It’s fair to say lock down has effected us all. The most important lesson I learnt while serving in the Royal Marines is to adapt, improvise and overcome. My international travel plans and work had been cancelled for the year. I was fortunate to be stuck in Switzerland with it’s lax lock down rules. It was time to focus on the climbs and flights I had my eye on for years but had been too distracted before.
Eiger south face climb
I’ve spent quite a bit of time on the Eiger over the years. I’ve jumped from five different exit points, climbed the North face, Skied the west flank, but a few of the faces still eluded me. When I came across the huge route on the south face I knew I wanted to give it a go.
Motorhead, Grimselpass
Rated as one of the best multi-pitches in Europe the uber classic “Motorhead” has been on my list for years. Dave and I were a few days off the North face of the Dru. We were as current as could be on granite, so after a few days rest we drove to Grimselpass. The walk in is absolutely stunning. Walking past a hospice situated on top of a dam, comparable to a evil villain lair. The climb itself is sustained and protection is slightly spread out but nothing too daunting. Overall an incredible climb in an equally incredible location but maybe it didn’t fully live up to it’s hype.
Single pitch and slider down.
So many single pitch crags and small BASE jumps on the list. Melseefrutte provides plenty of single pitch limestone at mid grade. Easily accessible in an alpine setting, it’s a perfect easy day cragging venue. It also hosts a 30m viewing platform ideal for testing out your reaction times on a low BASE jump.
Wingsuit above Oesciensee
A rarely repeated jump, but one of the most scenic flights I’ve done. After a two hour hike you find yourself off the path and scrambling up scree slopes for another couple of hours. We had to dodge falling rock from the Ibex’s running around on the upper bands of cliffs. A large exit jumping out to the glacier, you can fly the wall before turning right over the grass slopes that top the cliffs rising from the lake.
Strahlhorn ski tour
Cable cars were closed but conditions were still good for spring skiing. Ewa and I made the ascent from the valley floor. Parking in Saas-Almagell and ascending 1200m past the snow line to bivi on the Allalin glacier. We met Oscar at the refuge before pitching our tents for the night. The route is a long slog with no difficulties but the last 500 metres of ascent pleasantly gave us the opportunity for some untracked powder skiing.
The list is never ending, but in the confines of controlled borders it’s nice to explore the local area. To stay local and hone in on those projects you never get round to doing.
