Ben and I escaped Verbier for the day to attempt the Gstellihore, just to South of the small village of Gsteig between Col du Pillon, and Gstaad. What follows is a route description with photos, to give you a glimpse into the world of ski touring if it's something you're not used to, or if you are a seasoned tourer, it will be great topo for a future trip! As you arrive in Gsteig, follow signs to the Heiti campsite, and park at the base of the T-bar (1218m). Commence your ascent following the line of the ski lift. As you reach the top of the lift you will see a gap in the fence allowing you to follow a path to the right, up through the trees. After approximately 200m the path starts to veer left, and you will see a clearing. Leave the path heading towards Topfel (1478m). 0745 - Just above Gsteig, looking NE towards Gstaad At approximately 1600m, follow the prominent couloir (attach skis to your backpack and continue on foot) until 1700m where it flattens out enough to put the skis back on. Continue up through the trees towards the base of the Mittaghore, and once at approximately 2000m, contour around its E face, to reach the open valley that leads to the summit of the Gstellihore. Breaking trail just below the Mittaghore Contouring round into the valley that leads to the summit From here it's another 800m of vertical ascent through rolling terrain to reach the summit at 2820m. Here are a few more snaps from the way up. Once on the summit, you are rewarded (after nearly 5 hours of climbing) with a 360 degree panorama of incredible views. Looking north you see the lowlands of Switzerland, look east and you have the trilogy of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, followed by the Wildhorn and Arpelistock. To the South you get a great view of the Val d'Anniviers and the surrounding icons of the Bishorn, Weisshorn, Dent Blanche, Matterhorn and many more. Keep going, and of course Mont Blanc features, and completing the turn you finally look over to the Les Diablerets Glacier and associated ski area. It was a lot to take in while I enjoyed my ham and cheese sandwich! The obligatory summit selfie, sporting as ever my vintage glacier glasses! As for the ski down, well let's gloss over that, as given the rain (yes in February) it was very crusty and we certainly didn't look like ski instructors! A rather crusty descent... Despite a lack of great skiing conditions, it was a superb day. Despite living in Verbier, surrounded by the great Valaisanne mountains, each time I return to the Vaudoises Alpes, I fall in love with the region more and more. The terrain is extensive and there are countless summits to try and reach. Away from the crowds aiming to do the haute route, or heliskiing on Petit Combin, you often get the mountain to yourself. Ben, another Verbier resident put it perfectly half way up, "I feel like I'm in a completely different country!" One thing is for sure, I will be back again very soon!
Olly.
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