Mönch West Ridge
The Mönch via the west ridge offers an attractive alternative to the normal route. The start can be reached very easily and quickly from the Jungfraujoch. Therefore, we can complete this tour in one day.
Tour Details
Private Tour
| 1 person | CHF 890 |
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 680m | 680m | 4km | approx. 6 hours |
Day 1: Ascent via the west ridge to the Mönch 4107m
After meeting at the Jungfraujoch we head down to the tunnel exit, where we mount crampons and rope up. We cross the glacier to the west ridge of the Mönch and climb a steep corner just beyond the first gendarme. Now we stand on the ridge and look at the steep north-west flank of the Mönch - an impressive view. We climb higher and higher along the west ridge over various rocky outcrops. The last section leads along a steep firngrat, which flattens out more and more the higher we get – until we’re finally standing on the summit of the Mönch 4107m. Since there is not much space on the summit, we will take a break later during our descent of the southeast ridge (direction of the Mönchsjoch hut). Once we join the main glacier we turn right and follow the pisted track back to the Jungfraujoch.
| Season | June - October |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 08:15am Coffeebar Jungfraujoch |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Summit Certificate
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
Backpack
- 20-25l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Windbreaker or GoreTex™ jacket
- Light windbreaker or GoreTex™ pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
- Beanie or headband
- 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
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Ice axe
- Helmet
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.