Breithorn 4160 meter

Finally I made it to the top of one of the big mountains namely the Breithorn with 4160 meter in Zermatt. I did not think I could make it again so I actually sended off the group to their way to the summit but when they were halfway up I felt so frustrated that I decided to give it a try as the weather was also spectacular. I hardly ever had seen such good weather in this area of Switserland before. It took me 2 hours to make it to the top and the best thing was that the group of four still were there waiting for me as they had seen me already coming up on my own. After some great views, the necessary photos (taken by a friendly Japanese guy) we went back safe and enjoyed a couple of hours in Zermatt before going back to the campsite. Anyhow, some part of the mission was accomplished and we can go home tomorrow.

Alallinhorn up (and safe back)

This morning we started our trip to the Alallinhorn in Saas Fee at 5.45 am. Some cablecars and the mountain metro brought us up to 3400 meter. The highest rotating restaurant in the world is situated here. Marijke didn't feel good so she did not start teh climb and my foot definately is still not good. I did decide however to bring Nike, Thijs and Maarten as high as possible wich in the end was the so called Alallinjoch (sadle) at 3800 meter. From here it was only a bit more than 200 meter to the summit so I sended the tree off for their mission to reach the summit. The weather was totally spectacular. Blue skies, no clouds and spectacualr views towards some very famous mountains such as the Mont blanc, the Matterhorn, the Breithorn, Castor, Pollux and the Monte Rosa. I have selden seen these mountains in such a good weathercondition. Anyhow, the three young climbers did not disappoint me and made it to the summit. After their return to the saddle, we all climbed donw in a safe condition to be back at the cable car station at 12.30 am. Back in the valley the weather appeared to be warm and sunny so what a difference with the first couple of days of this week.

Preparations for the climb in Saas Fee

Today was our big preparation day as I had to teach our group how to get to the summit of the Allalinhorn (4058 meter). I will try to go with them as far as possible but it is very unlikely that I will make it all the way up. Anyhow, Saas Fee is a fun place. No cars allowed and it is a bit luxurious but the prices did not go bazooka although I heared that the wintertime is the real posh time here. We checked out the cable car, the weatherforecast, the route and after thee with the famous apfelstrudel we went back to the campsite just 2 kilometer outside the town. Tomorrow morning we have to leave the camoing at 5.45 am to make it to the first cablecar up at 6.30 am. I hope the weather is in our favour. Say prayers and I will keep you update.

Move to Saas Fee in Switserland

Because of a continuation of rain and missery we decided to leave the French alps and move over to the Swiss town of Saas Fee in Wallis. Weatherwise possible not a bad choice as the weather is definately more dry here. We found a nice campground just outside the carfree town and after pitching our tents on grass instead of mud the spirit went up again. Our hope is to be able to climb the Allalin mountain (4058 meter) in good weather but of course we have to be patient. First we heve some reconnasance top do tomorrow. It is definately more colder here at night as the campsite is siuated at 1600 meter.

The snow has come down

Last night it did not rain anymore here in the valley of Chamonix next to the Mont Blanc, but when I woke up I could see a fresh snowline much lover than yesterday (about at the same altitude than the tree-line). I made a call up to the four mountaineers in the Bellachat hut and it appeared that the hut was snowed in and for safety reasons they had to decide to come down via the direct descent to Chamonix. This is a very steep path but when it is clear of snow possibly the best option. Anyhow, we will see later waht our plans are and what is still possible, me only be able to help them prepare and support from a distance. Right now there is a little bit of sunshine in the citycentre of Chamonix making it all look a little bit more happy.

Not to the Brevent

Because yesterday and last night it was pooring rain and thunderstorm the feasability to make it up Mont blanc almost decreased till 0%. This morning the only tour that I could come up with and also is feasable in all weatherconditions was a climb to the Refuge Bellachat (the beauticul cat) at 2300 meter. So in the pooring rain we started the walk but already very soon my foot started to hurt seriously (old injury from missing the last step of the stairs at home last year). It became worse and worse and I had to quit at about 1600 meter altitude. Of course climbing with 5 made this a dilemma but I saved the day to insist on them to go on, make it to the hut and have a nice afternoon with a great night in a very nice rustique little hut. With some protests they went on when I went back to the campsite where I arrived safe in the late afternoon. We contacted each other by SMS so everybody new everybody was safe. Right now I am in an internet cafe in Chamonix and about to have some food soon. I have to change all the plans drasticly but I will try to train them on some tours that I don't have to goe with them and I hope to be able to get them on one of the 4000 + meter mountains around, maybe in Switserland where the weather might be a bit better. Anyhow, we will see how things go. I keep you posted. Tada

Chamonix in the rain

I arrived very safe in the mountain town of Chamonix in France. The drive from Holland took about 12 hours and a nice but pretty busy campsite was waiting for me to pitch a tent. The summit of Mont Blanc was very clear but also it was clear that there was a lot of snow on the lover slopes that normaly are clear of snow. Anyhow, the night was peaceful with justa little bit of rain and the morning was nice and sunny. Unfortionately this changed during the day ending this day with rain and lots of bad weather telling me that the summit was very far away yet. Anyhow, I will see how things go. Tomorrow I will try to make it to the Tete Rousse hut at 3200 meter. The higher hut (Le Gouter) is still not available for bookings so we have to see what will go on from tomorrow. We will start Monday with taking a cable car to a trainstation and from there the train will take us to Nid D'aigle at 2500 meter. From here it is a 4 hours climb to the hut, weather permitting. I will try to keep you update but that can only be done from this town. Hope to contact you safe in a couple of days.

Final preparations

Today I finished kind of the final preparations for my trip to Champonix in France. The goal to climb Mont Blanc seems very far away as I checked some webcams on the mountain today. The line of snow dramaticly came down to about 2000 meter and the view on the Grand Couloir and the rock face between the Tete Rousse Refuge and the upper Gouter hut looks horrified. Nothing but snow on the rocks so in this condition there will be no way to get up by this route (or possibly any other route for me). Anyhow, I will keep faith and first will get to the Alps in a relaxed way and see what is coming during the next days. I will try to find an internet cafe in Chamonix so I can keep you update about the adventure.

Mont Blanc

Next week I will travel to the town of Chamonix in France to make an attemt to climb the highest mountain in Western Europe, the Mont Blanc.It is very hard to say that you are gonne climb Mont Blanc as many factors play a roll here such a the weather, condition on the glaciers, conditions on the rocky parts etcetera. I have been on the summit 3 times before but also I have not been on it twice. Anyhow, I will guide a small group of 4 friends who are somewhat experienced in high mountain tours but never been up to this altitude (4800 meter). Of course I will try to combine the climbing with some photography so I hope I can share my work with you in a couple of weeks. Wish me luck in this event and "I shall return" !!