The first ice of the season

M O O N W A L K

Yesterday one of my long term dream has been realised. The first ascent of a really long, alpine icefall was one my list of wishes since longer. That I could find this line right in front of my door makes it even more exceptional. Actually why go to Canada, Norway or Chamonix - the adventure is around the corner as well!
Somewhere at the ridge area between Hohe Warte (2943m) und Sagwand (3227m) at the Zillertal alps there is a little runnel starting to head down the whole north face to the Alterer valley. Once in the moon, when the conditions are allowing it, this runnel freezes and transform into a 900 meter long pure iceline whithout to much snow. This moment is the right moment for an ascent and for it has to be waited patiently. Since last November Benni and I was watching the conditions at the line for more than one time. We had to wait for a bit more than one year to find the right moment, not very long for such a line. At December 3rd 2009 we started in moon light to climb our project. After 8 hours of constant climbing and after 14 hours in total we returned back safe to the base and skied out the Valsertal again on Moonlight.

Topographic facts: Topo Moonwalk    Google earth: Marker