Originally Posted by
generaltsteal
Thanks for the info! I think im going to give it a go, I do wonder if there will be other people doing the trail from the very start. I would rather be around others than by myself in an unfamiliar place....
You will be alone on the lower bit. Most arrive by road at the 5th station and it's busy from there on. It thins out in the afternoon (meaning that you can walk quietly but there's going to be someone in line of sight).
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I wouldn't recommend climbing it during the off-season. Not only are huts closed but there won't be any rescue teams on standby. If s*** hits the fans, you will be on your own for some time (particularly if the weather is bad). That isn't so much of a problem for professional climbers. Climbing mountains only occasionally, I wouldn't dare myself to do it without rescue being but a mere phone call away.