Jungfrau

Jungfrau (4,158 m) – Spring ascent from Jungfraujoch on skis

After a long winter break, we finally returned to the high mountains. Our goal: the Jungfrau – summit number 54 on our journey to climb all 82 Alpine 4000ers.

We started from Jungfraujoch on skis and ascended to the Mönchsjoch Hut, where we spent the night. A special moment was seeing Finn, the hut dog, again – Tim has been playing with him regularly for the past two years.

The next morning we started early at 5 a.m., following the classic winter route. Conditions were excellent with a well-established track.

While ascending towards the Rottal Spur, Tim lost one ski crampon. Fortunately, the more technical part of the ascent was already behind us.

At the Rottal Saddle we left our skis. The bergschrund was in perfect condition and easy to cross. From there we followed a good track up the slope towards the summit ridge. The final 100 vertical meters were climbed in mixed terrain with frequent rock contact.

After about 3.5 hours we reached the summit of the Jungfrau – summit number 54.

For the descent, we chose to ski down the east face. Conditions were stable, but the terrain was impressive with crevasses and large seracs. The first crevasse required a quick crossing over a snow bridge, after which the descent was smooth.

We then climbed back up to Jungfraujoch. Total time was حوالي 5h15 – Tim fast as always, Tobias slightly slower :-)

To finish the day, we enjoyed a long ski descent on pistes almost down to Grindelwald.

54 down, 28 to go.

Key sections (summary)

• Winter ascent from Jungfraujoch with a good track
• Rottal Spur section (loss of ski crampon without consequence)
• Ski depot at Rottal Saddle
• Bergschrund easy to cross
• Final 100 m in mixed terrain
• Ski descent via east face with crevasses and seracs
• Initial snow bridge must be crossed quickly

Technical data and equipment

• Summit: Jungfrau – 4,158 m
• Start: Jungfraujoch
• Accommodation: Mönchsjoch Hut
• Difficulty: PD+ (depending on conditions)
• Character: ski mountaineering route with glacier travel and short mixed section
• Time: approx. 3.5 h ascent, 5h15 total
• Equipment:
  • Ski touring gear (skis, skins, crampons)
  • Crampons & ice axe
  • Rope & glacier equipment
  • Helmet