Torrenthorn
(walked in 2001)
The Daubenhorn and Gemmi Pass from the Rinderhütte
On another beautiful sunny and clear day we took the cable car from Leukerbad (1401m) to the Rinderhütte (2310m)- yet another spectacular ascent. From the Rinderhütte the full extent of the rock face comprising the Daubenhorn, Gemmiwand and the Plattenhorner becomes obvious.
The Balmhorn from above the Rinderhütte
The path from the cable car station climbs gently through alpine meadows to the Hotel Torrenthorn and then heads off up a grassy ridge climbing more steeply towards the Torrenthorn. At about 2750m the grass gives way to a steep scree ridge, the Rinderhalte, up which the path zigzags. This is perfectly safe, although coming down we had to take care at some of the bends. Once again the value of walking poles was apparent.
The path along the Rinderhalte looking towards the Torrenthorn
The scree slope soon levels out and there then follows a delightfully gentle rise to the summit, of which about half a kilometre was over a snowfield. Snow at relatively low altitudes was more obvious in 2001 than it had been in 2000. The Torrenthorn falls just short of the magic 3000m level at, according to the 1:25000 map, 2997.8m.
The summit of the Torrenthorn with the path crossing the snow
The summit cross overlooks a dramatic drop to the east into the Majinggletscher. From the summit you can clearly see to the east the Jungfrau, Blumlisalp, Breithorn and a whole series of glaciers and, to the south, the Valais Alps of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Dom.
The view looking east from the Torrenthorn summit towards the Jungfrau.
Looking back down the ridge of the Torrenthorn
After savouring the view during lunch we carefully descended the slopes to the Hotel Torrenthorn for refreshments, passing many of the archers who were taking part in the European Archery Contest being held that week in Leukerbad.