Kade Spears took a short break from work to climb with Mark in the Engadine. We spent a few days at the Albigna hut in the Bergell Alps, then finished with a very quick visit to Ponte Brolla, a rock climbing area near Locarno.

and.... Here's Kade!

Starting in the Zurich airport, we managed to get all the way up to the Albigna hut the same day. And even had time to do a short route, "Wassersinfonie", before dinner. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera on this route.

In any case, here's the Albigna hut with Punta Albigna behind.

For our first full day in the area we climbed the route "Moderne Zeiten" on Punta Albigna. This a a very fun route, some 18 pitches to the summit.

Mouse over the photo to see the route.

Kade, on about pitch 7.

Very fine views from the route.

Much of the climbing was in the shade, with only the upper pitches of the route getting much sun.

Another party coming across the summit traverse, an easy, but very exposed bit of ridge.

Back at the hut, toasting our climb.

We finished our climb quickly and had plenty of time to wander about, practicing a bit of photography.

Looking across Lago Albigna at Pizzo Frachiccio.

And back towards Punta Albigna.

The summit of Punta Albigna in the afternoon clouds.

For our next climb, we chose the South Ridge of Piz Balzet. Mouse over the picture to see the route

Hi above the Albigna dam.

Fun climbing along the ridge crest.

The key pitch near the summit.

Three rappels and a bit of downclimbing gets us back into the talus and easy walking.

The following day dawned rainy. We decided to cut our losses and head down to lower and warmer weather. We drove to Ponte Brolla near the town of Locarno. Though the weather was quite warm, and more suited to lounging by the beautiful river, we did manage a couple of good pitches on a route called "Quartz" before beer and dinner called.