Lyskamm traverse
A snowy ridge traverse above 4000m in an exceptional setting.
With Stéphane.
The Lyskamm, a majestic 4000er of the Valais, has two summits, east and west, both over 4400m. Climbing it as a traverse gives acclimatised mountaineers a sumptuous, dizzying flight through the sky, but requires good snow conditions.
The recent snow gives these glacial expanses a beautiful wintry look again and offers us good conditions to attempt this route. From the Mantova hut, we let ourselves be lulled step by step up the Lys glacier to the Lisjoch (4151m), where the beautiful ridge begins.
At last we cast off for several hours of traverse, taking in a breathtaking landscape.
Concentration is essential on this dizzying crest, where every bump opens up new perspectives receding towards the tormented vastness of the Swiss glaciers.
The wind reinforces the meditative character of the route and plunges us body and soul a little further into the present moment. Suddenly the crest dissolves into a vast glacial plateau. The traverse is over and we are back to the toil of the traditional descent that wears mountaineers out.
Well done, Stéphane!
Photo gallery...