Conditions Optimales
Description
The Fründenhorn in the Bernese Alps, though overshadowed by the neighboring Blüemlisalphorn, offers a rewarding experience for para-alpinists. With favorable conditions, you can start your flight almost directly from the summit. Ideal conditions include a weak northwest wind, dry rocks, and a partially snow-covered summit flank. The launch site becomes steeper after a few meters, so confident launching skills are essential. The flight over Fründenhütte and Oeschinensee down to Kandersteg, which is over 2000 meters below, is scenically stunning. If you prefer not to carry your flying gear to the summit, you can launch from the Fründenhütte's designated spot, though it often has tailwinds due to its proximity to the lower end of the Fründen Glacier.
This two-day adventure starts at the paid parking lot at the base station of the Oeschinensee cable car. From there, you can either take the cable car and a short descent or hike directly to the western shore of Oeschinensee. The trail initially ascends gently around the lake and then climbs steeply after crossing a prominent ravine. You will then be on the rocky ridge leading to the Fründenhütte, which is marked and partially secured in the upper sections. From this cozy and friendly hut, you can see the entire ascent to Fründenhorn. It's advisable to memorize the entry point marked with a large red dot. Using binoculars, you can study the ascent through the rock face, which is marked with arrows and red dots, as it can be challenging to navigate in low light.
The initial climb over the lower Fründen Glacier is steep due to glacier retreat, and the artificial aids require some arm strength. After about 30 meters, you reach a flatter section, a wide rock ramp leading left. Follow this until a visible arrow marking indicates a rightward ascent. Continue following occasional red marks over rocky terrain with some loose gravel. If the rocks are wet or frozen, exercise extreme caution.
The rock section ends with a nearly horizontal leftward traverse secured by a wire rope, followed by an easy block terrain. This leads to the lower edge of the exposed summit snowfield, which is easier to traverse with ice screws if necessary. The slope eases near the 50-meter-long summit ridge, providing a spot to lay out your wing. The highest point of Fründenhorn is a few meters to the left from here.
The summit view is somewhat restricted by the higher Doldenhorn and Blüemlisalphorn, but the views of Kanderfirn to the south and Oeschinensee to the north are impressive. The sight of Oeschinensee serves as a guide for your flight route. Avoid flying too close to the Fründen- and Doldenhorn due to potential glacier winds, and steer clear of the Bire mountain range to avoid lee-side turbulence. The safest path is where you have the most air beneath you, allowing for a relaxed descent to Kandersteg, where the windsock at the landing site aids in your landing approach.
Location: Canton Bern, Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Starting Point: Kandersteg (1195 m), from there by cable car or on foot to Oeschinensee
Access: Swiss A6 to AS Spiez, then south through the Kander Valley via Frutigen to Kandersteg; paid parking at the base station of the Oeschinensee cable car
Base: Fründenhütte (2562 m), approximately 4 hours from Kandersteg and about 3 hours from the top station of the Oeschinensee cable car
Elevation Difference: To the hut about 1400 m (the first 400 meters can be covered by the Oeschinensee cable car), from the hut to the summit about 850 m
Hiking Time: 3 hours from Fründenhütte to the summit
Launch Direction: NW
Landing Site: Kandersteg
Tour Character: Combined high-altitude tour with some challenging and exposed sections; the route is highly dependent on conditions; helmet, ice axe, and crampons are necessary, rope and possibly two ice screws are useful, especially for a descent; short launch site
Notes: Be particularly cautious or avoid the tour if rocks are wet or icy, or if there is bare ice on the summit snowfield. Alternatively, start directly from Fründenhütte.
For more details, visit [Paraalpin Fründenhorn](http://www.paraalpin.de/Fruendenhorn.html).
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