The Rimpfischorn in the Valais Alps.
The Rimpfischhorn is narrowly beaten into third place by Dom (4545 m) and Alphubel (4206 m). However, the physical challenge and the exposed summit ascent make it the most worthwhile destination in the Mischabel group for ambitious ski tourers. It is usually climbed on the south-west ridge; the north ridge is more popular in summer due to its more difficult climbing and permanent exposure, and usually only on the descent towards the Gendarm and Allalin Pass. In winter, either the Britannia hut on the Saas Valley side or the Täsch hut or Flue (Hotel Fluhalp) on the Zermatt side are used as a base.
In anticipation of a long, spring-like descent back into the Mattertal, the choice falls on the ascent from Täsch (1435 m) with an overnight stay at the Täsch hut (2701 m). After a climbing stopover in the Basler Jura, we spend the night near Täsch in view of the Breithorn. The night-time temperatures in the Mattertal are close to zero, but in the morning we are horrified to realise that there is no more snow far and wide. Was it perhaps the wrong decision to go to Valais after all, as it was nowhere near as snowy a winter here as elsewhere?
After a short search in beautiful Täsch, we find the road towards Täschalp (2220 m) hidden between the old stilt houses, which is accessible by car in summer. Fortunately, the road is not closed and is accessible as far as the Eggenstadel (approx. 1900 m), just before the first snow starts to fall. After a hearty breakfast with a view of the Matterhorn, we set off from there to the Täschalp. The spring-like temperatures make our foreheads bead with sweat and, to our dismay, we realise that the May sun has already wiped out all the sun-exposed ascent options. So the first 150 metres of ascent are quite arduous until we finally reach the narrow Täschbach valley after a lot of strapping and unstrapping and find plenty of snow again. Here, however, huge avalanche cones now stand in our way, which in the last few days have come down from the north side of the Sattelspitz (3162 m) as wet snow avalanches into the stream bed. This is a quick reminder of the dangers of a spring high tours, which are easily forgotten in the sunshine and warm temperatures. However, with an anxious look upwards, we can leave this obstacle behind us.
Summit ridge of the Rimpfischhorn
From the last bend, you can already see the striking summit ridge of the Rimpfischhorn in the distance and the Täschhütte within reach. We take it easy and the idea of a break at the deserted huts of the Täschalp is quickly put into practice. We make ourselves comfortable on the terrace of the Europaweghütte in Täschalp, but quickly realise that it's far too warm in our ski gear and seek to cool off in the snow. The rest of the way to the hut is still passable without difficulty, but we arrive at the hut in the early afternoon and enjoy the view with a few games of backgammon and sunshine on the terrace.
The hut, which was built in 1945, was extended in 2007/2008 to provide a total of 78 beds and offers a high level of "luxury" (there are even supposed to be showers!). The atmosphere was relaxed, also because with around 40 tourers for the long weekend and the best mountain weather, there was far less going on than expected. The hut crew also made a very relaxed and friendly impression, which is why it is definitely worth planning further tours from the Täschhütte; but preferably in winter rather than in summer, as with the possibility of travelling almost as far as the hut by car, there are certainly more visitors to the hut.
