For some members of the RVU and some of the leaders, the peaks around Kandersteg offered a substantial challenge and potential for dreaming. During the summer camp of 2000 and with the help of Geoff Preston and Derek Tungatt, the County Mountaineering Advisors, the RVU decided to take up the challenge of a big peak. With this in mind many grand plans were made. There was talk of the Bluemlisalphorn (3663m) and then of the Balmhorn (3699m). However the weather was the controlling factor and these peaks would have to be put on hold until another day. Instead it was decided that we should climb the Rinderhorn, a neighbour of the heighest mountain around Kandersteg, the Balmhorn. At 3453m (11222ft), the Rinderhorn is only 600m shy of the infamous Eiger. For mountains of this size, good weather and an early start are essential.

ABOVE: Early start.
FAR LEFT: View of Chli Rinderhorn on left and the path up the scree to meet the ridge.
LEFT: The Chli Rinderhorn at first light.

At 4am when we woke Ross told us that the weather was fine and that the plan was on. By the time we had finished breakfast there was a thick fog outside. Unfazed we decided to start out anyway and if the weather didn't improve we would be forced to turn back. Luckily the fog cleared as we embarked on the monotonus scree path up to the ridge. Geoff informed us that he may hold us up and was convinced that he would have to turn back to avoid him preventing us reaching the summit. Things turned out a little differently as Geoff lead a blistering pace up the scree. Once we reached the ridge the weather was fine. There were clouds below us in the valley but the Rinderhorn was perfectly clear.

LEFT: Geoff "I may hold you up lads" Preston leading the way.