After a demanding half-day at the office, we set off for Grindelwald full of anticipation. In Grindelwald, all participants of today’s adventure into the Eiger North Face came together: Ueli, Susy, Andrea, Eliane, and Lynn from the HR and Finance team, as well as Nathan and Conny from OUTDOOR Events.

Only Hansueli, a mountain guide from OUTDOOR’s core team, and Simon, an all-rounder at OUTDOOR, were already in the Eiger North Face at that time. The two had been clearing snow for hours to create a platform in the wall – an essential requirement for being able to step out of the train tunnel into the majestic Eiger North Face at all.

Our journey took us to the Eiger Express terminal, which brought us to the Eigergletscher in just 15 minutes. From there, we continued by train until we finally reached the "Stollenloch" at 2,630 meters above sea level. The train stopped exclusively in the middle of the tunnel, and with the help of Hansueli and Simon, we safely stepped onto the tunnel floor. In the dim light, we put on our climbing harnesses and helmets.

A tangible tension filled the air as we prepared for the upcoming exit into the Eiger North Face. The atmosphere seemed charged with a mix of anticipation, respect for the power of nature, and a hint of uncertainty that always accompanies the unknown.

Through an old door, we stepped onto the platform created by Hansueli and Simon and inhaled the breath of the majestic Eiger North Face for the first time. The view of the 600-meter drop revealing Kleine Scheidegg, Grindelwald, and the surrounding landscape was breathtaking. But even more impressive was the view upward – 1,200 meters of towering rock wall leading to the barely visible, majestic summit of the Eiger at 3,970 meters above sea level.

We sensed the thrilling whisper of nature and the tense atmosphere that reminded us we were heading into an extraordinary adventure – one that demanded not only physical effort but also the courage to face our own fears and explore the unknown.
It was clear to all of us that a great challenge lay ahead, but the breathtaking setting of the Eiger North Face inspired us to take it on. Roped up and secured by Hansueli, we bravely began the descent. Equipped with two ice tools, we rappelled into the wall one by one and then fought our way back up.
It took considerable courage to drive the ice axes calmly and precisely into the snow while carefully climbing back up to the platform under the watchful eyes of the other participants.

After this intense climbing adventure, Hansueli shared captivating stories about the Eiger and its north face with us. It was impressive to learn how many tales and experiences this mighty mountain has witnessed. A sense of humility overcame us in the face of such seemingly endless natural power. This experience on the “wall of all walls” connected us in a special way, filled us with positive emotions of self-confidence, and strengthened us for the challenges in our personal and professional lives.

After the climbing, Hansueli gave a talk about the difference between the equipment used by the first ascenders and today’s gear. A direct comparison with our modern equipment highlighted the development and progress in mountaineering. The hour in the tunnel flew by, and the train from the Jungfraujoch picked us up far too quickly. Under the amazed gazes of mostly Asian visitors to the Jungfraujoch, we boarded the train feeling satisfied and proud.

Once we arrived on the Eiger Glacier, we took some time to admire the fascinating glacier world of the Jungfrau region once more. Our horizons were broadened by the exciting explanations of Hansueli Klossner, our colleague and mountain guide. On the ride down to the valley of Grindelwald on the Eiger Express, we floated past the imposing Eiger North Face again, trying in vain to spot the exact place we had stood. That wall is impressively huge – and we are so insignificantly small.

This afternoon will stay with us for a long time.

Many thanks to Sandra, Event Manager at Outdoor, who once again flawlessly organized this unforgettable adventure, and to Hansueli and Simon, whose efforts made our North Face experience possible in the first place.
A big thank you also goes to our management, who enable us as employees to perfectly combine work and leisure: we all carry the Outdoor spirit in our hearts, live and work with it – an Outdoor adventure in the Jungfrau region is a highlight for all of us every single time.