Capanna Regina Margherita (4554m) on July 31, 2017—the highest building and mountain hut in Europe. Photo by Aki Kärkkäinen.
On July 30-31, 2017 I had the opportunity to join a guided glacier trekking tour to Punta Gnifetti (Signalkuppe, 4554m). After spending the night at Rifugio Mantova (3498m), our group started the trek on the Lys Glacier early in the morning on July 31, arriving at the top about four hours later.
On the summit sits the Capanna Regina Margherita, the highest mountain hut in Europe. I’m so grateful to have been able to do this. Mountains—and nature—are so awesome and great for body, mind and soul!
View from Capanna Regina Margherita and Punta Gnifetti (Signalkuppe, 4554m) on July 31, 2017—the sixth highest Alpine summit, according to the official UIAA list of the 82 Alpine summits higher than 4000 metres. Photo by Aki Kärkkäinen.
Beautiful morning on the Lys Glacier, on July 31, 2017. Photo by Aki Kärkkäinen.
Going up on the Lys Glacier—next to some impressive crevasses—on July 31, 2017. Photo by Aki Kärkkäinen.
Coming down from Punta Gnifetti (Signalkuppe) on the Lys Glacier, with lots of deep crevasses along the way. Photo by Aki Kärkkäinen.
Punta Gnifetti (Signalkuppe) is my second four-thousander, after Punta Giordani (4046m). Thanks Hervé Jaccond from The Gressoney Alpine Guide Society for guiding us!