I wanted to gain some experience, and confidence, after completing a mountaineering course last summer, so felt a trip with an experienced guide would be best.

I phoned Alpine Recreation and spoke with Axel, who answered all of my questions, and advised that Elke would be the guide for me. I loved this confident assurance, and the idea of having a female guide, so booked a 5-day, 1:1 trip with her. This was the best decision I could have made, especially given that I have a terrible fear of heights!

I felt comfortable with Elke from the outset, from checking my gear to discussing her thoughts for our time in the mountains. She led me through unfamiliar, sometimes terrifying, terrain; schooled me in the art of crevasse rescue and navigation when bad weather made us hut-bound, and was somehow able to coax me to my very first summit, all with the patience of a saint. Until you're faced with your worst fear you don't realise just how emotionally exposed you are, yet with Elke this felt safe; there was no judgement, only support. Whilst reaching a summit was not an essential element of the trip, I'm so glad that I did, and know I could not have done it without the constant support & reassurance from Elke. It would be so easy to quit now that I've had my summit, but this has been such a positive experience that I want to continue, to push myself further, try to overcome my fear so that I can further evolve in the mountains I've come to feel at peace in. I can but hope that Elke will be with me on this journey.

So, would I recommend Alpine Recreation- hell yes!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2018