Rinderhorn: From the Gemmipass

Amazing late-season ski touring, especially considering that the first Gemmi cable car is only at 8h30! The weather (rather low temperatures, wind and sometimes covered sky) was in our favor so that we were able to descend that cool NW-flanc in great conditions. We met no one else in winter mode (just many hikers).

There was still enough snow on the E-side of the Daubensee to ski to where the real ascend starts (close to P2342). From there up to ca. 3000m, the surface consisted of a rain crust, which was gradually covered by some fresh, wind-drifted snow towards the summit. We skinned the whole way up with ski crampons.

The descend at ca. 13h30 was amazing: Until then, the flanc received enough sun so that the crust melted a bit for a good edge hold. Further down the snow was already very soft, but not too deep either.

rather cold in the morning, never felt really warm with the wind pretty windy everywhere, somewhat less later some clouds passing by at high altitudes, sunny later