References for Alpine Interface Inc.

Here are some references we have received from prior clients, and who are willing to share their experience with any potential guest:

Tour du Mont Blanc
Walker's Haute Route
Coastal Walks in Crete
Other Trips in Europe
Treks in the Himalaya

EUROPE

Tour du Mont Blanc

"... As promised, I am writing this e-mail to give you more feedback on the TMB trip I took last week. I want to tell you what a fantastic trip I had. The views on the TMB are spectacular and the weather for the majority of the time during the tour was very nice but the people with Alpine Interface were what make this trip different from other trips I took before. Louis and Karin were both prompt in answering my many questions about the tour and booking even though they were in the middle of moving, setting up new office and expecting new baby any day. Our trekking guide, Lindsay was fantastic, professional, caring and very knowledgeable. She paid attention to our needs and always followed up with helpful information proactively. Our driver, Martin was very attentive and also very knowledgeable. He was always making sure that we have everything we need. The snack pack and picnic lunch brought and packed everyday by Martin were always a real treat. Dinner was also what I looked forward to after the long hike everyday. We had wonderful dinner in very nice restaurant everyday. I think I ate more good food during this trip than during any of my other trips. The hotels (including the Refuge) were all with different local charm and were all very nice. The views from my hotel rooms were all breath-taking which made the end of day more relaxing.
Overall, I had a wonderful trip and I can’t stop telling everybody around me about the trip and Alpine Interface..."
Tour du Mont Blanc 2007
Nancy Siepman, IL
email: strulen@sbcglobal.net

"...We had a wonderful six days in the Alps and just want to say how well organised it was. Lindsay was a superb guide and Martin provided excellent support. They really were fantastic. Thankfully we had good weather apart from one day when it poured with rain...but we had the gear and all was well. We would certainly consider another trek with you again......finances and fitness permitting..! "
Tour du Mont Blanc 2007
Dru and Rob Robins, UK
email: Rob Robins cornishrobins@btinternet.com

"...I wanted to thank both of you for a fabulous holiday. I knew from the initial emails that I had found an outfitter that worked for me and now after the trip I knew I was right. I enjoyed the TMB and the local experience. It is obvious that both of you take pride in organizing all aspects of the trip -- from the accommodations and food which are representative of each locale, to the route which changes with the group's ability and weather, to staff (Duncan was great.) and to making yourselves available for minor client needs as searching for boots! (Someone had to spur the local economy.)

Enjoy your break in Crete and visit with family and return to Canada. I have already starting scoping out trips for next year so I hope to be able to travel with Alpine Interface soon..."
Tour du Mont Blanc 2007
Anna Iacucci, NY
email: abinyc@earthlink.net

"...Karin, Louis,
I want to send you a few thoughts about our recent trip trekking the Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB). As I mentioned to you on the phone, overall this trip was exceptional. You are welcome to use this letter in whole or part or to have anyone contact me as a reference. Alpine Interface is a great company and we look forward to more adventures with you. Below are a few of the key things I think made this trip such a success..."
Tour du Mont Blanc, 2007
Kevin Ryan, CT
email: kevin.ryan@noggintops.com

"...Thanks again for the terrific trip, the great camaraderie, fine food and
lodging, an unforgettable TMB..."
Tour du Mont Blanc 2007
Ron Fahnestock, PA
email: ron@homeatfirst.com

"Hi Karin and Louis! Just wanted to drop a line and say hi and tell you again how much we enjoyed our trip and how much we appreciated the huge part you played in its success. I am getting ready to put together a slide show from it and felt so homesick for the summer I could barely stand it..."
Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc 2006
Debra Plant, CA
email: graeme.plant@sbcglobal.net

"...The trek was wonderful and exceeded my expectations. I was somewhat concerned about doing the 1000+meter elevation gain day after day but that turned out to be no problem. In fact the trek was much easier than I expected it to be. Guess all that biking helped.
Take care and again, thanks for a memorable trip..."
Tour du Mont Blanc 2006
Lynn Rawlinson,WA
email: lynrawlinson@mac.com

"I want to extend a special thank you to both of you for the wonderful trip that you provided us with. I cannot say enough good about Alpine Interface, and I wish you both all the success possible in your business venture. I was lucky to have such wonderful hiking companions. Lorie was a superb guide, and VV was a delightful driver/lunch-preparer. I will be thinking of VV this December when their addition arrives. It was a delight to meet Lars too.

I also want to thank you for helping me with my lost luggage, and providing me with clothing for the first day. Thank you again, Louie, for helping me get boots and helping Doug pick out a ligher pack. Thanks too for looking after Doug after he had to drop out of the trek. What a wonderful memory this will be. If you need a refererence for future potential clients, it would be my pleasure to contribute. "
Tour du Mont Blanc 2004
Coastal Walks Crete 2005
Tour du Mont Blanc 2006
The Great Dolomites Traverse, 2007
Wendell Smith, NY
email: wfsmith@frontiernet.net

"Thank you for guiding us through the Alps on the TMB patiently, pointing out the mountains and glaciers and leading us to the places with the best tarts. We had a wonderful 10 days, challenging hiking and great comraderie - what more could anyone want? We had a lot of laughs on our way to some of the greatest menus and food in the world. Thank you so much. "

Tour du Mont Blanc 2006
Deb and Bill Torkildson, MN
email: debra.torkildson@allina.com

"Thank you for the leadership as well as the information you provided for us which made for an interesting and enjoyable hike. The whole trip and experience was spectacular and breathtaking and something we will always remember. Your special attention to Fred's injuries was greatly appreciated. "

Tour du Mont Blanc 2006
Fred and Gayle Henry, NY
email: FREDERICH6212894@aol.com

"I was planning to email you today to tell you what a wonderful time I had on the TMB. It isn't often that your expectations are not simply met, but exceeded.
This was the case with the TMB. You and Louis set the tone by your caring and concerned answers to all of my booking questions. Neil was prompt and pleasant in picking my sister and me up from our hotel at the start of the tour. Charlotta was a most professional, competent and caring trekking guide. She was knowledgeable and pleasant. She did everything possible to ensure that the members of her group got the most from their tour. Peter was an excellent driver. He went out of his way to make things run smoothly and was extremely reliable, pleasant and helpful.
As for the tour itself; the meals were excellent...my sister and I had a hard time deciding which dinner was the best. The hotels were charming and a pleasure to reach after a hard days climb! Charlotta found trails which were challenging but the view always rewarded the effort and, as you mentioned, the weather for much of the tour was spectacular.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the TMB with alpine interface to my friends based on my very positive experience and hope that I will be able to join you in another adventure in the future. Again, thank you for making my holiday so special and enjoyable. "
Tour du Mont Blanc 2005
Coastal Walks in Crete, 2007
Jane D'Agostino, NY
email: ADagos7908@aol.com
Cathy Biss, NY
email: cathyb547@hotmail.com

"We had a great time on the walk all of the accommodation and meals were excellent. Charlotta is a fantastic guide, she is friendly, helpful and very aware of how we were coping with the walking - especially on the steep sections and encouraging when needed. We both enjoyed our time with her. "

Tour du Mont Blanc 2005
Pat Usher
email: patriciausher@yahoo.com.au

"Louisa and I wanted to tell you and Louis once again what a WONDERFUL time we had. The 'regular' tour would be great, I'm sure, but our "private" tour was even better. All the personal attention -- altering the routes to accommodate our abilities, the trip to the museum, the trip to the dentist -- was truly impressive. And I got the distinct impression that to you and Louis this was nothing special, just the right way to do things. We were just delighted with the trip, and are happily recommending Alpine Interface to our friends. "

Tour du Mont Blanc 2004
Nora Freeman, NY
email: nlfreeman@worldnet.att.net

"Ben and I have arrived home safely and are now back at work (which is most unpleasant by all accounts!!!). Thank you both so much for a wonderful trip and looking after us so well, we had an absolutely fantastic time. Karin thank you also for organising our train tickets and taking us to the train at such an early hour in the morning. We arrived safely at the airport in perfect time for our flight. "

Tour du Mont Blanc 2004
Christina Gyrn, Australia
email: christina.gyrn@au.pwc.com

"We also would like to thank you & Louis for a wonderful time. We thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, exercise and good food ( including your nice lunches), your company, bantering and your sense of humor. "

Tour du Mont Blanc 2003
Carol + Chris Wong, Vancouver, Canada
email: kitwong@shaw.ca

"Just a short note to tell you again what a wonderful trip you gave us. You two were exceptionally helpful, kind, and fun to be with. The hiking, though hard at first, was exhilarating. The views (and the climbs) often were breathtaking. we are constantly talking about it to each other and to anyone who will listen. "

Tour du Mont Blanc Summer 2003
Sandy + Morris Schoeneman, NY
email: schoeneman@pol.net

"Thanks a lot for making this a most memorable trip (the rest of the gang also expressed these sentiments). It was indeed one of the most well organized trips that we have been on. "

Tour du Mont Blanc 2003
Coastal Walks in Crete 2007
Gaurav Vaid, IL
Email: vaidgaurav@hotmail.com

More clients who would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the trip and Alpine Interface:

Demi Haute Route, Summer 2003
Tour du Mont Blanc 2006
Bert + Lee Sellers, NC
Email: Sellers45@atc-enviro.com

Tour du Mont Blanc, Summer 2003
Richard Melville, Vancouver, Canada
email: rtm42@telus.net

Tour du Mont Blanc, Summer 2003
Jeannette Beriau, FL
Email: abberbabble@adelphia.net

Tour du Mont Blanc, 2005
Alexa Bodel, UK
email: alexa.bodel@hotmail.co.uk

Tour du Mont Blanc
Walker's Haute Route
Stan Shapiro, Kellogg, Idaho
email: mail@stanshapiro.com

Walker's Haute Route, 2002
Tour du Mont Blanc, 2002
Kanghsung Face, Tibet, 2004
Stan Jorasz, IL
email: stanleyjarosz@hotmail.com

Tour du Mont Blanc, 2004
John Frogley, Australia
email: jmfrogley@tpg.com.au

Walker's Haute Route

"...Louis
We really enjoyed you and the Switzerland trek.
You mentioned the Slovenia adventure. We may be interested. If not that then something else for sure.
Keep us on the list and let us know what is happening..."
Demi Haute Route 2007
Bill Simington
email: billsim60@hotmail.com

"I really can't say too much more about the trip that hasn't already been said. It was a truly magnificent experience. I am forever indebted to you for making this trip possible. I have done a number of trips with a number of guides, and although slow on the trail, I am fully qualified when I say that you and Alpine Interface are quite simply the best. A trip like this can only be done so well, and you exceeded that standard in every way. "

Demi Haute Route 2004
Annapurna Sanctuary 2006
Hank Holzgrefe Senior, NY
email: HenryHolzgrefe@hotmail.com

"We arrived back in Charlotte without incident (of course, no chicken on the plane!) and have had a great time sharing our pictures with our colleagues and friends. If you don't get a couple of bookings out of it I will be very surprised! We have been busy since we returned but I think overall have learned to take a little more time for solitude and self. We miss you all very much and the beauty that surrounds you. "

Walker's Haute Route 2005
David and Elizabeth Handy, SC
email: dhandyrh@comporium.net

"Thank you very much for providing us a wonderful visit to the Alps. Annie and I both greatly enjoyed our first visit to France and La Suisse. The scenery was tremendous, and your companionship was delightful. Thank you also for arranging for us the extra time at Hotel Eden and the stay at Refuge de Lac Blanc and for helping us to reschedule to adjust for the weather forecast. We found Hotel Eden to be quite charming, and the location was beautiful. Refuge de Lac Blanc was spectacular. "

Haute Route 2004
David Cline, CA
email: david.w.cline@intel.com

"Louis, we made it home after a very nice last evening in Chamonix. We can't thank you and Karin enough for making our trip so wonderful It was great getting to see your adorable Anna. We look forward to seeing your new web site, and being on your mailing list. "

Demi Haute Route 2006
Lisa Coleman
Email: ColemanAdvocates@aol.com

"Anyway, thanks again for a great vacation. I enjoyed hiking with a real professional such as yourself. Thanks also for all the laughs and stories and for not letting us get hit by lightning. "

Haute Route 2005
Ken Teutsch, Hawaii, USA
Email: teutschk@hotmail.com

More clients who would be more than happy to email any questions you might have regarding the trip and Alpine Interface:

Haute Route 2003
Barbara Lehman, NY, USA
email: barbara@barbaralehman.com

Coastal Walks in Crete

"...Cathy and I became great fans of Alpine Interface as a result of our experience on the TMB and again, you did not disappoint. Louis, you were a wonderful leader. In spite of changes (due to our situation) to our itinerary and activities, you were unflappable...flexible and considerate in every instance[..]
Karin, as always, you were most helpful in assisting me with the planning and logistics of the trip, answering all of my questions and providing helpful information.
The food... it was wonderful and abundant. Meals were every bit as good as the brochure advertised, perhaps better. Mealtimes were always a pleasure both for the great food and the good conversation. The lodging ...every hotel was clean and quite comfortable. As I expressed to you at the time, the stay at Marmara did push my comfort level due to the electric/water/bee situation. It was an adventure for one night (and the location was outstanding), but two nights would have been unpleasant for me. I thank you for making the change to our itinerary that allowed us to move to Lutro one night early.
The itinerary ...the trips to the museum and to Knossos added greatly to the trip. Thank you Louis for getting us to Knossos on the last day in spite of our time constraints. You could have blown it off, but you didn't and I can't thank you enough for that. The scenery on the walks was breathtaking. [...]
The people ...the Cretan people were the friendliest, most helpful and accommodating folks I have ever met. I will long remember them, especially Captain George.
In summary ...The tour was wonderful. I would recommend this trip and Alpine Interface without any hesitation. Thank you for another great experience that I will remember and cherish forever. Who knows, perhaps another Alpine Interface tour next year....
Coastal Walks in Crete 2007
Tour du Mont Blanc 2005
Jane D'Agostino, NY
email: ADagos7908@aol.com
Cathy Biss, NY
email: cathyb547@hotmail.com

"Anna and Karin,
Just wanted to let you know that we are back safely after a fabulous Greece trip. Anand and Kalindi are probably still in Dubai on their way back to India. The rest of us are back at work and already missing Greece :(. We all had a great time and hiking/coastal walks in Crete was the most memorable part of the trip. Anna, you were a wonderful guide and thanks again for your efforts in trying to fit in as much as possible into the limited time we had. The whole experience (hiking, beaches, breathtaking ocean views, authentic cretan food, local wines etc..) was truly amazing. Hopefully, we will get another chance to visit Crete again and renew the experience. Will send you the link to some pictures and a travelogue.
Cheers (or I should say Yamas :) )
Coastal Walks in Crete 2007
Tour du Mont Blanc 2003
Gaurav Vaid, IL
Email: vaidgaurav@hotmail.com

"I just wanted to drop you a note that we are all back in the States and had a wonderfully fantastic time. I'll send some pics later when I've had a chance to go through them. Thank you so very much for making our time in Crete so wonderful, the memories will last a life-time, especially the Raki. "

Coastal Walks in Crete 2005
Jim Harris, NJ, USA
email: jharris@ghsoho.com

"Many thanks for the hat and t-shirt you sent. The pictures brought back so many memories! Tracy and I enjoyed our Crete trip so very much. I remember laughing so hard at our dinners! Thank you for a wonderful trip. Please feel free to forward our names to anyone who has questions about Crete. We certainly have only the best things to say of the trip-organization, guiding and accommodations. "

Coastal Walks, Crete 2005
Jo Ann and Tracy Walters
email: jawalters@adelphia.net and waltersta@yahoo.com

More clients who would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the trip and/or Alpine Interface:

Coastal Walks in Crete 2003
Sue and Graham Yule, UK
email: head@ladybarnhouse.stockport.sch.uk

Coastal Walks in Crete 2005
Wendell Smith, NY
email: wfsmith@frontiernet.net

Gran Paradiso National Park

"Louis - A sincere thank you for a fantastic tour of the Gran Paradiso! Beyond my expectations and they were very high. Your expertise, patience and companionship were greatly appreciated. Hope your business and relocation lead to prosperity and happiness. Thanks again for a great adventure - one I will always remember. "

Gran Paradiso 2006
Don Wood, IN, USA
Email: ruwood@indiana.edu

Customized Trips in Europe

Self-guided TMB 2006
Deb and Graeme Plant, CA, USA
Email: graeme.plant@sbcglobal.net

TREKS IN THE HIMALAYA

"Thanks again for organizing a well thought out trip. Even the unexpected events were dealt with relatively smoothly, and really added to the overall adventure of the trip. It was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience that was wonderful to enjoy with my sons and friends, and full of memories never to forget. If you have clients in the future that request feedback from previous trekkers, please keep me in mind; I would be glad to provide a positive reference. "

Annapurna Sanctuary 2006
Lewis Buchanan, NY, USA
email: lewis.buchanan@bms.com

More clients who would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have regarding trips in Nepal/Tibet or Alpine Interface:

Annapurna Sanctuary 2006
Dorothy Loud, NY, USA
email: Dorothy.loud@bms.com

Annapurna Sanctuary 2006
Donna Fletcher, NY, USA
email: donna.fletcher@bms.com

Kangshung Face, Tibet 2004
Stan Jorasz, Woodstock, IL
email: stanleyjarosz@hotmail.com

Other clients who know our organization in Nepal/Tibet and who have been with Louis on the Everest / Cho Oyo Expedition:

John R. Folds, UK
phone: +44 (1625) 827286 (business)
email: watervilleltd@aol.com

Chris Brand, UK
email: cnbrand@btinternet.com