A Test To The Top/a Night At The Cabane Tortin

I met Cherries, my guide extraordinaire, at Medran lift to start our day trek to the top of Montfort.  It was cold, crusty snow, overcast, but as you trundle up, you are sweaty and hot in no time. 

We had frequent stops to drink water and fuel. To keep energy levels high, you need to eat continuously. What a great hobby!

Fortunately, the weather improved and it turned out to be a very hot, sunny day. This meant that it became harder to ascend because of the slushy snow (hard work on the legs) and the increased risk of avalanches meant we needed to choose our route carefully.

Avalanche near bottom of Montfort which took out main piste. I ski down there all the time!

Inspite of the thinner air which makes your breathing more erratic as you climb up (must remember to always breathe through my nose or cough continuously later), it was not too bad. I felt out of breath but not tired.

Cherries

Finally, we are at the top at 10.4 thousand feet or 3300 plus meters.  And what a view! You really feel like you are on top of the Alps.

Montblanc

Matterhorn

A cup of tea later and it was time to take the lift down to then again ascend close to the top to go to the cabane Tortin. The top is too steep with high moguls to comfortably get down from and reach the cabane so decided to descend to ascend.  More exercise!

By the the time we got close to the refuge, I was beginning to feel it in my back. Heavy backpacks are a killer in these long treks, unfortunately. But, in an hour or so, we were there!

Happy to finally arrive.

Chilling out.

The cabane Tortin is typical of these Swiss mountaintop refuges.  Owned by Swiss alpine or ski clubs, they are basic, clean, provide meals, and dormitory type accommodations. 

This is one of the better ones but doesnt have any running water (bottles of purchased still bottled to wash) and has an outdoor toilet (sub zero).  It's much more pleasant than camping but it's not a hotel.  I slept with all my clothes on and a jacket.

We met a pleasant English family and had dinner, drinks, and conversation with them. They were very grateful I travel with my small leather case full of chilies in vials. The meal needed it!!

With Cherries having a beer.

Dinner at the refuge.

Sunset from the cabane.

Facing the walk to the freezing outdoor toilet with my head torch at night!

Early to bed! More exercise tomorrow!