide throughout the three-day Mont Blanc phase. Each departure has a maximum of six participants. The eight-day itinerary is designed with flexibility and safety margins. Progression to the summit phase is conditional on fitness, technical readiness, weather, mountain conditions, access and guide judgement. The guides may change the objective or turn the team around when conditions or readiness do not support a Mont Blanc attempt. A summit is never guaranteed. Meet the IFMGA mountain guides who work with LHO in Chamonix and learn how their qualifications and Alpine experience support the technical leadership on our mountain days. In 2026, we ran 14 Mont Blanc courses with a total of 56 participants. Exceptional heat led us to redirect six of the 14 courses (approximately 43%) in full, with Monte Rosa and Weissmies as alternative destinations. Read a first-hand account from our 2026 Mont Blanc course.
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MATTERHORN COURSE
Our comprehensive LHO Matterhorn Course offers an advanced alpine itinerary designed for those seeking to elevate their skills to the next level. This meticulously crafted and flexible program is delivered by our selected IFMGA certified guides with the support of our LHO Team Leaders. It places a strong emphasis on building experience in mixed alpine ascents, with the ultimate goal to climb the Matterhorn and beyond. Whether you're preparing for a guided Matterhorn climb or simply curious about what it takes to tackle this iconic Matterhorn mountain climb, this course offers the ideal foundation to grow your skills, your confidence, and your alpine journey. The LHO Veteran and Associate Guide roster introduces the certified professionals who support our Chamonix based Alpine programmes, including guides with documented Matterhorn experience.
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EIGER COURSE
Our comprehensive LHO Eiger Course offers an advanced, ridge focused alpine itinerary designed for those seeking to elevate their skills to the next level. This meticulously crafted and flexible program is delivered by our selected IFMGA certified guides with the support of our LHO Team Leaders. It places a strong emphasis on developing experience with exposure and efficient skills to tackle epic ridges including the Eiger's Mittellegi ridge, with the ultimate goal of summiting the Eiger and beyond! Explore the certified mountain guides who work with LHO across Chamonix and the wider Alps, including guides with published Eiger and advanced ridge experience.
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SPAGHETTI TOUR EXPEDITION
Spanning the Swiss Italian border, our LHO expedition to Monte Rosa's summits is named after the Italian mountain huts serving famous Spaghetti. Starting and ending in Zermatt, the Swiss resort town, our expedition provides a complete experience, avoiding any retracing of steps. It grants access to all summits, enabling us to savor the region's finest without cutting corners. See the certified mountain guides who work with LHO across the Alps, including guides pictured leading previous LHO teams on the Monte Rosa massif.
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CHAMONIX-ZERMATT HAUTE ROUTE EXPEDITION
By blending comfortable hotels for rest and recovery, a strategic choice of mountain huts to maximize the trail experience, veteran IFMGA-certified mountain guides to maintain our flawless safety record, and our expert LHO Team Leader to boost morale, sustain the LHO vibe, and capture unforgettable photos, our LHO Chamonix Zermatt Haute Route Expedition is an exceptional alpine Haute Route experience. This iconic glacier trek takes you along one of the most breathtaking routes in the Alps, combining the best of the Haute Route Chamonix to Zermatt with expert guidance, stunning scenery, and a spirit of adventure like no other. Explore our wider Alps mountaineering expeditions and courses to compare this glacier journey with other technical mountain experiences. LHO Veteran Guides Grégoire Sauget and Philippe Legier have led LHO Haute Route and wider Alpine programmes. Meet the IFMGA mountain guides who work with Life Happens Outdoors.
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VIA FERRATA IN THE DOLOMITES
Spanning the stunning landscapes of northern Italy, our LHO Dolomites adventure offers one of the most thrilling via ferrata Italy Dolomites experiences in Europe. Beginning and ending in Bolzano, this journey immerses both first-timers and seasoned climbers in iconic routes like Catinaccio d'Antermoia and Sentiero de Luca, while exploring the historic Via Delle Trincee. With stays in remote mountain refuges such as Rifugio Alpe di Tires and Rifugio Locatelli, and a visit to the serene Lago di Braies, this Dolomites via ferrata tour is an unforgettable alpine experience!
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ROCK CLIMBING IN KALYMNOS
Rock climbing in Kalymnos is an experience like no other. Whether you're touching the rock for the first time or reaching the 8a level, this LHO Kalymnos rock climbing adventure ensures that you learn, improve, and feel challenged, while never losing sight of the fact that we’re on holiday on the world renowned paradise island of Kalymnos Greece. This journey is perfect for those new to the sport, those looking to progress, or anyone dreaming of exploring some of the best sport climbing in Kalymnos. With breathtaking routes, relaxed island vibes, and expert guidance, climbing in Kalymnos is the ideal way to push your limits and prepare for bigger challenges ahead.
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CHIMBORAZO & COTOPAXI EXPEDITION
Climb four high Andean volcanoes on a 10-day Ecuador expedition built around progressive acclimatisation, expert local guidance and the flexibility high mountains demand. Chimborazo—the point on Earth’s surface farthest from Earth’s centre—is the defining 6,263 m objective. Cotopaxi is our preferred second glacier summit; when access, volcanic monitoring, weather or mountain conditions make another objective more suitable, our IFMGA guides select Cayambe or Antisana. Prepare with our complete planning guide, beginner suitability guide, season and weather guide, and gear checklist.
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ACONCAGUA EXPEDITION
Drawing from our extensive experience in the Andes mountains and successfully taking Hari Budha Magar, the first double above the knee amputee to summit Aconcagua, our safety-focused LHO Aconcagua Expedition is meticulously designed to go above in and beyond in supporting you to achieve this remarkable mountaineering objective. From nutritious food menus to enhanced acclimatization schedules, regular health checks to monitor your progress, and our commitment to providing the best mountain facilities available, we address every aspect of this adventure, allowing you to fully concentrate on your goal.
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ALPAMAYO EXPEDITION
Our LHO Alpamayo Expedition has been expertly curated to prioritize safety and enjoyment at the center of this epic mountaineering experience. Led by our expert LHO Team Leader in close collaboration with our local IFMGA-certified mountain guides, we've assembled an experience that goes beyond the summit expedition. It includes elements of culture, amazing food, carefully selected city accommodations, and our classic expedition photography to capture it all.
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LOBUCHE EAST EXPEDITION
Lobuche East is a 19-day guided 6,119-metre climbing expedition approached through Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. It is a demanding progression for fit trekkers or climbers with strong high-altitude experience who are ready for crampons, fixed ropes, steep snow and exposed mixed terrain. The itinerary includes acclimatisation, technical training, high camps, contingency days and one helicopter sector between Kathmandu and Lukla. Read the complete Lobuche East climb guide or compare Island Peak and Lobuche East before choosing.
Still deciding whether to trek or climb next? Use our Nepal trek and peak chooser to compare Lobuche East with Island Peak, Mera and trekking routes by time commitment, terrain and traveller fit.
Traveller fit: Best for strong trekkers progressing into mountaineering. First-time mountaineers should join only if they are fit, already have high-altitude trekking experience and will prepare for sustained endurance; technical training is provided before the climb. This trip is not suitable for: an untrained trekker, anyone without prior high-altitude trekking experience, anyone unwilling to use crampons, an ice axe, fixed ropes and abseiling, or anyone needing a guaranteed summit or fixed end date.
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ISLAND PEAK EXPEDITION
Island Peak is a 20-day guided first Himalayan climbing expedition combining an Everest Base Camp approach, two technical training days, a reserve summit day and a 6,189-metre summit attempt. It suits very fit trekkers ready to learn crampon, fixed-rope and glacier systems, but it remains a serious climb affected by altitude, weather and route conditions. If you already have stronger technical foundations, compare the Lobuche East expedition.
For a broader view of your next step, use our Nepal trek and peak chooser to compare Island Peak, Mera and Lobuche East alongside trekking routes by duration, terrain and traveller fit.
Traveller fit: Best for fit, well-prepared first-time mountaineers who are ready for repeated trekking days, altitude above 6,000 metres, glacier travel, fixed ropes, a steep headwall, an exposed summit ridge and a long descent. This trip is not suitable for: an untrained trekker, anyone unwilling to use crampons and fixed ropes after the included training, or anyone who needs a guaranteed summit or fixed end date.
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AMA DABLAM EXPEDITION: A GUIDED TECHNICAL CLIMB IN NEPAL
Apply for an experience review. After acceptance, we will provide a written, departure-specific quote. No public price is shown until the departure, guide plan, accommodation basis and commercial terms are confirmed.
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Tips and optional costs: Tips and gratuities are discretionary and excluded; no approved planning amount or currency is published, so ask for current written guidance before accepting a departure quote. Charging, showers, Wi-Fi, beverages and personal food are separate where not expressly included. Personal supplemental oxygen, extra hotels after the buffer, changed flights, private guides, individual transport, rescue and evacuation are not included unless the departure-specific written package says otherwise. Obtain written scope, price, payment timing and cancellation or refund terms for any requested addition. Rescue remains conditional and cannot be guaranteed.
Equipment and baggage: The departure-specific written package will state the group technical equipment and baggage support included for the departure. Personal climbing equipment and rentals are excluded. Rental inventory, prices and deadlines are not published. Obtain the personal kit list, group equipment list, baggage allowance and any rental terms in writing before accepting the quote. Supplemental oxygen is not included unless the written package says otherwise.
Contingency and changed plans: Contingency time is included only within the published 25-day expedition window; it improves flexibility but does not guarantee a summit. The lead climbing guide’s safety and turnaround decisions are final. Weather, route preparation, mountain traffic, acclimatisation, illness or team recovery can change or end the attempt and consume the buffer. Once the window is exhausted, the team descends. Extra hotels, changed international flights, private guides, individual transport, search and rescue or evacuation are excluded unless the written departure package says otherwise. Helicopter evacuation is conditional and cannot be guaranteed. Any extra scope, price, payment timing and cancellation or refund terms must be confirmed in writing before quote acceptance; insurance reimbursement remains subject to your policy.
Traveller fit: Best for experienced mountaineers with recent competence on steep rock, snow and ice, fixed ropes and independent abseiling, plus prior high-altitude expedition experience. Acceptance depends on a review of your recent climbing history and readiness. This trip is not suitable for: first-time mountaineers, anyone without recent fixed-line, crampon, abseil and high-altitude experience, or travellers who need a guaranteed summit or fixed operating schedule.
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ICE CLIMBING IN COGNE
Our LHO Ice Climbing Adventure in Cogne takes us to one of Europe’s most renowned ice climbing destinations, offering stunning frozen waterfalls, diverse routes, and a breathtaking alpine setting. Open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced climbers, this trip combines expert instruction with climbs tailored to our abilities. With full board service covering meals, accommodation, and logistics, every detail is seamlessly arranged, allowing us to focus entirely on the climbing experience. It’s an opportunity to challenge ourselves, connect with like minded adventurers, and enjoy the thrill of ascending frozen walls in an iconic alpine environment. Meet the certified guides who work with LHO across Chamonix and the wider Alps, including professionals with experience in ice and mixed climbing.
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MANASLU EXPEDITION: A GUIDED 8,163M CLIMB IN NEPAL
Apply for an expedition review. After acceptance, we will provide a written, departure-specific quote. No public price is shown until the departure, support plan and commercial basis are confirmed.
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Tips and optional costs: Tips and gratuities are discretionary and excluded; no approved planning amount or currency is published, so ask for current written guidance before accepting a departure quote. Optional helicopter access to or from Samagaon, custom itinerary changes, oxygen beyond the confirmed allocation, private support, changed transport, extra hotels and changed flights after the buffer are not included unless stated in writing. The departure-specific quote must confirm scope, price, payment timing and cancellation or refund terms for every requested addition. Rescue and evacuation are not included and cannot be guaranteed.
Equipment and baggage: The written departure package will state the group technical equipment, fixed-line fees, porter and baggage allowance, and the verified personal and guide oxygen allocation, mask, regulator and backup policy. Personal climbing equipment and rentals are excluded, as is oxygen beyond the confirmed allocation. Rental inventory, prices and deadlines are not published. Obtain the personal kit list, group equipment list, baggage allowance, rental terms and oxygen plan in writing before accepting the quote.
Contingency and changed plans: Contingency time is included within the published 45-day expedition window, but it does not guarantee a summit or unlimited cost cover. The lead climbing guide may delay, change or end the climb for weather, route conditions, altitude response, team welfare or safety. Extra nights and changed international flights after the expedition window, individual early departure, private support, altered transport, additional oxygen, medical treatment, search and rescue, and evacuation are not included unless the written departure package says otherwise. Helicopter evacuation is conditional and may be delayed or impossible. Any foreseeable additional charge must be set out with its scope, price and payment timing in writing before it is committed where practical. Insurance reimbursement depends on the traveller's policy and does not guarantee that a rescue can occur.
Traveller fit: Best for experienced high-altitude expedition mountaineers with multiple 6,000-metre expeditions, proven high-camp self-management, fixed-line and glacier competence, and a documented altitude history. Acceptance depends on a review of your recent expedition record and readiness. This trip is not suitable for: a first high-altitude expedition, a first 6,000-metre objective, anyone needing to learn basic rope systems during the trip, or travellers who need a guaranteed summit, rescue outcome or fixed operating schedule.
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