Read on below for what High-Alpine Mountain Guides clients have to say about their guided Alps experiences.
Jenn and Jeremy Fields, Longmont, Colorado, USA
As you watch Michael lead out over snow and rock, it’s clear he’s one of those part-mountain goat alpinists you see in magazines–perfectly at ease on any terrain. He’s also a master of the psychological side of guiding: When I was biting my nails through my gloves as I peered thousands of feet down to Chamonix, Michael got me chatting happily about things I like to do on slightly more level ground. But one of our favorite things about climbing with Michael is that he shares his vast knowledge of climbing and outdoor equipment. We take home more than a thrilling experience–we take away a battery of new skills to use on our own climbs and are better able to select the best equipment for our needs based on his recommendations.
Mary Pat and Jay Gotschall, Seattle, Washington, USA
High-Alpine guides was instrumental in making our Haute Route dream a successful reality. Michael Silitch’s technical knowledge and expertise, his professional and courteous disposition, and his positive, can-do attitude was welcomed and appreciated throughout the trip. His amazing knowledge of the area and his strong cultural sense were instrumental from start to finish. We can’t wait to join him again for another outstanding Alps adventure!
Pete Mitchell, Glenside, PA, USA
For climbers of all levels interested in the Alps, I strongly recommend the guiding services of Michael Silitch. Michael’s guiding skills first impressed me in 2000 when he led our group up Denali. The leadership and guiding skills I witnessed on Denali led to me asking Michael to guide me on subsequent climbing trips to the French Alps in 2002 and to the Swiss Alps in 2003.
The reasons I have climbed with Michael in the past, and why I will climb with him in the future include: his skills as a guide especially his focus on climbing smartly and safely; his ability to teach technique and to increase my skill level as a climber; his recommendation of routes in the Alps that matched my skill level and that have provided me with fun and challenging experiences.
Marta Downing, Portsmouth, NH, USA
We asked Michael to help us explore the Chamonix Valley on skis and he delivered!!! From great powder skiing and long sunny tours we put our ski mountaineering skills to work on spectacular terrain. I enjoyed Michael’s easy going, interactive style and how he put all the routes and amazing vistas in perspective with regards to Chamonix’s rich, ski mountaineering history. The Chamonix Valley is a big terrain with huge relief and Michael made it accessible to this weekend warrior.
Richard Feachem, Geneva, Switzerland
Michael is the greatest guide and alpine companion, always patient, supportive, fun to be with, full of good ideas and pushing you to the next level while being super safe. Michael is a real professional and the nicest guy! We have done some great climbs together over the past five years. Snow, ice and rock in the Mont Blanc Range; on Castor, near Zermatt, we climbed a cheval in 100 mile an hour winds; a great trip to the Monch and the Jungfrau in 2004; and the North Ridge of the Piz Badile in 2005.
Next summer we are shooting for some 4000 meter peaks between Zermatt and Saas Fe. If you are a geriatric climber, like me, do not let Michael’s incredible fitness put you off. He will go at your pace, no matter how long it takes… and you will still make it to the top and be refreshed enough to enjoy your vin chaud back at the hut. My next big project with Michael, when he teaches me to ski randonee, is the Haute Route in winter. Thanks Michael for great times and to many more!
