Hiendertelltihorn

Overview

Located a short distance north of Grimsel Pass at the head of the Grübental the Hiendertelltihorn (or Hühnertälihorn) is the lesser known neighbor of the Grosser Diamantstock. It is a beautiful pyramid composed of the same excellent granite and its East Ridge is a climb of the same quality as the classic East Ridge of the Grosser Diamantstock. It is included in BERNER OBERLAND Die 100 schönsten Touren by Hans Grossen with Gaston Rébuffat.

Hiendertelltihorn is the peak name in the local Swiss (Berner) dialect. Hühnertälihorn is in German. Both names translate to "Chicken Valley Peak".

Getting There

The Hiendertelltihorn is approached across the glacier from the Gruebenhütte. The trailhead for the hut is located at the Hotel Handeck that can be reached by either private auto or the Postal Bus service

TOPO MAP

Routes

South Ridge - About 4 hours from the Gruebenhütte. Ascends a steep snow couloir above the glacier to a notch in the South Ridge which is then followed to the summit. The climbing on the rock of the South Ridge is up to II. This is the normal descent route for the peak.

The South Ridge was first climbed 24 September 1888 by H. Kümmerli and Charles Montandon.

East Ridge - About 5 hours from the Gruebenhütte. Classic ridge climbing on excellent granite which catches the sun early in the morning. The climbing is III to IV+ with most of the more difficult pitches low on the ridge. The direct start adds climbing of V on sometimes hard to protect slabs.

The East Ridge was first climbed 8 August 1937 by H. Anderegg, F. Lodewig,W. Preiswerk, and H. Zürcher.

Climbing on the East Ridge:

When To Climb

Late June through September, depending on snow conditions

Overnight

It is possible to climb the peak in a long day from the valley. Between Meiringen and Grimsel Pass are a number of small villages with hotels, youth hostels and camping areas. This is a popular vacation site and can be crowded.

There is a Grimsel Hotels Web Site that includes the Handeck.

A more leisurely approach is to stay in the Gruebenhütte

Images

View Hiendertelltihorn Image Gallery - 7 Images