Grimsel is to a slab climber what the playboy channel is to a pubescent kid. That is, of course, where the analogy ends, as there is very limited use for the hands at Grimsel.

The volume of exposed stone is absurd; it is an ocean of solid, mostly smooth granite.

If, like the author, you are not completely enthusiastic about friction climbing, don't be discouraged, as Grimsel also has some phenomenal routes where the bolts are not the only feature on the rock to get your ropes stuck on while abseiling.

The Grimsel pass road is normally open from early summer until late autumn.

There are numerous climbing venues at Grimsel, both crags and spectacular multi-pitch areas, at various elevations and with different exposures.

On the pass road, there are a number of hotels well situated as a base for climbing, amongst them the Handeck hotel and the Grimsel Hospiz. The Grimsel Hospiz, perched on a small rock outcropping above the Grimselsee reservoir, is a truly spectacular place to visit.

The Grimsel pass road takes off from Innertkirchen, east of Meiringen, and arrives in Wallis near Obergoms. The climbing areas are all on the west side of the pass.