In reply to Marty 22:
ISM are probably the longest established English speaking guiding company for the Alps. Previous "managing directors" - John Harlin; Dougal Haston; Peter Boardman and Pat Littlejohn. Now Adrian Nelhams, who was British Mountain Guides' Technical Director for a number of years. Use a mix of IFMGA guides from mainly UK and Italy. You'll be in good hands - highly recommend them.
August - can be problematic depending on the previous winter and the summer heat in any given year. On balance, not the best time of the year for the Alps now! Worth chatting to ISM.