This year’s hotel meet was shared between the Hotel Rifflsee in Mandarfen and the Hotel Bellevue in Neustift. We had stayed in both hotels in 2008, and were looked after as well as we were previously, with welcoming hosts and delicious and plentiful food.

We started in the Pitztal, and after an initial day of torrential rain which caused a landslide lower down the valley, preventing five members from joining the meet until the following day, the weather was hot and sunny until the last afternoon. We were out every day on a variety of mountain walks and climbs both in the Pitztal and the neighbouring Kaunertal the upper reaches of which have been ruined by skiing detritus. Assisted by the underground funicular from Mittelberg various excursions were made including the ascent of the Wildspitze though the mild conditions were such that wading through near waist deep snow was the norm.

We were not so lucky with the weather in the Stubaital, with cloud on most days, but much less rain than in 2008. Despite this we were out in the hills every day, though the weather prevented the ascent of anAC/ABMSACy peaks higher than the Elferspitze and the Grosse Trögler.

A very enjoyable meet attended by 28 members and friends.

Alasdair & Pamela Andrews