Mäderlicke, 2887m; from Rosswald - to Bortellhütten - to Mäderlicke - to Simplonpass (Tour 3/4)

Mäderlicke, 2887m; from Rosswald - to Bortellhütten - to Mäderlicke - to Simplonpass (Tour 3/4)
 
Day 3: It was very relaxing that we were staying the previous night in a hotel. Then today we will start the "royal stage". The tour will take us about 10-11 hours! From Rosswald to Bortellhütten, over the Mäderlicke (a very steep and trackless uphill trek) to the Simplonpass. Great, everybody has been looking forward to this.
 
We started with foggy and cold weather. The first part to the Bortellhütten was a high route, sometimes very narrow and only for hikers free from giddiness (Schwindelfrei). We made the first stop in the Bortellhütten, but sadly it wouldn’t open for another two days - on 02. July.
 
After this stop, the weather got much better very quickly and the following part up to Wintrigmatte was like the first part. We crossed big streams (covered with snow slab) and the path followed the big hills. It was a seemingly endless walk along the valleys.
 
The next lunch-stop was announced. Then from here we had to hike on up to the top of the pass Mäderlicke! THE part of the "royal stage" could start! First we followed good paths, but soon we had to cross soft snow-fields and there was no path anymore. Straight ahead we followed the slope line, hiked up over boulders and rocks and used up a large part of our remaining energy and strength..
 
We achieved the pass. Now we enjoyed the amazing view to all 4 cardinal points. That moment was for all of us unbelievable.
 
Now, it was easy to hike down over the slippery rocks, across the glacier streams, over wooden bridges and follow the path down to the Hospiz on the Simplonpass. Tired and happy we reached the hotel Monte Leone. We got wonderful food, big portions and after that we slid into bed.
 
For the other 3 tours look at: "Eggishorn"; "Saflischpass" & "Bistinepass"