July 16, 2012
Climbing South Face of Rifflehorn, with The Klein in background (photo: Matt Farmer)
Day one (Sunday, July 15)Â on the Matterhorn trip was “terrific”, according to IMG guide Matt Farmer.
He sent us a photo of guide Liz Smart leading Wes C. up the South Face of the Rifflehorn. The Klein (Little) Matterhorn is in the background.
Today the team will do a short Via Ferrata (rock route with fixed protection and climbing aids) and then in the afternoon make the easy approach to the Berghotel Fluealp where they will spend the evening. The plan is to climb the Rimpfischhorn (not on the normal itinerary) and then descend back to town for the evening. Right now the plan is to stay at the Val d’Ayas hut on the Italian border on the 18th (back on the regular itinerary again) but they’ll stay flexible according to the weather and the groups’ interests.
Farmer says the Matterhorn is very snowy right now and they’ll need some good melting during the next four days if the team is to have a good shot at making the climb. Right now the forecast is for sunny weather so that is good!
George Dunn