The Matterhorn with Adele Pennington — Women's Alpine Adventure Club

This week on Alpine Stories we have a very special journey from one of Britain’s top high altitude mountaineers.

Adele Pennington and her best friend Julie meet up every year for a sport climbing trip in Calpe and try to get together as much as possible to climb in the UK. On one particular trip before a big birthday Adele asked Julie what she would like to do to celebrate - Julie answered ‘Climb the Matterhorn!’. And so that’s what they did!

Adele talks us through the background to their trip including some of her and Julie’s mountaineering background. Adele was the first British woman to climb Ama Dablam in the winter and has a whole host of other amazing first ascents and expeditions. Adele and Julie have climbed in New Zealand together as well as in the Himalaya.

“First day..take it easy girls. Don’t stress, never stress”

And so we then hear about their two week trip last summer - travelling down through the UK and France in Adele’s little red van. Adele and Julie stop off at the Auguille Dibona on the La Berade side of the Ecrins National Park and feel very pleased with themselves for climbing two routes in a day!!

The need for good conditions and acclimatisation leads them to the Saas valley in Switzerland where they are very chuffed to find out that your lift pass is included with the campsite fee. Taking full advantage of this they head up to various peaks including a rather exciting via ferrata to the summit of the Jegihorn.

Despite heavy snowfall on the Matterhorn and having to rebook the (£115 per night!!) Hornli Hutte, they make it onto the mountain with good conditions and weather. Hear from Adele as she talks about the route, their descent and her top tips for climbing the Matterhorn.