A climb of 400 vertical meters to descend over 2000 vertical meters. And this in the middle of a breathtaking mountain panorama. From the Faulhorn, you have a magnificent view of the Bernese 4000-metre peaks and, in contrast, you can also see Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, 2000 meters below. Due to the southern exposure, this tour is often only recommended in high winter and when there is good snow cover. Currently (end of January 2014), the conditions are ideal.
Ascent
In the Grindelwald ski area, you first take the gondola lift to First and then the chairlift to Oberjoch. From the top station of the chairlift, descend to the west and traverse until you reach the First-Faulhorn winter hiking trail in the Gummihütte region. Follow the path to Bachalpsee and over the Gassenboden to the Faulhorn. The mountain hotel there is only open in summer, so in winter you have to make do with a conventional summit rest. If the ascent is too long for you, you can take off your skins at the pass at P. 2553 and ski down. However, summit climbers are rewarded with a magnificent view!
Descent
From the summit, you can ski down directly or via Gassenboden across the wide south-facing slopes towards Bussalp. Surprisingly, there are still some beautiful powder snow slopes after Bussalp as far as Schwendi station. From Bussalp, do not follow the road, but continue across the open terrain of the Unterläger and In Matten alps to the Abbach Falls. Then follow the Schwendibach stream on the east side to the valley floor.
Information
Difficulty (5-level scale): **
Special dangers: The First-Faulhorn-Bussalp winter hiking and sledging trail is closed in the event of increased avalanche danger.
Maximum gradient: 30°
Exposure: Mainly south
Altitude difference start and finish: 2680 m | 900 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: 400 m | 2030 m
Duration ascent: 1:30 hour, Descent: 1:30 hour
Best time of year: December to mid-February, as soon as there is enough snow. Spring conditions can be expected quickly later in the year.
How to get there: As you don't come down at the starting point, it is advantageous to travel by train. From Grindelwald train station, take the local bus to the Firstbahn (or 10 min. on foot). Then take the gondola lift to First and then the chairlift to Oberjoch. At the end of the tour you reach Schwendi station, from where trains run to Grindelwald or Interlaken.
Topographical maps: Swiss Map 1:25'000 sheet "1229 Grindelwald" or "2520 Composition Jungfrau Region". The Freeride Guide Jungfrau Region includes a 1:50'000 map.
Other recommendations: The descent can also be undertaken via Berghaus Männdlenen and Alp Hintisberg to Burglauenen (train stop). This variant is somewhat more challenging and is rarely done. Instead, you will encounter untracked western slopes and remote landscapes.
Literature tip: This is one of 43 variant descents from the book "Freeride Guide Jungfrau Region", which can be ordered here.
