Lauteraarhorn

Private Tour

Day 1: Approach to Aarbiwak 2733m

A hiking trail leads from the Grimsel Hospice along the shores of the Grimselsee. With a little up and down, we soon reach the ragged remains of the Unteraar glacier. A few short breaks are all we can afford, as the day is long. After passing beneath the Lauteraar hut, we turn left and join the Finsteraar glacier, with its many glacier tables. Before reaching the steeper, crevassed zone below the Finsteraarhorn’s impressive NE face, we turn left and join the Strahlegg glacier for a short time. Finally the hut comes into view on the right and we steer towards it: dinner awaits at the top of the moraine!

Day 2: Lauteraarhorn 4042m

We start out early over the Strahlegg glacier. After roughly 2.5 kilometres we turn north into a rocky gully. The gully soon opens up into a broad couloir and changes to snow. In crampons we continue up the steep snow towards a small saddle on the summit ridge. The final metres along the ridge to the summit are more relaxed, some enjoyable climbing leads to the highest point at 4042 m. To reach this remote peak takes a lot of work, but when you reach the top it feels totally worth it. For the descent we can follow a pronounced rib down to what’s known as the “Schraubengang”, a debris covered ledge which cuts diagonally down across the mountain to the SW ridge, which in turn is followed to the Strahleggpass. From there, a healthy dose of zigzagging takes us down to the Obers Ischmeer glacier, before a leisurely stroll leads along and shortly up to the Schreckhorn hut. After a large “panache”, common practice is to sink into a coma.

Day 3: Descent to Grindelwald

The day starts at a more civilized time today. A fine breakfast gives us new energy to tackle the descent to Grindelwald. With the first light of day we leave the cozy Schreckhornhütte and hike towards the valley on a blue and white marked hiking trail. Numerous small re-ascents bully our tired limbs.

Soon the vegetation grows thicker: a miniature alpine rain forest lines the path beyond Banisegg. Near Bäregg we meet sheep; in the restaurant there’s a slice of cake with your name on it. Though a short ride, the final descent via Pfingsteggbahn is much appreciated.

• Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
• His or her expenses
• 2 nights in bunk room with half-board
• Tea for the next day
• Summit Certificate

• Your expenses
• Snacks
• Rental equipment

Backpack

• 25-30l

Clothing

• Warm, functional clothing
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Mountaineering or hiking pants
• Sunhat
• Gloves
• Beanie or headband
• Extra underwear and socks

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)
• GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
• Earplugs (optional)
• Camera and binoculars (optional)

Technical Equipment

• Harness
• Crampons with anti-snow plates
• Ice axe
• Helmet