Another tour with ZSS (Zürcher Studenten Skitourenclub) - this time in a much smaller group (only four of us), probably due to the slightly more difficult route (roughly 1300 m of elevation gain) and very early start (6:30am departure from the HB! *gasp*) Whatever the reason, I prefer smaller groups anyway. Expectations were low - the snow line was at 2000 m for the few days prior. It also rained. I thought we would find ice, except for maybe a pocket of powder or two (I even picked up some ski crampons the day before, and carried my ice axe). Instead, we found relatively great conditions, perfect weather, and even some powder in the protected northeast bowl of Silbertälli! (see
map of the area) Low down the gloppy mush brought back memories of the Cascades... All in all, a fantastic day - thanks again to Guido and Patrick for organizing!
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| Roman, Guido, Patrick hurrying to beat the crowds to the saddle |
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| Swiss candy-wrapper |
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| I waited and waited to get the shot of him skiing from the top, but just took too long and my fingers were freezing |
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| Final few meters to Riedchopf |
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| Airy ridge walk from the saddle to the summit - we approached from the sunny side of the saddle in the background and skied into the shade |
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| On the other (false) summit |
