On August 31, 2024, a small but fine group of Huttli met at our high alpine base to celebrate the founding of the AACZ. However, there was some melancholy from the start, as this was the last Stiftungsfest with Maria Anthamatten as hut warden. After 14 years in which she and her team have had a significant impact on the hut, her time as hut warden will also come to an end with the end of the season in mid-September.
While some went to the hut already on Friday and two chose the alpine approach via Nadelgrat, most set off for the hut on Saturday afternoon via the long approach from Saas Fee. Once at the hut, a great Apéro awaited us in the lounge of the old hut, to which we were invited by Maria. Many thanks at this point!
The fine delicacies were enjoyed to the full while our President and Maria gave entertaining speeches, so that this time the usual AACZ interruptions were absent, or were even expressly requested during the quiz conducted by Valerie. The Apéro was only briefly interrupted for the obligatory group photo. Georgia and Tim were still descending from the Nadelhorn at the time.
After the excellent hospitality from Maria and her team, most of us went to bed early. Best weather conditions were forecasted for Sunday and everyone wanted to make the most of it. Only Georgia and Tim slept in and enjoyed the morning on the terrace. After a bivouac and 4x4000m peaks on the Nadelgrat, they had definitely earned it.
Our two most industrious summit collectors on the Nadelgrat (Photos: T. Egner).
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After a typically restless night (no idea how many times the door of the old hut slammed shut and shook the building), most of us set off at around 4:30 in the direction of the Nadelhorn, Ulrichshorn and Balfrin traverse.
Unfortunately, every hut and summit experience, no matter how beautiful, only ends after the very long descent has been completed. On the bus to Visp, we met happy but tired Huttli who will have very fond memories of the last weekend in August 2024 and the last Stiftungsfest with Maria.
Many thanks to Maria and her team for the fantastic hospitality and the invitation to the Apéro. Thanks also go to the club for organizing this wonderful event every year.
(Text: Hans Wäsle)