Sump To Summit

Radislav and Jack gave Barney and me a lift to Visp, where we caught a bus up to Saas Fee — we’d hatched a plan.

After sorting our kit and stashing extra gear in the bus station lockers, we bought a one-way ticket up the ski lift. The mission? A childhood dream come true: dig a snow hole and sleep in it for the night.

We chose a ridge within sight of the piste — close enough for safety, and away from avalanche risk. After skiing over and scoping it out, we began to dig.

It took hours. We were at 3,300m, both feeling fit, but even so, it was relentless. After three solid hours of digging, we’d carved out a proper snow hole — with a beautifully sculpted ceiling. Shame we didn’t put as much effort into the floor…

Barney borrowed my PHD Svalbard jacket and Rab 900 Ascent sleeping bag. I was buzzing to test out my new PHD Denali jacket and Hispar 800K sleeping bag.

We cooked an expedition meal, then settled in for the night. Despite the -26°C temperatures outside, the inside of the snow hole was toasty. We slept surprisingly well — just waking now and then to clear the entrance, as spindrift kept blowing in.

A brilliant night. One I’ll never forget.