Levi and his Dad Cristi came over from their home in New York, for some training and introduction to alpine mountaineering with Kathy.

We rode the cable car from La Palud to the Torino hut, for our first wander on a high glacier.

Getting used to the feeling of crampons on firm snow, they're magic!

Looking out across the vastness of the famous "Vallée Blanche".

Pausing high up on the slopes of the Aiguille d'Entrèves, to enjoy the amazing views down to the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille Verte, and the Dent du Géant.

It's time to head back up to the cable car station, euphoric AND a tad altitude sick at the same time!

The next day we headed up to the Grands Montets, to do some skills training on the skirts of the Petite Aiguille Verte. Our first view (Mont Blanc in the background) reminds us why we're roping up and practicing skills!

After learning how to place snow anchors, belay with a rope, and use crampons on glacier ice, we practice all of these on a little wall near the glacier's edge.

For our last day we headed over to Zermatt to climb the Breithorn. A dramatic view of the Matterhorn greeted us as we arrived in town.

The next day, it looms over Levi's shoulder as we ride the gondola.

Near the top of our cable car ride, a nice view of the Breithorn's climbing route.

Ready to roll.

They start them young here in Switzerland! A family outing on the Breithorn glacier.

High on the Breithorn in perfect weather, we're some happy campers!

Coffee and a snack on the way home, just one of the many rewards for our efforts in the high mountains! It was fun playing in the snow and ice with Cristi and Levi, I hope they'll be back for more.