On a winter hike we climbed the Diepen (2221 m above sea level). The starting and landing point was the Eggberge on the shores of the Sea of Fog.
Directions
The Eggberge near Flüelen (station name: Flüelen, Eggberge valley station) can be easily reached by public transport or privately by car. From Zurich, the journey by public transport takes around 1.25 hours, and around an hour from Lucerne. From there, a cable car runs every half hour (on the hour and half hour) to 1450 m above sea level and to the starting point of the tour. For a final refreshment, the two pubs right by the mountain station invite you to stop.
Ascent
The route follows the official, well-signposted hiking trail. The Diepen is never mentioned by name, but the Rophaien is. Follow the signpost in the direction of Rophaien and you will reach the Schön Chulm plain (approx. 2000 m) via the Gross Fläsch mountain lake (1802 m), the Chalberweid (1815 m) on the now ascending path. To the east you could climb up to the Hagelstock (2181 m), but we continue northwards. Up until this point the path was south-facing and very safe, but now it changes to the north flank and becomes steeper and more exposed. From here the path is classified as T4 (alpine hiking, marked white/blue/white) and has some very steep sections over grass and scree fields. We would advise against this hike in snow or old snow, and also if you are inexperienced in alpine hiking. At Lochberg the path returns to the ridge. To the west you reach the Äbneter Stöckli (2087 m) and then the Rophaien (2077 m), an alternative tour destination. To the east there is no official path, but there is a clearly visible path to the summit of the Diepen - done! Travel time from Eggberge around 3 hours. Alternative routes lead up from the Riemenstaldner valley.
Takeoff
The summit slope can also be used as a take-off point. The flank faces northwest, is small and in places very steep. The summit flank slopes down on all sides: anyone who takes off here must know what they are doing and be able to assess the wind and their own abilities. In thermal conditions, the wind can blow in from the south flank, leaving you in the lee. Please note: This is a take-off point for experienced pilots. There are certainly other suitable take-off points below the summit or on the way up, but as we have not tried them, we cannot recommend them.
Flight / Takeoff
First the work, now the pleasure: the flight to Flüelen, or in the case of high fog, as in our case, back to the Eggberge. A flight to the Riemenstalden valley would also be conceivable, but this would require careful preparation due to the countless cables. In spring and summer, a very strong valley wind can arise in the Reuss valley (Flüelen): a landing experience that we do not recommend. On the Eggberge there are extensive meadows near the mountain station for stress-free landing.
Weather / Airspace
As always, good weather and map studies are essential, as well as a plan B in case of adverse starting conditions. The DABS is of course also part of it. The flight area is in the LS-R39C, which is temporarily used for test flights of the PC27, Aufklärung gibt auch hier das DABS.
Conclusion
A tour for foggy days! Rather demanding and tricky in old snow and not recommended.
