Pilatus

This was my first hike in Switzerland, with my planned route starting at Alpnach and heading up the backside of Pilatus to the summit. Needless to say, I did not prep adequately for it at all; I thought a light rainjacket and a sweater would be fine for what I thought would be some light rain. It started off fine enough, a nice leasurely stroll up through the hills, then the pastures.

Alpnachersee from abave Alpnach.

Cows and perhaps Windegg from near Ämsigen.

Once I got above the treeline, just past the Ämsigen train station at the midpoint, the weather became dramatically more severe; zero degree air, heavy rain, and lots and lots of wind.

Pilatus Kulm from Chilchsteine.

Matthorn from near Chilchsteine.

I made it to the summit, sat down, and shivered for a good half hour. I can highly recommend checking the forecast and bringing adequate gear when going on any hike (something I've done a pretty okay job of doing ever since).