The group of the fast hikers, the so-called “Gang of Four” joined up with our guide, Jim, to take a trip up to the Brittania Hut. We took all of the lifts we could well above tree line to begin the hike. We weaved among large boulders that had rolled down to the alpine tundra, passing cairns that were maybe eight feet high! The trail then began traversing alongside the lower parts of the mountains.

(above) Misty mountain trail hopping

Mist periodically rolled in, obstructing the views, and then dissapated as fast as it had come in. Parts of the trail were a little exposed, but nothing the group couldn’t handle; this was really quite easy hiking. Jim informed us that he’d seen Ibex on this trail maybe a third of the time. At one point, the thought suddenly struck me, “Why not take about 15 seconds and scan the area for Ibex. You’re always looking at the mountain scenery. Why not take a look at the wildlife?” So, I paused, and started scanning the area.

“Hmm, probably nothing interesting to look at in that talus field. It’s to difficult to maneuver in.”
Continue scanning to the left.
“Maybe there are some Ibex on this tundra slope. Looks like a good source of grass.”
Yes! There were some Ibex.

(above) Ibex (photos by Ruth Ann)

After spending a long time taking pictures of the Ibex, we continued on. The trail was still easy to follow, but had begun to ascend into a broad talus field. The fog had returned and we could see maybe only thirty feet or so. At the top of the talus field, the fog broke again revealing a large snowfield with the Britannia Hut perched high on top.

(above) 1) The Britannia Hut is revealed! See it? On the left side just outside the clouds. 2) Jeff and Jim hiking up the snowfield.

Being a four or five story hut, and appearing so far above us, it more resembled a miniature Hogwarts than a mountain hut. I pressed on ahead of the group, crossing a slushy part of the lower snowfield by tossing large rocks and forming a small stepping bridge. We then made large switchbacks until the final short and steep push to the hut. Inside, the group took a break for food and drink. I opted to just snack outside, hoping to catch a few glimpses of the scenery as the fog shifted and wrapped in numerous patterns. I found a high perch overlooking the hut and waited for some fifteen to twenty minutes. I got a little bit of rain…and only a few views. But, I did recognize one of the peaks in the distance as the peak that was sitting at the head of the sub valley where we had lunch a couple of days before in Zermatt. Obviously, the Matterhorn or Zermatt wasn’t far away at all. In fact, if there is a nice passage, a col or something, you might could get to Zermatt faster from the Britannia Hut than taking the civilized railroad. I could also see a very high hut, which had the look of an observatory, on one of the high cols in the same direction.

(above) Good views were brief.

(Above) Ruth Ann and Pat on the snowy part of the hike

(Above) This dummy has a wooden head, and a wooden heart, and wears a “Dupont Racing” cap.