- This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 2 weeks ago by
.
-
Posts
-
KMC Alpine Meet Report: Saastal, Switzerland
Towering 4,000-metre peaks, sweeping glaciers, airy ridges and the unmistakable feeling of being in the heart of the Alps, it’s easy to see why the Saastal Valley captures the imagination of mountain lovers. For the second year running, KMC headed to this spectacular corner of Switzerland for our maybe now annual Alpine Meet, and once again it delivered unforgettable adventures.
From Saturday 20th to Sunday 28th June, five members travelled out to Saas. This year we swapped last year’s road trip and camping for flights and comfortable accommodation. While the beds were certainly appreciated after long days in the mountains, lugging a week’s worth of alpine gear through the airport was a reminder that creature comforts come at a price!
One of the valley’s greatest attractions is just how accessible these incredible mountains are. An extensive lift network reaches over 3,000 metres, putting world-class alpine terrain within easy reach. Whether you’re taking your first steps onto a glacier, looking to gain experience on F and PD/AD routes, or aiming for your first 4,000-metre summit, Saas offers an outstanding playground with objectives to suit a huge range of abilities.
Throughout the week, members climbed routes on the Jegihorn, Allalinhorn and Nadelhorn, making the most of generally good conditions. Early starts brought firm snow and enjoyable glacier travel before the day’s warmth softened conditions underfoot.
The high valley also provided a welcome escape from the recent heatwave lower down. Even so, the effects of recent warm summers on the glaciers were impossible to ignore, offering a sobering reminder of how rapidly these remarkable landscapes are changing.
As the week drew to a close, the weather had the final say, with afternoon storms becoming increasingly frequent and eventually bringing our climbing to an end. Fortunately, by then we’d already enjoyed several superb mountain days, unforgettable summits and plenty of laughs along the way. The photos from the week barely do justice to the scale of the scenery.
The Alpine Meet continues to be one of my highlights of the KMC calendar, offering a chance to experience bigger mountains, develop alpine skills and share incredible adventures with great company. Whether your goal is your first alpine summit or you’re looking to broaden your experience in glaciated terrain, Saas is a venue that keeps calling you back.
Following two brilliant years in Saas, we’re considering putting together an evening talk in October to share the highlights, lessons learned and plenty more photos from both trips. If there’s enough interest, it could also be the perfect opportunity to inspire another KMC adventure to the continent next summer. If you’d be interested in coming along, or even joining us for the next Alpine Meet, keep an eye on the club calendar, we’d love to see a bigger KMC team heading to the Alps in 2027.
Stu G, Jamie, Charlie, Steve D and Scott H
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.