To fly across the Alps from Valais to the Berner Oberland by paraglider is a lifetime dream for many pilots. Celebrated photographer Andy Busslinger in no exception, and had long wanted to join the select group of those who could master this challenge. Embedded in a breathtaking glacier world, surrounded by high peaks, the highest point in the Bernese Alps rises to 4274 m. Any place that is difficult to reach, even on foot, holds a special fascination, because it seems unreachable. Then, after years of waiting, the ideal conditions for an overflight finally appeared. Andy realises that this dream is now within his grasp.
The Jackpot
Andy Busslinger had been keeping a daily eye on the forecast for years. Sometimes there are whole summers when not a single day’s forecast suggests this dream of a Finsteraarhorn overflight: and now everything looks perfect. It’s a Sunday in the middle of August: high cloud base, light wind at altitude. The plan is quickly made. Early in the morning, Mimo Moratti takes the train to Fiesch, and before leaving civilisation, the two experienced pilots stop off at a restaurant on the Fiescheralp and watch the typical hustle and bustle in the air that Valais is famous for.
Late start
Valais is not famous for weak thermals, but today is one of those days. The cloudbase climbs slowly, and Andy and Mimo are in no great hurry to get going. There weren't many other pilots at the launch site, and to gain altitude they must be patient. The air is surprisingly smooth for this sunlit high alpine terrain, but their patience is rewarded. From the Eggishorn they eventually make their way over the Grosse Wannenhorn to the Triftgrat, then they cross the Fiescher Glacier. There it is, right in front of them; the Finsteraarhorn.
Remote Alpine Delicacy
The isolated, frozen peak dominates everything around it. It’s the one you can admire from the Furka Pass, from the Bernese Oberland, and Ticino as well. Many people have a visit on their bucket list. But, surrounded by the largest glaciers in the Alps, close acquaintance with the Finsteraarhorn comes at a price. If you want to reach it on foot the walk may take several days. The weather rarely allows access from the air. You almost get the feeling that to get there by paraglider would be beyond reason. The glacier world inspires 100% respect.
Crossing the Alps
Deep crevasses, rockfalls, remoteness, no cell phone network: not an environment you want to end up in. Preparing a plan B in advance and keeping an eye on the point of no return is a must here. In the end, it turns out well. Picture book cumulus clouds - high. In fact It works so well that Andy and Mimo cruise between 3500 m and 4000 m most of the time. They enjoy flying around the summit of the Finsteraarhorn for just under an hour, until they finally outclimb it after a few attempts. This is the moment Andy had dreamed of for so long.
Back to reality
This flight crosses the main Alpine ridge, and they now head for Interlaken. Metre by metre they fly out of the frozen, white and dazzling high alpine seclusion, back towards civilisation. Back in Interlaken, the surrealism of the Bernese Alps becomes really clear. Having just arrived in another world, Andy and Mimo soon find themselves in this region's tourist centre. Had it all been, perhaps, just a dream after all?
Andy's Equipment
More about Andy
Andy Busslinger
Andy is recognised as one of the most respected of paragliding photographers, and is a teacher by profession. In his spare time he likes to go paragliding.
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