The Alps is Back for 2009!  We're excited to be heading back to the alpine and rock wonderland of the Swiss and French Alps -- the virtual birthplace of modern climbing.  An in-depth combination of rock climbing and alpine skill development with numerous peak ascents.  Rock climbing and via ferratas in the Leysin area and the Prealps, alpine climbing hut to hut in and around Chamonix, France.  This year's prize is an ascent of Mont Blanc, western Europe's highest peak and a possible ascent of The Cosmique Ridge including an ascent of the Monte Blanc du Tacul) and more sport climbing near Chamonix. Some previous climbing experience is required.  Team is limited to 8 participants.

OWA friend & Swiss Guide, Alan Delizee, (http://www.ad-guides.com) will lead this trip with OWA Senior Guides.  It's the climbing trip of a lifetime and one to remember.

The team assembles en route to Geneva.  Some nights will be spent camping and others in hostels, huts or lodges.   All technical climbing gear is provided but team members are encouraged to bring their own if they want.

Proposed Itineray (Tenative):

Day 1  Travel to Geneva
Day 2  Arrive Geneva AM; transfer to Leysin; night Leysin  Campsite
Day 3  Rock Climbing at Le Pierre du Molle; night Leysin Campsite
Day 4  Climb the Tour DAi Via Ferrata then rock climb tour DAi; night Leysin Campsite
Day 5  Climb Le Mirrior (14 pictchs); night Leysin Campsite
Day 6  Rest day in Leysin; night Leysin Campsite
Day 7  Ascend to Pierre Dar Hut, night mountain hut
Day 8  Ascend Les Diablerets, night mountain hut
Day 9  Climb Via Ferrata Diablerets; night Chalet Ermina
Day 10  Transfer to Chamonix; bouldering col des Montets, night in Chamonix Campsite
Day 11  Ride Aiguille du Midi Telepherique; Climb Mont Blanc du Tacul; night at Cosmique hut
Day 12  climb Cosmic Ridge; night in Chamonix Campsite
Day 13  climb the Aiguilles Rouges, night in Chamonix Campsite
Day 14  Ascend to the Goûter hut, night mountain hut
Day 15  Climb Mont Blanc(4810 m) & return via les Houches, night in Chamonix Campsite
Day 16  Weather day, rock climb around Chamonix, night in Chamonix Gite
Day 17  Transfer to Geneva; night at American hostel
Day 18  Fly to US