Page 19 - AMA Winter 2023/24

Thus, in late July, eleven adventurers from across the UK and the continent converged on the Saas valley. With a mix of enthusiasm and expertise, our climbing odyssey began. The initial days offered ample opportunity for some to revisit the fundamentals and for others to embark on their climbing journey. Our first day unfolded on a sun-kissed crag not far from the village, where we honed basic ropework and climbing techniques.
Day two brought rain, a welcome relief for Sean’s fair skin, but it also meant a day spent in a climbing gym in Visp. Sur- prisingly, this diversion offered valuable training in preparation for more demanding routes, a chance to savour a good brew, and healthy competition on the bouldering wall among seasoned climbers.
The Saas valley’s distinctive feature lies in its diverse climbing options spanning a considerable distance. This made it easy to adapt to changing weather conditions, thanks to the numerous accessible crags. As our journey progressed, so did our climbing skills. From the outset, there was a shared zeal for the mountains. This was precisely why I joined this adventure – a
mixed group, learning and evolving at their own pace but united by a common passion and a newly formed camaraderie.
After several days exploring various crags in the valley, it was time to tackle something grander. The highlight of our expedition was conquering the Dri Horlini ridge, perched above the Almagellerhütte. Reaching the hut alone required a day’s worth of uphill trekking, ascending 1000 metres from the valley floor. In a nod to comfort, we used a chairlift for part of the ascent. Upon arrival, we scoped out a few routes on the face, setting the stage for the following day’s climb. Two parallel routes were selected, each consisting of 8-9 pitches with rappelling points for the return journey.
For the majority of our group, multi-pitch climbing was an entirely new experience, a thrilling albeit slightly nerve-wrack- ing one. There was an undeniable sense of adventure as teams ascended the 2900-metre wall, clinging to anchors while admiring the imposing granite and glacial vistas that open up once on the face. After hours of belaying, climbing, resting, and repeating, the teams converged at the summit for the obligatory flag photo before a descent that stretched into the afternoon.
Returning to the hut, with a few weary bodies and sun-kissed necks, we revelled in the satisfaction of our achievement. Sharing the hut with alpinists on route to the Weissmies (4017m), we felt no envy. The Dri Horlini had proven to be the
perfect goal for our expedition – sufficiently exhilarating for the seasoned climbers and demanding enough to stretch the novices. We spent a second night on the mountain, descending to the chalets the following day after a morning of single-pitch climbing on the face.
The Royal Armoured Corps Mountain- eering Club (RACMC), like many others, aims to serve as a hub for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to connect, exchange experiences, acquire new skills, and organise group expeditions to various mountainous destinations. This summer ’s gathering checked all those boxes and more. Being part of this vibrant club was an incredibly enjoyable and exciting experience, which reverberated throughout our trip. With plans for future meet-ups and expeditions to Chamonix, the Cairngorms and Greenland, may this adventure continue to thrive!
On behalf of all those who participated, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Neil, the club’s president, and our expedition leader. His unwavering commitment and persistence in getting this trip off the ground did not go unnoticed. Finally, from all members
of the RACMC, I would like to thank the AMA for all their help in
getting this inaugural trip to be a success.
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 19