After the storm in early March, the conditions have finally settled allowing us to get back into the high mountains. I was lucky to be joined by Jack Lawson, a ski instructor for Element Concept here in Verbier, and a former professional triathlete. We took the first lift from Leukerbad to the Gemmi Pass at 2322m with our eyes on the Wilstrubel (3244m). From our first steps across the Lämmerenboden, some healthy competition gave rise to a high pace as the Wildstrubel came into view. Reaching the Wildstrubelgletscher before 1030, we made good progress between the crevasses discussing our route down. We summited at 1158, nearly two hours earlier than anticipated, in a fresh northerly wind. The summit offers a breathtaking panorama with views of Mont Blanc, the Valais Haute Route, Andermatt, Lenk and Adelboden, the snow capped Jura and the Glacier de la Plaine Morte behind Crans Montana. We had been expecting Spring conditions so were a little surprised to find light powder for our descent to the base of the glacier. Whilst we enjoyed some of Jack's rice, banana, and apricot jam snack (don't knock it until you have tried it) we discussed whether to go for a beer at the Lämmerenhutte or head back to Verbier. After a moments reflection, I then suggested that given how ahead of schedule we were, why not get another summit in! With this in mind we had a quick look at the map and decided on the 546m ascent to the Steghorn (3146m). We knew the risk of wet spring avalanches would increase later in the afternoon but agreed if we moved quick enough we could achieve a second summit in safety. Challenge accepted, we put the skins back on and set off again at speed. Half way up the physical effort was starting to take its toll, so I had to make a brief stop to eat some more of Jack's magic rice. Just over an hour after starting we had summited the Steghorn by 1400. The second ski was a contrast to the first. The south facing aspect combined with two more hours of solar radiation had transformed the face into true spring snow, and we enjoyed a great ski back down to the Lämmerenboden. The final skin across the flat back to the Gemmi pass turned out to be the hardest effort of the day. We had only provisioned for enough water to cover the first summit so suffering from dehydration and glycogen depletion, the conversation stopped and the headaches arrived. It was one of those rare occasions touring when you wish someone had put a ski lift in! We arrived back at the Gemmi pass at 1530 and demolished what was left behind the counters in the self service restaurant before the taking the lift back to the car. It was very successful day out in a beautiful region that feels removed from the chaos of the opposite side of the Rhône Valley. The possibilities are endless and I will certainly return before the season comes to a close. See below our route and some video highlights from the day 2 summits in a day from the Gemmi Pass
0 Comments
New this summer, we are launching sail and climbing trips to the Isle of Portland on the Dorset Coast. Start your trip, whether it be a long weekend or a week, from our base in the Solent and sail down to the famous Jurassic Coastline passing a multitude of landmarks along the way from the Needles and Old Harry's Rock to Durdle Door and the Bill of Portland itself. Once at your destination, you'll be in the safe hands of our resident climbing instructor and expedition leader Ben Proudlove who will take you through your first steps if you're new to climbing, or coach you to your next grade if climbing is already your thing. Example Itinerary
The above itinerary is only example, it is possible to spend more days climbing and even complete the sailing passages at night for a different experience altogether. If conditions allow, we will approach the rock from the yacht/tender.
Get in touch and find out more about this unique experience. |