Mönch Ascent: My Stepping Stone to the Eiger

Mountains have a way of calling to those who listen, and for me, the call was unmistakable. When I traveled to the Swiss Alps, I knew I wanted to climb the Eiger. I found a local guide in Grindelwald, and he told me that I had to climb the Mönch as a test so he could qualify me for Eiger. That is how I ended up climbing the Mönch.The Mönch, located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, has an elevation of 4,107 meters (13,474 feet). From the renowned "Top of Europe," Jungfraujoch, I embarked on this climb. Here's how my training/qualifying climb on the Mönch unfolded in July 2019.

Setting Out from Jungfraujoch

The day started at the Jungfraujoch station, the renowned "Top of Europe." I met my guide –

With our gear checked, we started the journey on the glacier and quickly started to climb the wall towards the Monch. The first move was the hardest of all the climb in my opinion. The Southeast Ridge, our chosen route, did not disappoint with its fair share of challenges and awe-inspiring views. The route's mix of rock, snow, and ice presented a thrilling challenge.

The route we chose was short and exposed, I found Mönch to be stunningly beautiful and a great short climb for a thrill. If I recall correctly total time was less than 4 hours.

The final ridge to the summit is narrow, one step in front of another until you reach the summit. Standing atop the Mönch was surreal. There's something humbling about being surrounded by giants like the Eiger and Jungfrau, all while the world stretches out beneath you.

Navigating the Descent

But, as every mountaineer knows, reaching the summit is only half the battle. Our descent was meticulous, with my guide's expertise shining through. Step by step, we retraced our journey, filled with a sense of accomplishment and respect for the mountain.

Wrapping Up at Jungfraujoch Returning to Jungfraujoch, the buzz of the day's success was tangible. The Mönch had offered an experience that was more than just a climb; it was a day of discovery, guided expertise, and forging memories in the Alps.

Until the next peak calls, keep adventuring and dreaming big!

The Summit.

My guide's ice-axe made by a local guide!

Mandatory Summit Photo! #Eiger #Monch #SwissAlps