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.
CLIMB MONT BLANC
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 published 2:1 guide-to-client ratio when climbing Mont Blanc. Progression to the summit phase is conditional on fitness, technical readiness, weather, mountain conditions, access and guide judgement. If Mont Blanc is not safely achievable, the guides may change the objective or turn the team around. A summit is never guaranteed.
CHECK IT OUT
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.
CHECK IT OUT
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!
CHECK IT OUT
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.
CHECK IT OUT
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.
CHECK IT OUT
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!
CHECK IT OUT
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.
CHECK IT OUT
CHIMBORAZO & COTOPAXI EXPEDITION
Drawing on our years of experience in successfully completing Chimborazo climbs, our LHO expedition to the furthest point on Earth is expertly designed to develop your skills for a safe ascent. This journey features no fewer than four iconic mountains, including the legendary Cotopaxi, ensuring proper acclimatisation for summits above 6,000 meters. Beyond the Mount Chimborazo climb, this adventure also immerses you in the vibrant culture of Ecuador, offering an unforgettable experience for those seeking a Chimborazo guided climb while exploring one of the world’s most remarkable landscapes.
CHECK IT OUT
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.
CHECK IT OUT
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.
CHECK IT OUT
LOBUCHE EAST EXPEDITION
Our Lobuche East Expedition is a serious 6000 meter Himalayan climbing journey in the shadow of Mount Everest. Our Lobuche East expedition approaches the mountain through the classic Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar acclimatisation journey, although it is also possible to arrange the climb to Lobuche through the remote Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass route. From Kathmandu to the Khumbu, every stage is designed to prepare you for the mountain: steady acclimatisation, expert trekking support, technical climbing training, high altitude camps, and a summit attempt led by certified high altitude climbing guides. With LHO Team Leader support, specialist mountain leadership on Lobuche East, and one helicopter sector between Kathmandu and Lukla included, this is a powerful next step for trekkers ready to move into real Himalayan mountaineering. Lobuche East is best understood as part of a wider Nepal progression, from high altitude treks such as Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes through to more serious Himalayan climbing objectives. Compare the full collection in our Nepal trekking and mountaineering hub before choosing the route that best matches your experience and preparation. Read the complete Lobuche East climb guide for the route, difficulty, required skills and preparation. Compare Island Peak and Lobuche East before choosing which Himalayan peak best matches your experience, altitude background and confidence with exposure.
CHECK IT OUT
ISLAND PEAK EXPEDITION
Island Peak Expedition is a 20-day guided Himalayan climb for fit trekkers ready to move beyond trekking. The route combines Everest Base Camp, the option of Kala Patthar, staged technical training, Island Peak Base Camp and a summit attempt at 6,189 metres, with a reserve summit day built into the itinerary. Previous mountaineering experience is not essential, but this is not an easy trek. You need strong fitness, consistent preparation and the confidence to follow guide instructions on exposed mountain terrain. LHO supports the journey with a dedicated Team Leader, expert Khumbu trekking guides, certified high-altitude climbing guides, selected tea houses, technical tents, all meals, permits, one helicopter sector between Kathmandu and Lukla and trip photography.
CHECK IT OUT
AMA DABLAM EXPEDITION: A GUIDED TECHNICAL CLIMB IN NEPAL
Ama Dablam is a 6,812-metre technical expedition for experienced mountaineers who already move confidently on steep rock, snow and ice, use fixed ropes and abseil independently, and have prior high-altitude expedition experience. The normal route is sustained, exposed and consequential, with technical climbing between Camps 1 and 2 and a long summit day above 6,000 metres. Life Happens Outdoors manages the expedition alongside NNMGA-certified mountain guides. The guides lead technical movement, route and summit decisions; the LHO Team Leader coordinates the wider expedition from the departure-specific, legally permitted location. This is not a first mountaineering objective, and acceptance depends on a review of recent climbing, altitude experience and technical competence. Himalayan mountaineering carries a real risk of serious injury or death. Guides reduce risk but cannot remove objective hazards or guarantee a summit. Health, pace, competence, weather, route conditions or guide judgement may require a delay, descent or turnaround.
CHECK IT OUT
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.
CHECK IT OUT
MANASLU EXPEDITION: A GUIDED 8,163M CLIMB IN NEPAL
Manaslu is an 8,163-metre expedition for experienced high-altitude mountaineers, not a first 6,000-metre climb or a place to learn basic rope systems. Climbers must arrive competent on crampons, fixed lines and glacier terrain, with a proven record of multi-day expeditions at altitude and the physical and psychological resilience to operate for several weeks in extreme cold and hypoxia. LHO and NNMGA-certified high-altitude mountain guides manage acclimatisation, camps, oxygen planning and summit decisions, but no support model removes the risk of altitude illness, avalanche, crevasse fall, frostbite, exhaustion, equipment failure or failed rescue. Acceptance depends on a documented review of expedition experience, technical competence, altitude history and health information.
CHECK IT OUT
