A first foray into the Mischabel with the Allalinhorn

We start the day gently with the ascent of the Allalinhorn from Mittelallalin, probably a touch trickier than usual because of the many sections of bare ice.

Next, we follow the magnificent traverse to the Feechopf along a snow and mixed ridge, with a splendid view over the whole Monte Rosa massif. Clearly the highlight of the day, and a gamble that paid off to have done this route in wintry conditions and with so much fresh snow to clear along the way — always keeping as close to the crest as possible.

Once we're both on the Feechopf, Alexandre chooses to go back down to Saas-Fee, while I plan to carry on towards the Alphubel via its very aesthetic SE ridge (Eisnase). Fatigue and difficult conditions (no attempts in recent days after last Saturday's avalanche, wading through huge amounts of fresh snow, the late hour) will however make me give up 300 m below the summit.

It's only postponed — one evening I'll be up on the Alphubel to go dancing.