Following hot on the heels of Michele and Craig's Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Traverse, the duo joined Mark for 5 days of climbing in the Zermatt area. With some of Michele's extended family also visiting in Zermatt, we were occasionally accompanied by various nieces, nephews and brothers.

With the goal of spending the nights back in the Zermatt rental apartment, our objectives were only a day in length. So it was up every morning, breakfast in, out on the mountain, return to civilization with a beverage of your choice, dinner in town, and to bed again.

Our first climb was on the Riffelhorn, a rocky tower near the Gornergrat. We climbed a route called Kante, some 5 or 6 pitches.

Michele enjoys one of the more comfortable belay ledges.

The setting for the Riffelhorn routes is stunning, with the Breithorn almost at arm's reach. Another team on Egg, which we climbed with nephew Anders, some 2 days later.

Craig on Kante.

And the summit....

On the hike down, we take in the view of the Matterhorn from the Riffelsee.

On our second day we drove over the the Saas Valley and climbed on the Jegihorn, another fine rocky summit. The peaks behind are the Fletchhorn on the left and the Lagginhorn on the right.

The south face of the Jegihorn. The route we climbed, Alpendurst, more or less climbs up the middle of the face. Mouse over to see the line.

The sign at the bottom. To avoid any possible confusion.

All set to go.

Even though the climb is quite long, some 15 pitches, perhaps, it goes quickly as many are short and the 100% bolt protection makes for speedy climbing.

The summit of the Jegihorn. This is a popular peak, with several good rock routes, and an excellent via feratta as well.

The Jegihorn summit photo.

On day 3, we were back on the Riffelhorn. We climbed Egg, and were joined by Anders, Michele's nephew.

On the approach, high above the Gorner Glacier.

Anders, making the move.

Anders on rappel.

Day four was the Breithorn Half Traverse.

The Half Traverse is a route Craig and Michele did way back in 2005! They enjoyed it so much that they simply had to go back and see if it was as good the second time round.

On the initial icy approach slope. It is beginning to lose it covering of snow.

We begin the rock section.

Crossing the couloir. A reasonably good track but quite steep.

Fantastic climbing along the upper ridge.

Almost finished now. So, was it as good, some 13 years later? That is indeed a question....

An easy day for our last. The Gorner Gorge. From left to right, we have, Noelle (Michele's niece), Craig, Michele, and Michele's brother Chris.

Noelle quickly becomes a via feratta expert.

...walking the plank...

All too quickly, it is over. But it is still a lovely walk back to Zermatt.

Thanks, all.