With over 1,000 metres prominence and towering improbably over Zermatt, the Matterhorn was first ascended in 1865 by a team led by British alpinist Edward Whymper. It wasn't until 1931, however, that its imposing north face was ascended.

Generations of the best steep skiers in Chamonix have tested their mettle on the Aiguille Verte, and there are now five legendary steep ski descents starting from the summit of the Verte, covering each of its sides.

Weaving up the north face of Ben Nevis via a sustained and intricate line, Orion Direct was a route ahead of its time when first ascended in 1960. Alpine in scale but unmistakably Scottish in experience.

In summer, a traverse of Skye's Cuillin Ridge is a sought after trophy, demanding perfect alignment of weather, fitness, technical skill and partners. A winter traverse is a different proposition entirely.

The Aiguille du Dru is the poster child of the Mont Blanc massif, with its steep weather-beaten north wall presenting a formidable objective. It’s one of the most prized of alpine north face routes.

The Skye Cuillin in north-west Scotland are home to one of Europe’s longest technical ridge traverses. Exposed, committing and alpine in style, this is the UK’s most prized ridge route.

For those with the courage and skills to tackle its wildly exposed lines, the legendary North Face of the Aiguille du Midi is a unique and peerless playground. Nowhere else in the world is it possible to find lift-served skiing of this nature.

The north face of The Eiger is notorious. Its name alone resonates far beyond the circles of climbers and mountaineers. It evokes a sense of danger and forbidding, unmatched by any other mountain.

The most famous ice climb in Scotland, and possibly in the world, is reliable, popular and brilliant. It’s one of the most sought-after Scottish winter climbs, attracting international climbers, with Point Five as their sole objective.

The Vallée Blanche is one of the world’s most famous off-piste descents, and deservedly so. At 22km long, it's an impressive descent through massive glacial terrain, with multiple variations possible. 

Arguably the most famous alpine face in the world, it has a fearsome reputation among climbers for being steep, dangerous and subject to temperamental weather.

The Arête du Diable is the showpiece ridge of the south face of Mont Blanc du Tacul. Graded D+, it’s an 800m ridge traverse that tackles some of the most spectacular Chamonix terrain.