By Kevin
The trip started with a warm up on the Tete de Coleney in the Grande Massif which gave superb views of Mt Blanc.Tete de ColoneyWe then headed over to the Wildstrubel which is situated in Switzerland north of the Rhone Valley and South West of Kandersteg where we spent several days ski touring from the Shwarenbach Hut which was reached by cable car and ski from Leukerbad. First day was a short trip up the Rote Totz. The snow was rather hard leading to some trying descents but made up for by fantastic 4 food2course meal at the hut. Second day the weather did not look promising but we headed for the Rinderhorn 3458m Rinderhornwhich was quite a long haul from the hut. The weather looked very poor but noise from the Swiss air force fighters above indicated that the weather was probably clearing so we pressed on to the summit. Due to the poor snow conditions we left skis at a col and completed the ascent with crampons and axes. It was good to reach the summit with my old alpine climbing partner Pete.Pete on the summit of the Rinderhorn The weather cleared right on cue giving superb views across to the Zermatt peaks. It was again a steep ski. Steep descent from the colAD/S4 down from the col and back to hut just in time for another 4 food1course gastronomic feast. Next day it was the Felshorn which was awkward due to a large rock face which necessitated a long traverse round and an ascent from the west.Nearing the summit of the FelshornOn the FelshornI gave up 50m from the summit after my crampons skated off sloping limestone slabs for the 3rd time.(No ropes). Next day was the best ski of the week which was to the Alte Gemmi. Snow conditions were much better on the north facing slopes with a good ski down to the Gemmi pass and back to Leukerbad. The trip was rounded off back in France with a spot of parapenting and piste skiing to brush up on technique. It was a good few days touring and although the peaks were not the best shape for touring, steep and craggy and snow conditions trying it was more than made up for by the superb accommodation very friendly hosts and absolutely first class food. I would recommend the Schwarenbach Swarenbach Hutto anyone contemplating a visit to this area and thanks to my alpine resident friends Les and Jane for the organisation.