The Haute Route – Day 11, September 1
Zinal 1675m – Alpe Nava 2340m – Hotel Weisshorn 2337m – Cabane Bella Tola 2346m
A steep uphill at the beginning and the exposed path towards the Weisshorn Hotel. Wind and cold rain were blowing at the narrow path, and I was completely wet by the time I arrived at the Weisshorn Hotel for a lunch and dry break!
Our morning was cloudy and it announced the afternoon shower, so I hurried to ascend the steep uphill behind the village of Zinal. At the corner high up a young polish couple from London, who were also our Haute Route hiking mates, were having a break. After exchanging some jokes about their backpacks and our hard journey, we headed further up. They and another older couple from California were going over the col of Forcletta (2874m) under the heavily hanging sky. I was heading and overnighting at Cabane Bella Tola today and pass another northern col, Meidpass (2790m), tomorrow.
Soon the heavy cloud turned to rather strong rain with cold wind!
The path was very exposed and I could often see a very deep valley and small villages or houses at the very bottom!
I was very happy to see the Weisshorn Hotel ahead in the fog! Once I got there and took off all my wet clothes, settled for a hot risotto lunch : ) I stayed put comfortably for one hour to wait for rain to stop and my rain gear to dry.
After one hour and half, I arrived at Cabane Bella Tola with two American Haute Route hiking mates. My hiking partner was already there, arriving via bus and tele-cabin, staying dry and warm : )
Fly, Hike & Travel. 