I just got back from a weekend of hiking in the Gimmelwald/ Murren/ Lauterbrunnen area, and I have to say, it was incredible. On saturday we hiked to the top of Schilthorn via the back route, which was a very tough hike, but a great experience. So much fun in fact that Im already planning my next hike, which brings me to...

I just wanted to see if there was any interest in hiking Mt. Pilatus near Lucerne this weekend, probably on Sunday. It should be about a 4-5 hour hike up with an elevation gain of about 1650 meters. Its not going to be a casual stroll, but it will definitely be a great view from the top (as of now, the forecast is sunny).

I plan on getting to the top, and then based on time/ energy level, making the call as to whether to hike back down, or take the railway part, or all the way back down. I plan to start early so that there is no issue of making it in time for the last ride back down if necessary.

Hi,
How is the weather forcast for the week end?

The weather forecast for the weekend is fine, but the problem is that its supposed to snow today. They are calling for possibly as much as 25 cm of snow on the summit between today and tomorrow. I will be keeping an eye on the forecast as well as the summit webcam to monitor the conditions.

It won't be cold enough to snow in Lucerne, so the question is how high up we can get before running into problems. Either way, I will be doing some hiking on the mountain on Sunday. Whether I will be able to make it to the top has yet to be determined.

If you want to keep an eye on it yourself:
Forecast
Summit Webcam

Newbie (hiking) question ... is this a "proper" hike? I've got no hiking shoes, only normal trainers. I assume they're not good enough (as they don't offer any support).

This is definitely a proper hike. Im not an elite athlete, or anything close, but I would say that it is on the more dificult side because of the large elevation gain. The problem with trainers is that you are almost guaranteed to get wet feet, and then they get cold, and it chafes, so you get blisters... not fun. If this hike is anything like the one I did last weekend, doing it in shoes that don't offer any ankle support is just asking for a twisted/ sprained ankle. So in short, hiking boots are basically necessary.

Thanks! I believe I'm fit enough for proper hiking, I just need some proper gear. I'll get that sorted. Not in time for this weekend though

Sounds good. The scenery is so spectacular, and the trails are so well marked and maintained in Switzerland that I plan on trying to do some hiking every weekend until my priorities realign to skiing. It's just such an enjoyable way to see the country, and get some, or a lot of exercise as the case may be.

If there another hiking meeting coming up, let me know!

A couple of us just hiked the Pilatus Sunday, this time from the northern side. It's not a tricky hike at all, but fairly steep in certain places especially towards the top. I still prefer the Alpnachstad start route as the views are better on the way up once you've cleared the forest. I would question going up before you figure out the snow situation though, it has snowed down to about 1'000 meters, so check your webcams, because it may well be inadvisable to hike above 1'500 meters this weekend. Feel free to PM me if you'd like more details about the routes.

MFC, I am in if the weather holds up. Do let me know the plan. I think it will be nice if you can put it on Social Events.

I have done Rigi a few months ago and it was real fun. Shame that I can not find time for hiking as I am cycling most weekends (taking a break this weekend)

Cheers
Pankaj

PM sent. The plan right now is to meet in front of the cog railway station in Alpnachstad tomorrow at 9 am. I will also post this in the social events section.

If anyone else would like to come, please shoot me a PM with your phone number, so that we can contact each other if necessary. If you are coming, please note that you need the following: hiking boots, at least a liter of water, food/ snacks for the day.

I'm closing this Thread temporarily so that the OP doesn't get questions or replies in both places.

The other Thread is here.

Sometime later, if I remember, I'll re-open this one so that discussion about other similar hikes can be added.