Zermatt to Schwarzsee 

(walked in 2001)

Our last day and unfortunately the worst as far as the weather was concerned. We set off in light drizzle up the valley route through Zmutt and then on to Staffelalp along lanes built by to serve the works of the hydroelectric power station. The weather cleared somewhat by Staffelalp and we could see the mountains around the Zmuttgletscher and even the north face of the Matterhorn.  

The path from Zermatt to Zmutt

A common sight is the mountain barn built on stones to stop rodents getting inside.

The hamlet of Zmutt

The gorge above Zmutt

Looking back down the valley to Zmutt

After tea at the Hotel Staffelalp (served by a rather lonely five year old girl who clearly relished our presence) we started climbing up the slope to the Schwarzsee. The clouds rose and fell and we met a group of Dutch walkers who weren’t too sure where they were. We’d also had uncharacteristic problems with route finding as well on this walk, the signposting not being as explicit as usual.

The Matterhorn from  Staffelalp

The Zmuttgletscher

As can be seen the climb to the Schwarzsee was in less than ideal conditions,

 On reaching the cable car station and restaurant at Schwarzsee the mist really closed in. Sadly this meant we missed out on the view of the ridge up the Matterhorn via the Hornlihutte.  

The Arbengletscher from Schwarsee.

As it was becoming increasingly chilly we descended into the valley using the cable car to Furi and then wandered downhill into Zermatt along the lanes.

The gorge at Furi

I couldn't resist using this image from the next morning of the Matterhorn from our hotel room,