Last Tuesday (1st August) was Swiss National Day. In Saas Grund, the traditional procession wasn’t due to start until 4pm, so I hoped to be back from my walk in time to watch it go by. I’d planned to go over the Ofental Pass into Italy, then along a (quite precipitous) ridge and return down the Furggtall valley. However, when I got off the Postbus at Mattmark, the wind was blowing a gale (which isn’t good if you plan to be exposed on a ridge) and I could see the distant mountains were engulfed in clouds. (See pics 1 and 2 for the contrast in weather). So, a re-think was required, and a quick scan of the map revealed a nice walk, with a 671m / 2,200 ft climb, to the Schwartzbergchopf.
On the way, the signposts also said it was the way to the Britannia Hut. But, to get there, I knew that you had to cross a glacier (or two in fact) but I didn’t think I was equipped to take on that challenge. At least that was until I saw several other groups coming the other way (including a family with 2 young children) without ropes or crampons or a guide… After catching up with a group just above the glacier, a very nice lady explained that it was perfectly safe to cross as long as you followed the blue posts which had been placed at around 30m/yard intervals. She even pointed out a group of walkers who were already crossing, (see pic 10).
Now, regular readers will know that I have already been across a glacier (twice) with my mate Pete. (Indeed I’ve walked up the Aletsch glacier – but that was with crampons and a guide!) But this seemed different somehow… Anyway, my concerns were unfounded, as there were no gaping chasms (aka crevasses) for me to fall into and there was quite a re-assuring crunch underfoot as I stepped across. To my surprise, (and relief after our experiences last year), despite there being some meltwater running down the glacier, it was not slippery at all.
From the Britannia Hut there was a third glacier to cross (also waymarked) before I took the path to Plattjen, where I caught the gondola lift back down to Saas Fee and, from there, walked to Saas Grund, just in time to catch the procession. 😊
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
Fabulous Mkey, great pics! So, when are you going to learn how to play one of those big trumpet things??? 🙂 Hope you are doing well…cheers mate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers Jamesie. I think they are quite tricky to play (a bit like a trumpet) and I’m not musical at all I’m afraid! I’ve not been running (due to the holiday and hot weather) but I’m very well thanks. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a fantastic walk! And the procession looks fun too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly was exciting (and totally unexpected when I set off!) We think the Evolène procession is much better – and that will be in about a week for the midsummer festival (and will include the mountain folk which happens every 2 years). 🙂
LikeLike
What fun! Looks so festive and ful of life. Love the views from the top!
LikeLike
Yes, it was quite an exciting (and unexpected) walk. I hope to bring you some more festive photos in the coming days as we have a ‘Mountain folk’ festival in our village this weekend, which ends with a Midsummer procession on the 15th. 🙂
LikeLike
So many festivities, how fun 🙂 What’s theMountain folk festival?
LikeLike
It’s a getting together of mountain people from various countries. It happens in our village every 2 years. This year it includes Bolivia, Uganda, Poland, Spain and Russia plus our own group of course. There’s traditional costumes, dancing and music. But every year there is a Midsummer festival with a procession (a little bit like the one in Saas Grund). I hope to post some pictures. E.g. today I watched and photographed an ad hoc performance by the Bolivian group. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
How neat is that:)! Oh boy that definitely sounds worth going to. Love how everyone come together for a fun celebration. That’s cool you got to photography that performance:) I’m sure that made your day!
LikeLike
Yes, it was a good day. But I have another post imminent which might beat even that one… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beat this one? I might have to check that post out:)
LikeLike
Please do. I think the procession is much more intimate and colourful, but I’ll let you decide… https://alittlebitoutoffocus.com/2017/08/16/cime-and-midsummer-festivals/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool! Thanks for sharing the links
LikeLike
You’re welcome. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
More information here (though it’s in French): http://www.cime-evolene.ch/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Monte Moro Pass | Alittlebitoutoffocus