Trips & Activities

(3,256m) which, with tiring legs, was gruelling for everyone. Anticipating the summit attempt, a sleepless night in the hut followed for many.

Saturday 3rd September was summit day. With a classic ‘alpine start’ and a breakfast of bread and jam, we stepped out into the darkness ready for the climb! Following a rough rocky path towards the start of the Turtmann Glacier, we roped up and split into two teams, witnessing wonderful views of the Bishorn unfold. We weaved through the intricate maze of the lower crevasse fields, both teams moving steadily up the glacier. Breaking trail in the snow was getting harder and, with heavy legs, the view of the summit was a great feeling. We reached the shoulder and followed it up to a small col where the final steep slope led directly to the top. We left our walking poles and used ice axes for the short pitch to the summit, where we all congratulated each other. The mountain takes its name from the ‘Bise’, a cold wind that blows from the North East, which was certainly evident that day, so we took a very quick photo at the top. From the summit, we began a fast descent to the hut, skating down the snow, with a few crampons falling off on the way. We refuelled with a celebratory cheese and egg rösti before making a long descent back to the valley floor. At the hotel we bid an emotional farewell to our guides and enjoyed our final dinner, a chance to reflect on what was an incredible trip!

Jody Sumner