Sky pilot, from what I’d understood in my hiking days, was the “last” summit before mountaineering. Aka, still a hike, but if it was any harder you’d have to learn to climb. I’m glad I did it now that I climb, because 4th class would have felt crazy to me back when I just did easy hikes. 

I had this day to myself, accidentally scheduled without work for the day, and decided to take a leisurely start up the gondola when it opens at 9am. I set off along the road, noting that it is much more enjoyable to ski up this way than it is to hike, so I jogged most of the road to get it out of the way. 

The alpine was beautiful too, though I would note that I also like it more in the winter when it’s covered in glittery snow. I was expecting some steep snow to gain the ridge before Sky Pilot, but the steps were well marked out, and I didn’t even pull out my ice axe or crampons. The infamous pink slab was equally easy, though again would have been less so if I wasn’t so comfortable with roped climbing. I found the same thing with the summit scramble, though both were very enjoyable for me!