Ski Touring | Bernese Oberland | Switzerland | Jöttnar

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The arrival of spring marks the beginning of the alpine ski touring season. The longer days and a more stable snowpack allow larger distances to be covered, and the gathering warmth of the sun eases tired winter muscles.

Check out the photo story below by St Anton-based ski instructor and climber, John Thornton.

With a clear schedule and a mostly promising forecast we packed our bags and headed to the Bernese Oberland for a 4-day glacier tour. Our aim: to climb and ski some of the classic mountains in the area. Heading out with expedition buddies Rob Johnson and Charlie Hornberger, we had our sights on the Aletsch glacier and the vast opportunities it offered.

Climbing SE Ridge of Monch

Wasting no time we headed straight for the classic SE Ridge of the Mönch (4107m)

Climbing the Monch

The weather beginning to turn on us as we climbed higher

Summit ridge of the Monch

Battling through the storm to the summit before hastily down climbing to the Mönchjochhütte

Ski touring through the Grünhornlücke in the Bernese Oberland

Heading through the Grünhornlücke to our next overnight stay at the Finsteraarhornhütte

Ski touring in the Bernese Oberland

High-winds make for heavy touring on tired legs

Finsteraarhornhütte, Bernese Oberland

Relaxing at the Finsteraarhornhütte

Climbing the Finsteraarhorn, Bernese Oberland

An early start to tackle the Finsteraarhorn (4274m)

Climbing the Finsteraarhorn, Bernese Oberland

Conditions for skiing looking bad ahead as we make our way to the Hugisattel

Climbing the Finsteraarhorn NW Ridge

Trying to keep our balance high up on the Finsteraarhorn NW Ridge

Ski touring to the Jungfraujoch via Fieschersattel

Touring our way back to the Jungfraujoch via Fieschersattel

Rappelling into the Fieschersattel

Rappelling into the very dry Fieschersattel before catching the train home.

John is a member of the Jöttnar Pro Team. Read more about him here.

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