Grunerhorn: Traverse from Aarbiwak to Oberaarjoch

Overall, follow the trace indicated on swisstopo, respectively see the GPS. Key passages are:

The traverse at ca. 3000m in the W-bowl of the Grunerhorn, ski crampons indispensable in spring. The W-couloir for accessing the Grunerhorn-ridge (Unteraar-side): short >40° at the top, tentative rating 4.1/E2. The S-sided access to the Grunerhorn-ridge (Oberaar-side): short (ca. 50m) but steep mixed terrain with unstable rock, can be annoying to descend with heavy back-pack and skis. See remarks.

Elegant away to leave (or access) the Aarbiwak, avoiding the long way from/to the Grimsel.

The S-sided mixed-terrain might look very different depending on the snow conditions. The associated pictures were taken in a rather dry state. In better conditions, less unstable rocks are probably present. If the route is used for leaving the Aarbiwak, the natural extension is to traverse the Galmilicke or Bächlilicke to the Goms. See the routes of the Oberaarjochhütte.