Ober Gabelhorn
Climbing Expedition Report
Ober
Gabelhorn
Introduction: A Midnight Departure
The clock struck 3:00 AM on a Friday night, and the alarm blared. I was relieved to have managed a couple of hours of sleep. Unfortunately, sleep had eluded me the entire night. I rolled out of bed and headed to breakfast. There, Dennis mentioned that he had also slept poorly, while Wilco had slept like a log. Breakfast was hardly appetizing at that early hour, especially after a restless night, but we forced ourselves to eat before setting off on our adventure.
Conquering Trift Glacier and the Wellenkuppe
Our journey commenced on the Trift Glacier, beginning with a relatively flat terrain that gradually steepened as we approached the rocky slopes leading to the 3,903-meter summit of Wellenkuppe. Conquering this peak was a prerequisite before we could proceed to Obergabelhorn. The terrain consisted of loose rocks and scree, making it a challenging climb as we constantly had to be cautious not to dislodge stones, both from above and below. After a while, the quality of the rocks improved, and we reached the snow. We quickly donned our crampons and ascended the Wellenkuppe, maintaining a brisk pace. Without stopping, we descended towards the col between the two peaks, preparing to ascend the Obergabelhorn.
The Ascent to Obergabelhorn: A Test of Skill and Endurance
The Obergabelhorn ascent began with a broad and then a narrow snow ridge leading to the ‘Kluckerturm’ gendarme. At this point, we encountered fixed ropes to aid us in our further ascent beyond the gendarme. Pulling oneself up the ropes in the thin air was no easy feat. After the ropes, we were once again on a steep and narrow snow ridge, followed by a rocky section just before the summit. Four hours of climbing, and we were standing on the summit, marking the third 4,000-meter peak of the week for Dennis and me, and the fourth for Wilco. We captured the moment with summit photos and enjoyed a quick meal before making our descent.
Descending to the Col and Relishing the Scenery
The descent to the col was swift, followed by an ascent of about eighty meters towards the summit of Wellenkuppe before another descent. Just before we tackled the rocky section, we took a break, savoring the breathtaking surroundings. Perhaps, we also took this pause knowing that we would have to navigate the rocky terrain again on our descent. After a bit of downclimbing, abseiling, and a touch of rock scrambling, we were back on the glacier. When we all reached the glacier floor, we descended the final stretch towards the hut. Our pace was so high that it felt more like running than walking, but it ensured a speedy return to the hut. The round trip had taken us eight and a half hours – not a bad time for such a demanding ascent. The Obergabelhorn offered a complete alpine experience, from glacier traversing to rock climbing and even fixed ropes. Another unforgettable day with the guys.
Back at the Rothornhütte: A Well-Deserved Rest
Following our triumphant Obergabelhorn climb, we returned early to the Rothornhütte, a welcome respite as we’d had only a few hours of sleep the night before. Dennis and Wilco took a moment to lie down, and I managed to secure a reclining chair on the terrace in the sun. A refreshing beer and the extraordinary sight of a Bearded Volture soaring quite close to the hut made for an unforgettable experience. I dozed off briefly, only to be awakened by the delightful sound of a beer can being opened. Wilco had joined me on the terrace, marking the end of my nap. Shortly after, Dennis emerged from the shelter, and we all shared lively conversation over another round of beers. After dinner, I decided not to wait for dessert and instead opted for a good night’s rest.
Summit Success
and Camaraderie
The Obergabelhorn adventure was a testament to our teamwork, tenacity, and resilience. Despite the challenges, we reached new heights and celebrated another successful ascent in the Swiss Alps. These shared experiences strengthen our bonds and affirm the importance of conquering life’s mountains together. As the sun set over the Rothornhütte, we looked back on an incredible day in the mountains, grateful for the camaraderie and the chance to explore nature’s wonders.
Ober Gabelhorn
Detail
The Ober Gabelhorn, standing tall at 4,063 meters, is a challenging mountain known for its striking beauty and demanding ascents in the Pennine Alps of Switzerland.
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