As Nicolas Hojac set out from on Stechelberg the 18th of June for a summiting of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger the 24 year old not only had ice axe and crampons in his baggage, but also a PI 2 16. When the young alpinist arrived in Grindelwald scarcely 12 hours later, he also had a new speed record in his pocket. Here he describes the experience.
Who hasn’t heard of them? Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the world famous triumvirate in the heart of the Alps. Year round thousands of tourists flock to the Jungfraujoch to get a close look at this fantastic mountain world.
It was these three summits that inspired my project. This would not be a classic expedition. In my pack I had a small paraglider, to make each descent somewhat simpler. My idea was to get from Stechelberg to Grindelwald, via the summits of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, as quickly as possible.
In recent years the sport of paragliding has made a great stride forward. Wings have not only become lighter and safer, but they take up less space when packed. With my PI 2 16, which only weighs 2.05 kg, I can get around the mountains easily and quickly – despite having a paraglider in my pack.
Forgoing the traditional sleep I set of from Stechelberg at midnight, and made my way towards the Jungfrau. After about five hours I’ve already reached the summit. I lay out my PI 2 and glide down to the Jungfraujoch. Without the wing I wouldn’t have dared to climb down the crevasse-ridden glacier alone to the Joch. After a roughish landing I pack up the paraglider and climb again up to the Mönch.
A gusty north east wind blows in my face on the summit and I quickly assess that a departure with the wing is too risky. Actually I’m more concerned about the next landing because my intended spot is directly in the lee of the Eiger. The turbulence that could be generated down there might make this landing dangerous. So I climb down on foot along the north ridge and cross the Eigerjoch to the Eiger summit. Here the wind is more favourable, but not exactly perfect. The Eiger takeoff is very exposed and does not allow for mistakes. A stop decision or failed attempt cannot be countenanced here. So I decide to climb down and take off by the Geneva Pillar where the rock slopes a little less.
I fly directly from zero degrees to a hot 30 degree valley. Before folding the glider I have to sit down. The descent spiral has pushed the blood into my legs. I am now aware of the effects of lack of sleep. 11 hours and 43 minutes after leaving Stechelberg, 4,300 height metres and 31.5 kilometers later I’m now in Grindelwald. The many experiences of the recent hours can hardly be described. I’ll dine out on them for some time.
Nicolas Equipment
The Route
About Nicolas
