Salewa Basecamp – the night in ice and snow

“I must have been stupid when I came up with the idea of spending a winter night in a tent at 2,300 m above sea level,” I think on the beautiful postbus ride through the snow-covered Swiss National Park in the direction of Merano. The fact is; the tent and I are not friends. My experience of camping holidays is based on school camps and open-air events. Every time it was a disaster (no sleep, no space, no rest – I’m clearly a bed guy).

Today it’s that time again. A tent awaits me – and not just any tent, but an expedition tent, as it is also used for Himalayan adventures. High above Merano, the Salewa Basecamp will take place for the second time. In addition to the irrepressible anticipation of the unique alpine nature experience, I also have a little bit of fear – will I grab it?

At the valley station of the Merano 2000 cable car, the guide will be waiting for us. Since it’s the last Bascamp night, we’re just a small group. All in all, we are seven daring adventurers who dare to spend a night in ice and snow.

The guide’s thorough eyes do not miss the fact that we do not wear hiking boots but “only” high winter shoes with a profile. Otherwise, we are thickly wrapped up in ski clothing – and at plus temperatures. He then tells us about the cool guys who came with jeans and flat Timberland-like shoes (shhhh I hope at this point that I will be braver.

Come on

After the welcome round, we start the adventure of the base camp. The Merano 2000 cable car takes us to the Piffinger Köpfl. We push our way through the crowds of skiers and hike leisurely for about an hour through the ski area to the valley station of the Mittager chairlift. The chairlift takes us high up to the Kleiner Mittager. Up here is our camp for the night. Half-height surrounded by snow, 14 bright yellow expedition tents stand in rows.

Mountain Happiness

But first of all, the phenomenal mountain panorama wants to be admired. Already on the hike we noticed the beautiful Dolomites. From up here we can enjoy an unobstructed view of the mountains with a spruce tea and watch the sun slowly disappear behind the mountain peaks. The sky changes its appearance every minute. Just for this peaceful evening atmosphere on the mountain, the trip was worth it.

Before dinner there are the last instructions for the use of the tent. Despite being equipped with a thick pad, faux fur and a fur winter sleeping bag with comfort level – 14 degrees (to be honest, that’s more “glamping” than base camp adventure), I’m not quite sure if I’ll survive the night in this little thing.

Hut magic

That’s why we first have to eat properly. In the cozy Mittager hut we are first served a triple soup and then there is Fondue Chinoise à discretion. One pot, eight people – the hut feeling is perfect. The hut meal is crowned with a pan of Kaiserschmarrn. In addition to the food, there is discussion, laughter and a proper learning of South Tyrolean. Since all the other guests are South Tyroleans, they cheerfully speak in dialect. We Swiss adapt to ;).

Sleep

At some point, the mountain air, the good food and the excitement of the camping adventure make themselves felt. It’s tent time. Armed with the headlamp, we tackle the path from the hut to the tent. Although, would not be necessary at all, because the path is beautifully lit with torches and even in the tent inside the light is still on for 5 minutes. Quickly get out of all your clothes and into your warm sleeping bag. The clothes are stuffed into the sides for isolation (survival tip no. 1 from the guide himself) and then darkness and silence reigns. It’s as quiet as a mouse, there’s not a breeze and I try to relax. Not so easy, because my head is filled with 10,000 tent horror scenarios (don’t ask…).

Morning has gold in its mouth

And then, suddenly, the alarm clock goes off. Even though my gut tells me that I’ve been tossing and turning for hours, studying whether to freeze my face or toes first and what to do when I need to go to the bathroom… I guess I actually fell asleep and nothing froze either.

Getting up is unexpectedly easy. At the hut above, the guide is already waiting for us. With a warm coffee in our hands, we sit together on the sun terrace and watch the world wake up. It was precisely because of this moment that I was so looking forward to this adventure!

Bergfrühstück

After the sun has found its way over the Dolomites, we enjoy an extraordinarily delicious mountain breakfast with everything that goes with it.

Back to the valley

After that, we have to say goodbye to the tent and the mountain. The valley is calling. Together we make our way back to Merano on foot. And no, I wasn’t stupid! This adventure was worth every minute in the tent!

Further information:

• The camp took place this season from December 27 to January 9 (dates for next season not yet known)
• Costs per person incl. meals and cable car 140 Euro
• Good clothing and footwear are mandatory

Note: Salewa Basecamp supported my stay – thank you very much for this. As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm here.