Lenzspitze-Nadelhorn

Climbing Expedition Report

Lenzspitze-Nadelhorn

Swiss Alps

Introduction: A Bold Alpine Journey

It all began on a crisp Monday morning, the 10th of July, when the alarm clock rang at 2:00 AM, signaling the start of our Alpine adventure. I picked up Dennis in Ommel at 4:00 AM, and together, we embarked on our journey to Switzerland. Meanwhile, Eddie, Wilco, and Johan had already made their way to Switzerland, conquering the Lagginhorn on the previous Sunday. Unfortunately, we received news on the way that Eddie had sustained an injury and had to return home. It was a setback, but we pressed on, knowing that sometimes setbacks are part of the journey. As we continued our drive, there was a moment of uncertainty about the upcoming week’s weather. However, my trusty Swiss app assured me that the conditions would be in our favor.

Arrival in Saas-Fee: A High-Altitude Challenge Awaits

Around half-past three, Dennis and I arrived in Saas-Fee, where we reunited with Wilco and Johan. Our plan was to make a beeline for the Mischabelhütte, perched at a breathtaking 3,340 meters above sea level. The journey would take us approximately four hours, a physically demanding challenge. Adjusting to the high altitude and having had a shorter night’s rest, I found myself trailing behind. Our arrival at the hut was a relief, and it turned out there were plenty of available beds, making our stay more comfortable. After today, I certainly needed a good rest.

Tuesday's Triumph: Scaling Lenzspitze and Nadelhorn

Tuesday, the 11th of July, had us rise once more at 2:00 AM. The day’s mission was the Lenzspitze (4,294 meters) – Nadelhorn (4,327 meters) traverse, a route classified as AD+ (fairly challenging). Wilco and Johan formed a roped team, while Dennis and I joined forces. It was my first time leading a route, which added an extra layer of pressure. However, Dennis proved to be a strong and confident climber, alleviating my worries. The path to the summit of Lenzspitze led us across a small glacier section before a lengthy rocky ridge, presenting a thrilling climb over several rock towers (gendarmes). Following the rocks, a snowy ridge led to the summit. I took the lead throughout, being the first to reach this point. The soft snow made the final ascent a taxing endeavor as I repeatedly sank knee-deep into it. Still, we persevered, and the summit was ours, marking the second 4,000-meter peak for Wilco and Johan and the first for Dennis and me.

A Ridge to Remember: Navigating the Nadelhorn Traverse

After celebrating with summit photos and congratulations, Johan and Wilco took the lead, guiding us down towards the ridge connecting Lenzspitze and Nadelhorn. This ridge was an absolute delight to conquer, offering a challenging but immensely enjoyable route featuring various rock towers to ascend and descend. Some were manageable to climb, while others required abseiling. Just as we believed we were nearing the top of Nadelhorn, it turned out there was yet another rock tower to conquer. But, finally, we stood atop the Nadelhorn summit. A few quick photos and it was time to descend. Johan and Wilco had already made significant progress in the descent, while Dennis and I weren’t far behind. The descent involved navigating a long snowy ridge towards the Windjoch, a col between Nadelhorn and Ulrichshorn, notorious for its fierce winds. Following the col, we descended steeply toward the Hohbalmgletscher before making a fast-paced dash towards the hut. We arrived a few minutes after Wilco and Johan, narrowing the time gap to about 40 minutes. The entire journey had taken us approximately 13.5 hours. After enjoying a refreshing drink at the hut, we decided it was time to head back to the valley. A good night’s rest at lower altitude would aid in our recovery, and the thought of a comfortable hotel bed was quite enticing.

Farewell to the Mountains: A Rewarding End

Dennis and Wilco made a swift descent, while Johan and I opted for a more leisurely pace. Upon arriving in Saas-Fee, the group’s appetite led them to a pizza restaurant. Feeling the weight of the day, I expressed my desire to head back to the hotel due to a nagging headache and exhaustion. Our hotel was situated in the nearby Saas-Grund, and that’s where Johan and I headed. My craving for chips and iced tea was undeniable, but since the stores were all closed at that hour, I decided to inquire at the hotel bar. Unfortunately, they didn’t have chips, but they did have iced tea. To my surprise, the owner, Astrid, personally offered to get me chips and have them delivered to my hotel room. Such service! After replenishing my salt levels with delicious Swiss chips, I collapsed into bed, falling into a deep and much-needed slumber. It had been two intense days with minimal sleep, but we could now proudly check the Lenzspitze-Nadelhorn ascent off our list.

Embracing Challenges

and Achieving New Heights

Our journey in the Swiss Alps had its share of challenges and triumphs, embodying the spirit of mountaineering. While setbacks like Eddie’s injury tested our determination, they also reminded us of the unpredictability of these grand landscapes. Scaling the Lenzspitze and Nadelhorn showcased the importance of teamwork, trust, and resilience. As we descended from those awe-inspiring peaks, we carried with us not only the breathtaking memories but also the lessons of camaraderie and perseverance. Our Alpine adventure was more than just a climb; it was a journey that exemplified the essence of pushing boundaries and reaching new summits, both in the mountains and within ourselves.