Mountain Tracks on the Eigerwand!

There really has been some excellent ski conditions this year. And coupled with good weather, this has meant that MTX groups have been skiing great snow amongst the highest Alpine Peaks.However mid season I have taken a little time off from guiding to complete a long term ambition: To climb the Eiger North Face in winter.

I enlisted the help of fellow guide and all round ‘mountain sportsman’ John Bracy.

We summited with one bivouac on the ‘brittle ledges’. The face was cold and icy, but generally in good condition. It was a very satisfying climb, especially visiting all the famous places on the face… Difficult Crack, Second Ice Field, Flat Iron, Ramp, Spider etc.

Recently, Joe Simpson (Touching the Void) has released a film about the North Face called ‘The Beckoning Silence’. If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend it.

I hope to enjoy these photographs of this magnificent peak. Those doing the Oberland tour with me in April will pass right beneath the face.

Matt Dickinson