Sustenhorn - Gwächtehorn

20090521_09Probably the end of the season: Dad & me climbed the Sustenhorn and Gwächtehorn after a night at the hotel of Steingletscher. First up to Sustenhorn, then traverse over to Gwächtehorn, quite a steep descent through eastern part of the NE-Face. I never saw that many people ski touring in the same area on the same day - incredible… around 120 persons, puh… Now the skis and stuff are at home and I’m looking forward to some summer action. Continue reading ‘Sustenhorn - Gwächtehorn’

Zwingherrenbogen

20090517_17A great day out in sheer remoteness just a few steps away from towns and houses with views to the “Holy Trinity” of the Berner Oberland, nice clear and very fresh water, a hike through it and not-so-easy-to-find paths. The Zwingherrenbogen itself is quite unique, offers views over the blooming woods and isolation. Sunshine and warm weather, with good company and sweat at least on my forehead - the exams at least for some hours seemed far, far away. Continue reading ‘Zwingherrenbogen’

Landsgemeinde Appenzell Innerrhoden

20090426_16Tradition at its best! Nudists aren’t welcome anymore in the Alpstein, the deers still won’t have any home-sweet-home (and therefore the ski tourers still can go anywhere they venture to) and I can still be against a family house in Appenzell although that’s like miles away - I say: Job well done! And all of that after an enjoyable, and yes: traditional 4h walk from Oberegg to our capital, 1st time for Mirjam & Philipp, hope they enjoyed it as much as we did! Back in 1 year… Continue reading ‘Landsgemeinde Appenzell Innerrhoden’

Grossstrubel

20090414_07With my nicest sister back on track! Although we started last from Engstligenalp everything worked out quite well and we had a good descent through the Ammertetäli. A bit cloudy in the south, so the view wasn’t that great, but the provided lunch sure was. We on skis, others already in their bikinis - that’s the way it goes… (some shots still to come) Continue reading ‘Grossstrubel’

Creux du Van - Gorges d’Areuse

20090413_07Nice hike in the Jura: From Noiraigue up to Creux du Van. Very impressive, quite unusual for Switzerland. A windy lunch, some photo shot, descend over snow (thankfully with sneakers…) down to the Gorges d’Areuse, half-way with train back. Continue reading ‘Creux du Van - Gorges d’Areuse’

Balmflue: Südwände

20090411_10The climbing season has been opened! “Rock’n'Roll” dude Oli, notably with 2 torn ligaments in his knee, and me climbed the “Südwände” of the Balmflue, 6 nice pitches in the fifth grade, quite heavy when you’re quite rusty from the superb winter (and i’ll always be thankfull that Oli climbed that 3rd pitch, phew…). A bit hazy, but very warm and great views over the “Mittelland” and still clear enough to grab a sneak view of the Eiger north face. Thanks for the tour, Oli: A+! Continue reading ‘Balmflue: Südwände’

Tödi

20090410_01Tödi in one push. Not as unusual as I thought - there were lots of ski tourers doing the exactly same thing that morning. Start @ 0200, peaked @ 1000, back down @ 1300. Very windy (foehn!), especially during the night (with full moon), cloudy at the top & steep descent with crampons down the Schneerus. A new standard spring tour for years to come? Continue reading ‘Tödi’

Schmelihore - Hohniese (bivvy) - Abendmatte

20090404_25Wouldn’t have thought that it’s gonna pan out this winter, but hey, it did - it really did. Sunshine, steep ascents and steep descents, a cool snowhole, an “interesting” night, what a sunrise!, sunbaths and just about everything. It’s been a great weekend, from the Himalayan like ridge of the Schmelihore, to the afternoon nap on the NW-ridge of the Hohniese, to Timo’s snowboard-snow-melting invention on the Hohniese, Beni’s rebirth as a “miner”, the couscous, the porridge and baking in the sun (and burned skin, well…) Definitly a highlight! - some of the shots by Timo Continue reading ‘Schmelihore - Hohniese (bivvy) - Abendmatte’

Rosswies - Margelchopf

20090328_10A classic … with very, very heavy snow, the foehn keeping us dry and getting us some sunshine, with the new equipment, a bit tricky but good.
Continue reading ‘Rosswies - Margelchopf’

Wildhuser Schafberg

20060318_02A nut we wanted to crack for a long time now. Conditions were ideal and so it was a great day to attack this one! Actually my 1st tour ever i had to use the harscheisen, which doesn’t speak as much of my “superior” climbing technique but more of my lack of spring tours… A lack one is going to better up this spring, that’s for sure! (first two photos from another occasion) Continue reading ‘Wildhuser Schafberg’