Mönch via Nollen
The Mönch is a peak that is probably visited all year round. In winter and spring the route via the Nollen is recommended. A challenging ascent on the north side of this famous 4000m peak - with the true north face feeling included. From the Guggihut, the route climbs up in steep terrain to the Nollen, a bulge of ice that stands out even when viewed from Kleine Scheidegg. With steep ice climbing equipment and crampons, we overcome this ice barrier and continue the climb to the summit of the Mönch. We have made it - happy and glad we stand on the summit and are able enjoy the view. For the descent, we choose the normal route over the south-east ridge and thus reach the Jungfraujoch railway station.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Very Sporty
- Experience Level: Expert
Private Tour
| 1 person | CHF 1790 |
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 700m | 200m | 2.5km | approx. 3 hours |
| 2 | 1350m | 700m | 4.5km | approx. 7-8 hours |
Day 1: Ascent to the Guggihütte 2791m
After taking the Eiger Express cableway to Eigergletscher Station we will hike leisurely down to the lateral moraine then cross into the valley beyond. After a short descent, we will branch off from the main valley along a rock shelf, via snow or screes to the base of the Mönch's NW spur. Now to ascend the broad spur on snow or névé to reach the Guggihütte 2791 m. Once there we can light a fire, make tea and enjoy the views – this is one of the coolest huts in the alps. In the evening we can study the route and prepare ourselves mentally for tomorrows tour.
Day 2: Mönch via the Nollen 4107m
An early start. We climb up from the Guggihütte via rocks and snow to the Mönchsplateau. Now the tour starts to become more serious – we're getting closer to the ice boss of the Nollen. This bulge of ice is usually tackled on the left, in 1 to 3 pitched rope lengths depending on snow cover. Above there is another glacier plateau followed by a bergschrund and final steep snow slope leading to the west ridge. Once there you will feel the sun's warmth for the first time – well this is a north face after all. The final steps to the summit are a real pleasure. After a short rest on top, we will descend via the south-east spur (the normal route) down to the Jungfraujoch where a nice coffee and croissant will be waiting.
| Season | December - May |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 11:00am Eigergletscher |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Overnight stay at the Guggi hut
- Summit Certificate
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
Backpack
- 25-30l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
- Thermal underwear
Footwear
- Crampon proof mountaineering boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Silk sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Helmet
- Descender
- 3-4 Locking Carabiner
- 120cm sling
- Ice screw (if you have)
- Microtraxion or Tibloc (if you have one)
- Ice axe for steep ice climbing
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.