JUNGFRAU (4.158m)
Jungfrau is part of the legendary trilogy of the Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau). Clearly visible from the town of Interlaken.
The rise is performed by the normal route with my climbing partner “Punk” who together with me we formed a climbing group called “Cordada Espíritu libre”.
The normal route starts from Jungfraujoch, which is reached from a rack railway from Lauterbrunnen or from Grindelwald, there are two alternatives.
It was a July 4th. We arrived at the Jungfraujoch station too late. About 12 am. It was very sunny and warm, causing the snow was not in good condition.
We cross the glacier without great difficulty in spite of the exhaustion of leave sinking almost to his knees by the quality of the snow.
The road to the shoulder of Jungfrau (Rottalsattel) becomes something heavy, monotonous and long, so it seemed to us that day. Just the last stretch to reach the shoulder is preceded by a small wall about 30 meters high that to get to address it is necessary to jump a small glacier crack.
I walked first and saved the obstacle, started up the wall and half of it, Punky fell into the crack tightening the rope to which we were bound. I managed to block me painlessly and all was laughter, we continue and we stand over his shoulder.
From here the climb is more technical, as is more inclined climb: 40–45º. Luckily, the route is equipped with several stakes, making possible the ascension safer.
This part and up to the top becomes more dynamic, more entertaining and fun. I remember there were somewhere mixed, and others in which we find ice.
Step by step we feel the top but we do not see but knew we had little. A pair of paragliders accompanied us on our arrival at the top flying as majestic summit.
Finally arrived, would be about 16.00 pm and enjoyed the views short time, the clouds came to stay.
We started the descent somewhat quick, it was late and is not comfortable not having visibility. To shoulder we arrived fast, or at least that’s the memory I have. We had to go through the crack, this time much bigger by the groove that Punk made. A few more laughs while we were practicing jumps away at the Olympic level. Some video there to verify this ..
We took off a little joke when we saw the remains of an avalanche covering the route that had gone up. We had all the way listening and watching different avalanches and snow strainers, but in more vertical walls or more exposed and was within “normality”.
The rest of the descent was walk, walk, walk and stop off for a drink of water. We still remember this project as one of the most tired and heavy, although many others have done much longer activities.
We arrived near the Jungfraujoch station and since it was already closed, we camped in the snow until the next day. We were happy to have made a top over a four thousand more and both have enjoyed another day in the Alps.
