There are 61 peaks of 4000 m or more in the European alps. Friend Hauke has climbed 58 of them over a 40 year period. I could not resist climbing one of them while in Zermatt for 4 days. The Breithorn is technically one of the easiest but still a great day out. What was very strange for me however was to start the ascent at around 3800 m from Klein Matterhorn - this point is higher than the highest peak in NZ, Aoraki or Mt Cook at 3724 m. I had forgotten the joy of crampons crunching through the ice and snow as you slowly but steadily make your way to the summit. A nice feeling of accomplishment to be on the summit but not so good once I got back down to Klein Matterhorn where the effect of the altitude kicked in. A great day out in the mountains. New crampons and boots are top of the list of purchases when I return to NZ.
 |
| The Breithorn (4124 m) - Zermatt |
 |
| Barry on summit of the Breithorn |
 |
| A different perspective of the Breithorn |
No comments:
Post a Comment