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174-175

 

Wyssi Frau 3650m

 

E von Fellenberg and A Roth with J Bischoff, K Blatter and

C Lauener, 2 July 1862

The central peak of the Bliiemlisalp, it has some fine short routes. It

is usually climbed in combination with the Morgenhorn and/or the

Blitemlisalphorn.

 

276   NORTH-WEST RIDGE

AD    First ascent party

The route is considerably easier than the grade given ifthe ridge is

entirely cramponable snow. However it is frequently icy, even early in the

season.

From the Bliiemlisalp hut climb the E branch of the Bhiemlisalp

glacier to the snowy saddle S of Ufen Stock. Now climb the rocks at

the foot of the ridge and then follow the steep snow/ice crest to the

summit. There are belay stakes in place on the upper part of the

ridge. 2.5 -3.5 hr

 

277   NORTH FACE

D+    First ascent party not known

Although somewhat shorter, it is more difficult than the Blilemlisalphorn

N face on account of its steepness and regular angle (55o). It is a plain

snow/ice slope about 300m high.

From the Blitemlisalp hut climb the E branch of the Blitemlisalp

glacier to the foot of the steepest part of the face, directly below the

summit. Cross a bergschrund where practicable, then take as direct

a line as possible to the summit. 3-4hr

 

278   EAST-NORTH-EAST RIDGE

AD    E Cardinaux and G Moilliet, 6 Aug 1898

The climb is started from the summit of theMorgenhorn. It is entirely on

snow, except in very dry summers, narrow in places and is often corniced.

From the summit of the Morgenhorn follow the ridge on or near the

crest all the way to the summit of the Wyssi Frau. 1-2hr

 

Morgenhorn 3627m

 

H Baedecker with J Bischoff and U Lauener, 14 Aug 1869

The E summit of the Blitemlisalp, possessing a magnificent N face.

It is most frequently climbed by its NW ridge and combined with a

traverse of the Wyssi Frau and Bltiemlisalphorn. It is the only peak

of the three which is worth climbing from the S side.

 

 

279   NORTH-WEST RIDGE

PD    First ascent party

94    A much frequented climb but of no great interest. It is useful as a means

of descent or as a start to the traverse of the Blitemlisalp.

From the Bltiemlisalp hut climb the E branch of the Blitemlisalp

glacier into the glacier bowl below the Morgenhorn and Wyssi Frau.

Climb up L wards to the ridge (one icy step) then follow it or its NW

flank to the summit. Any crevasses on the upper part of the ridge

are usually turned on the N side. 3-4hr

 

280   NORTH FACE

TD+   M Aurich and E Stauffer, 10 Aug 1933. By the route described:

94    G Siedoff and H Trachsel, 16 Sept 1962

The N face, about 1300m high, is big and complex with several slanting

rock bands interspersed with steep ice. Directly under the summit is a

band of sieracs which makes routes on this part of the face potentially

dangerous. In general the rock is poor and most of the routes on the face

suffer from stone fall, although this appears to be at a minimum on the

route described. The climb follows a fairly direct line to the fore-summit.

The rock sections (up to lV+) are on sloping and overlapping rock on

which protection is not easy to arrange. It is best attempted when the rock

is dry and free e fverglas (hence the late season first ascent) since friction

on the rock is fairly essential. Other routes on the face are shown on the

photograph.

From the Gspaltenhorn hut follow the track S onto the Gamchi

glacier and cross this to the W towards Pt 2254.3m. Climb up the

snowy bay just short of this point and, on the L, climb a ramp 80-

100m high onto a rib (III, IV-). Climb the rib for about 200m to

where it steepens then move R onto a parallel rib. Climb this to the

base of a big rock band. Go up this L wards (IV+) and then continue

straight up to a vertical rock band. Surmount this in a couloir for

two pitches and then on its edge (IV+). Mixed ground and the

upper ice slope then lead directly to the fore-summit. Reach the

main summit by the E ridge. 10-15hr

 

 

174-175

 

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