Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Jubiläumsgrat, BY, DE


We took the Alpspitzbahn and walked to the via feratta to the top of Alspitz





The crew before setting off on the Jubiläumsgrat










The section between Alpspitz and the emergency shelter has a fair amount of protection, but the section between Zugspitze and the emergency shelter has almost no protection whatsoever.






We reached this emergency shelter at sunset and spent the night. There were 17 people sleeping there total. This picture was taken the next morning.






All of the climbs and descents were grueling



The summit of Zugspitze


(not me)


We missed the last cable car down, so we had to spend the night in emergency storage at Münchner Haus (DAV €6)



This mountain pig has a drinking problem


At the Eibsee train station, over 2,000 meters below the summit of Zugspitze


Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Tour du Mont Blanc, IT, FR, CH


I started the Tour du Mont Blanc (clockwise) in Courmayeur, Italy. This photo was taken right infront of the tourist information center in Courmayeur.


The hike from Courmayeur to Rifigio Le Randonneur is very steep for about 1.5 hours.


Shortly after Rifigio Le Randonneur the trail flattens out for the first "balcony walk" with incredible views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif.





The view from Rifugio Elisabetta


Col de la Seigne



Les Chapieux, France. There is a large free camping area with water and bathrooms.



Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme. A climber broke his leg in the area and was evacuated by helicopter.








Refuge de Nant Borrant. I camped in the woods by the river only a 2 minute walk away.


Dômes de Miage



Bionassy Glacier






I camped directly next to the trail near a crescent rock. The Bionassy glacier is constantly moving and you can hear it all night.




First glimpses of the French side of the Mont Blanc Massif.





Ibex near Le Brévent, France.


The view from Refuge Lac Blanc.


Lac Blanc







Auberge la Boerne, France



Hotel de la Forclaz, Switzerland







Champex-Lac



Praz-de-Fort, Switzerland


La Fouly, Switzerland










Refuge on the way up to Grand Col Ferret, Switzerland



Grand Col Ferret, Switzerland




Refugio Elena, Italy














Back at the tourist center in Courmayeur, full circle.


Bonus: went back up to Refugio Bonatti to spend the night. This place was incredibly nice, so much so that it didn't quite fit with the surroundings. If you like luxury then this place is for you. For me it was a little too much.