Easter Ski Tour - Day 1 (A Photo Diary)

Every year, over the Easter Weekend, our section of the Swiss Alpine Club (S.A.C.) heads out on a three day ski tour - this is a visual diary (along with some words) of our 2022 tour.

Taking a moment to regroup while crossing the frozen Iffigsee (Iffigen Lake).

Moving through the high mountains in winter - on ski’s and under your own steam - is a spiritual experience.

Well, for me at least.

Why?

It’s quite, the air is crisp and cold, you hear the sound of your skins as they glide over the snow before making full contact and you are able to propel yourself forward, taking in the view.

It’s just you and nature.

It also gives me time to contemplate life.

Spring conditions greeted us on Day 1 of our S.A.C. 2022 Easter Ski Tour. L-R: Making our way upward towards the Iffigsee; The snow is melting quite bit lower down; Stoke is high in the group, as it should be!

And then there’s the skiing down part, which is of course is the most fun (although I enjoy the up quite a bit too).

On the first day of our 2022 tour there would be no skiing down, however.

It is a day for gaining altitude for the next day’s objective of covering a lot of distance while summiting - and skiing from - a few of the highest mountains in the region.

Then of course, there is this: I’m a complete beginner.

Or used to be, not so long ago.

I’m not as much anymore, but as a South African who only learned to ski six years ago (in 2018/19) - on piste - it is safe to say I’m usually the least experienced in the group when we head out into the back country.

Although that’s changing as I regularly head out on ski tours in winter to gain more experience.

I can’t help myself, it’s so much fun!

L-R: Day 1 of our ski tour involved only heading up; The last stretch before reaching the Wildhorn Mountain Hut.

This makes doing ski tours with the Swiss Alpine Club a great way to learn from more experienced people, make new friends, and of course share the outdoor stoke of ski touring.

In 2022 we had some great conditions, and I somehow managed to capture a lot of it on camera.

Looking back down towards the valley where we came from.

I’m just terrible at sharing my images as soon as possible 🤷🏼‍♂️.

But not anymore (I tell myself).

So, join me on this three day ski tour journey through the mountains and over some of the peaks that surround our valley in a little corner of Switzerland ⛷️🇨🇭🏔️🫕.

The Wildhorn Mountain Hut serves as the perfect overnight stop before attempting bigger objectives higher up.

Have you ever done a ski tour / multi day ski tour?

Did you make some images - why not share them (don’t let them collect dust for as long as I did)!?

Simply hit reply and let me know / comment below.

PS - Next week I will be sharing the images and story from Day 2 - stay tuned!

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Until next time ✌🏽.

Cornelius

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Last week’s blog / newsletter:

Deconstructing "Deconstructing an Alpine Meadow" (A Behind the Scenes Look)

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