Client comments & Media

Whilst I've been climbing with Jon and Matt as friend, lets just say for the last ten days I've been Vertigo's  Corporate Social Responsibility. On a quick 10 day hit from the UK with an unreliable forecast, these guys picked the right venue to allow climbing everyday. 

 

On the third day I was determined to sneak off under the wire. My objective was for some well earned coffee drinking watching the sights of down town summer Chamonix along with a deep shop at Patagonia - only for my phone to ring literally as I stepped across the granite threshold credit card in hand. It was Helliker. "Don't even think about it Baker - get round to Elevation now - the engines running and Jon is waiting". I looked at the Collection Nouveau hanging from the designer racks, sighed and legged it round for another day of pulling hard in a glorious alpine setting. As with everyday this was followed by a punishing upper body workout on the Beast maker back at Matt's chalet that is nicknamed - "The Gulag". Afterwards, a near broken man, I would practically weep as John left for home often laughing: "Toughen up Baker- Boy!" I would then be left alone in the growing twilight with Helliker, dumbbells in hand.

 

Joking aside, their knowledge and enthusiasm meant excellent and varied climbing on days when most would - and did - give up and sit out the forecast in the  valley. Each day we would travel no more than hour into the French Pre alp, Switzerland or Italy and find quiet but top quality venues of dry, clean rock bathed in sunshine. They know the mountains well and their local BETA is truly awesome. My recommendation? Book 'em - I guarantee you will be inspired by the professionalism, enthusiasm and convivial banter; or at the very least watch their blog to fuel and inspire your own quality day trips out.

Johnny Baker, Dartmoor

 

On the back of yet another great week of climbing in Chamonix with Matt, can I say a huge thanks for a great week.

This was our 3rd week climbing together, after Norway ice climbing and then Cham last September, and how productive it was again! To come away with 2 big technical ice and mixed routes (Modica-Noury and M6 Solar) and the uber-classic  Ginat on the North Face of the Les Droites was incredible.

 

What works for me is that - with the limited time I have available - we always have some good joint discussions about what I want to achieve and what’s possible, and then get on with it to maximise results! Sure it’s hard work and requires lots of effort but I’ve always come away thinking I’ve achieved more than I thought I could when setting out.

 

What I look for in a guide to operate at this level obviously involves more than if we were doing standard trade routes; the two things most important to me are working as a partnership and the ability to operate safely when pushing the boundaries. Over the years I’ve climbed with many guides and am happier with these two aspects than any time before.

 

At the end of the day doing the longer, harder routes will depend on the faith we build up in each other and this feels pretty strong.

So here’s to the summer and more Grande Courses!

What can we say in a few sentences that can convey quite what a fantastic time the Allsopp family had being guided by Matt?

His attention to detail with regard to safety, his knowledge of the 
mountains, his teaching ability, his tracking of weather conditions 
for us to find the premium snow and last, but by no means least, his ability to take us to those restaurants serving the most delicious food and wine, were all second to none. On top of that he's just a  thoroughly nice person. We are returning asap for another dose.

 

Dear Matt and Jon

Thank you for being such fantastic guides. We had such a great time and couldn't have asked for better leaders.
We are now all suffering from chronic lethargy, all over body ache and too much food, wine, vodka, oxygen, reality.....
Thank you again
Lucy, Duncan, Tom & Tom (Mt Blanc Summit)

 

Hi Jon

Thanks for a great day yesterday – I was absolutely knackered at the end but one of my best days skiing ever. If any of the pictures have come out well would you mind emailing me them.

Cheers Stefan (Skiing the Cosmiques Couloir)

 

Hi Jon

Thankyou for such a wonderful time in the mountains around Chamonix. I'm hooked! I've even bought my own boots, crampons etc Now I'm looking for something to climb!! I might even come back to Chamonix soon.

You were a real gentleman and professional. I was very impressed with your interpersonal skills and leadership of the group. I would go climbing with you anytime!

Keep in touch and Best wishes

James Everson-Crane

 

"Thanks. I had a great time and obviously very pleased with the result. I thought the course was well organised and the guides exceptional. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends."
Jim Lanchberry (Mont Blanc)

 

Just a note to say thank you for last week and in particular our last day on the Valley Blanche. Hope the rest of the winter is good for you and you have a successful competitive winter.

Regards Dr Alistair MacKenzie

 

Hi Jon,

Just wanted to drop you a line and say a big thank you for the Mont Blanc course in July.

Really enjoyed every day and learn't loads. Hope you're doing well and enjoy the rest of the season.

Cheers Mark Thorpe

 

Jon, I hope you are having a great winter filled with adventure. I get to relive our trip everyday as your pictures rotate as my screen saver and my home page is one of your shots of Andrew and me on the Glacier. Do you have a blog or a web page that I can follow your climbing? We skiied four weeks in Vail and one in Canada. Andrew is living in Hawaii, working construction at $11 per hour and surfing everyday. Continuing his life lessons and searching for his dream. I am happy that you found yours. Thank you for the climb of a lifetime and mentoring Andrew. Again if you are ever in California or Hawaii, let us know. Mark
"Mark Van Mourick" (Ascent of the South face of the Dru)

 

 

Dear Jon

Thank you for the follow-up message regarding our Haute Route excursion.  It was certainly a memorable adventure and while we were not able to complete the final leg due to weather conditions, the trip proved to be extremely challenging for me (Hans was much stronger), and yet rewarding for spectacular scenery that we experienced, the physical challenges that we faced and prevailed, and for the camaraderie that was developed amongst our team of Hans, Jon, and myself.

Jon proved to be both a fantastic guide and person.  His knowledge of the mountains and professionalism kept us moving forward each and every step without concern (with few exceptions due to my own trepidation) for our well-being and safety.  His calm demeanor, positive attitude, and skill as a mountaineer are unsurpassed.  I would recommend him without any hesitation to other prospective clients who might consider such an excursion.  Please consider this an open offer should your future clients request such a recommendation.

Best regards,
Bill

 

Hi Jon

Just a short note to thank you for last week, really enjoyed the whole experience, despite not being able to walk properly since, or stop eating, or sleeping, treating blisters etc etc. 

However, managed to go indoor climbing this morning, whilst having a coffee, flicking thru some old Climber mags, a front cover caught my eye, some guy showing off, ice climbing in the Yukon, decent article. I thought Mont Blanc was the most difficult thing you've ever done, or was that just when dragging me to the top !

Anyway, thanks again Jon, hope to see you again sometime.

GARY Lawrence mt blanc 2009