FKT: Roland Valckenborg - Männlichen (Switzerland) - 2025-11-02

Route variation
Standard route
Multi-sport
No
Para athlete
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
5h 20m 7s
GPS track(s)
Photos
Report

Rain (and fresh snow above 2000m) was predicted for the full day. And the Swiss weather forecast is really accurate. I started running the first two hours in pouring rain. At around 1800m height, rain turned into snow. From 2000m the snow pack became dense. I was taking much care in this avalanche prone area, where small slabs of snow started moving; I estimate some 30cm fresh snow. I put on my skiing gloves for solid placement of my hands on the mountain side of the trail. Nobody was out that day. Six chamois suddenly jumped a few meters in front of me. They were as suprised to see mee, as I was to see them. The trail was difficult to follow, but during few moments of clear view I could see the goal: Mannlichen upper ski-station. I moved forward very careful with every foot placement solid into the snow, not bothering about speed. On the top there was hard wind and horizontal snow. I kept warm by jogging downwards on the piste following the GPS-track. At around 1800m height there was a small wooden shelter, that I used to pause for a few minutes to eat and drink. Getting cold rapidly, and therefore continued running downwards. At the upper part of Grindelwald village I started to see cars and houses with lights. There I took the first pictures of the day, because I was not able to put of my gloves in the snow storm of the previous hours.

I have only seen the basement of Eiger north face freshly covered in snow, and that was already very impressive! This route must have a spectacular view when there is no snow storm :-). My time is easy to challenge in more favorable conditions. The trail up is well marked; the slippery sections have a cable support. From Mannlichen down, one can take a really good speed if there is no snow. Good luck!