Hi, I have a son aged 11 who loves to climb but can't belay me. My wife doesn't climb but enjoys easy hikes. I have many regular climbing partners, but I feel (or am made to feel ) guilty spending the whole weekend going out and enjoying with my friends.

If you are in a similar dilemma as me, here's what I propose: we take a multi-day climbing/hiking trip, for example Bergseehutte, Salbithutte etc. where we go with our families. Then some days we do single pitch climbs, other days the main adult climbers can maybe go separately for multi-pitch routes or technical hikes while the families rest or hike. From Bergsee hut, it is even possible to make an early start, do a multi-pitch route and come back by noon, so that the rest of the day can be spent with family. I expect the huts to open around mid-June.

Basic idea being not too hard-core but flexible as the weather/people etc. permit. you don't have to have a kid or even a family in order to enjoy an easy relaxed climbing trip.

I am looking for June to first week of July for this which is ideal as the peak crowding happens later; weekends, extended weekends and multi-day trips are all fine. Let me know if you are interested and if have any better ideas too

Last weekend we had an amazing outing at Sidelen-hutte (2708 m) and me climbing Chli Bielenhorn with a friend. Would have been perfect except that it was too cold for the boy.

This weekend plan to go to Almagellerhutte (2894m). The idea is to go on Saturday, overnight, and return Sunday. I might squeeze in a mountain climb with a Swiss mate Sunday morning, while others can relax and explore the region. Happy to have the company of slow-moving hikers who want a relaxed outing in beautiful alpine environs. Note that this hut is a hugely popular one, just that this time they opened 2 weeks earlier due to early summer, and they seem to have spaces this weekend.

I missed your post first time around. If you do another one can you let me know, we are pretty much in the same situation.

This is excellent idea!

Count me in for such outing in the future, though not this weekend.

It is always a challenge to balance family interests and climbing; this is how we figured out an itinerary that would keep everyone happy.

Sorry, won't be able to organise the next any time soon because the family goes back to India and won't return at least until 90 days later

Would have loved to meet up with more folks, especially kids, but I guess one shouldn't be greedy, it was fabulous as it is.

If someone wants tips on the places above feel free to ask. I was right in my judgement: most of the huts we stayed were practically empty despite perfect weather; will be hard to get that in the coming days.

Nice summer,
N