Here we are in the dog days of summer. I think back on our European travels last winter, and how special it was to ski tour to the Berghaus Sulzfluh and climb the peak. To break up our stream of summer gear reviews, I thought it might be fun to post a late night trip report.
Europe appeals to us with its deep mountain culture and tantalizing history of daring backcountry skiers. In the 1800’s poor mountaineers survived by smuggling coffee, tobacco, wine, corn, honey and loden over the Austrian/Swiss border along treacherous alpine routes, sometimes stopping by Berghaus Sulzfluh for rest and food. They would have had an easy time slipping through the cloudy grayness that greeted us on the morning of our climb.
In 2010 Lou climbed Sulzfluh in bluebird weather. This time we’d tour under overcast skies. But sometimes I like that. Misty mountains are mysterious and as we skied I could easily imagine the mountaineers of old skiing quietly past with their packs full of contraband.
Our trip to Sulzfluh was nicely organized, thanks to it being Dynafit’s annual press event. Three guides were available for various levels of adventure: freeride slayers, beginners and experienced-but-not-Hoji-extreme-skiers. We joined the not-Hoji group (but we do love Hoji).
WildSnow Girl, Lisa Dawson, is the luckiest girl in the world. Also known as Mrs. WildSnow.com, she tests whatever gear she wants. She gives the WildSnow family of websites the feminine voice.