My first Swiss 3,000 meter peak

In the States (mainly in Colorado) there are a large number of 4,000 meter peaks that are quite easy to hike. Far different in Switzerland, where all 4,000 meter peaks require mountaineering skills, and few 3,000 meter peaks have well defined hikeable trails. One of those easy peaks is the Pointe du Tsaté, reached from La Forclaz, a tiny hamlet above Evolene.

Yesterday (31st of July) I took the early bus (7:30) to La Forclaz and started the trek. It involves about 1,300 meters of elevation gain (about 4,500 feet for the metrically challenged) on steep trails with good to excellent footing.

The first part was through the upper chalets of La Forclaz, judging by the license plates all are rented out Then through some nice woods, and then alpine pastures. As you rise the views of the mountains keep improving, but I very much enjoy looking at the alpages, both across the valley and surrounding me on my side.

I soon had to cross an electric fence (no gate, had to step carefully over it) and was soon close to the cows. At this stage one can either take a steep path up the mountain, or use a road which makes a gigantic hairpin. I knew (from a previous visit to the ponds) that this section was not too steep, so I took the trail.

On reaching the road again I took the road for the second hairpin, as I remembered that section of trail as being unpleasantly steep. Soon I reached the first pond. Last year there was a herd of cows in residence, yesterday the only domestic animals were a single mother goat with one kid, probably forgotten when the herd was moved.

No domestic animals, but lots and lots of marmots. I heard them chattering, and saw several of them.

After a bit under 2.5 hours I reached the second pond, where I stopped for a snack and a rest. The guidebook described the acsent from the pond to the summit of steep, I had been warned.

It was very steep but with excellent footing with a well defined path even through the final rocky section.

Gorgeous views from the summit. I recognized many of the neighboring peaks, took guesses at others, and finally just admired the whole view. Peaks in all directions; the Valaisan alps from east to south to west, and the Bernes alps to the north. Quite a few clouds, but not enough to complain.

Finally reality struck, either I really hurried down and caught the 3:10 bus from La Forclaz, or I would be faced with the unappealing choice of either walking to Evolene (over an hour on top of a seven hour day) or waiting two hours for the next bus. I was obviously highly motivated, and got to the bus stop at 2:59.

I got off the bus at the first Evolene stop, opposite the CO-OP. This big hike certainly deserved a beer while cooling down before showering.