Best of - keepwild! Auswahlkletterführer

Scope and concept

Best of – keepwild! climbs is a themed selection guide to Switzerland’s “clean” alpine rock routes—lines you protect yourself with nuts and cams, then leave as you found them. The authors champion a low-impact ethic while curating enjoyable, mostly moderate outings on granite and gneiss, from popular passes to quiet, high basins with hut or bivouac support.

Coverage

The book spans 24 areas, thoughtfully grouped across the Alps:

• Bernese Oberland: Grimselpass, Furka, Susten–Meiental, Hintere Gelmerhörner, Gruebenkessel, Grindelwald.
• Valais: Arolla, Andolla, Bietschtal, Baltschiedertal, Fieschertal, Fusshörner.
• Ticino and southern valleys: Val Bedretto, Geretal, Calnègia–Antabia, Valle di Peccia, Peccia, Giumaglio–Val d’Osura, Unteres Maggiatal, Val di Lodrino, Bellinzonese.
• Bergell and outliers: Bergell, Col des Montets, Jura.

Expect ridge traverses, buttress climbs, and long, well-framed outings that link naturally into 2–3 day mini-trips (for example, a Gruebenhütte stay to combine the Diamantstöcke and Hiendertelltihorn).

Structure and usability

A substantial front section sets the tone: the character of the climbs, grading and seriousness scales, gear and “how to equip or re-equip” discussions, and tour planning. Each area chapter opens with clear access logistics (including PostAuto stops, huts, and ideal season), a tidy overview map, and concise local notes. Route topos are exemplary: hand-drawn but crisp, with pitch lengths and grades, suggested rack, glacier or snow sections, retreat options, and typical descent lines. Photo plates and brief background sidebars keep the narrative alive without clutter.

On-the-rock quality

This is not a bolted plaisir compendium. Many lines are partly or mostly trad, with occasional fixed gear where the rock is blank. Approaches often cross small glaciers or snow tongues; the authors flag when an axe or light crampons make sense. Grades center around moderate difficulties, but there are longer, more committing days (e.g., Ritzlihorn’s Ärlengrätli) that reward efficient teams.

Verdict

A distinctive, carefully edited guide for climbers who value self-reliance and quiet corners of the Alps. Its ethical framing, reliable topos, and practical hut-and-transport details make it ideal for competent trad leaders planning multi-day, mid-season trips across Switzerland. Strongly recommended as a “best-of” companion to more exhaustive regional guides.

Details

Weight

490g

Pages

368

Publisher

Panico Alpinverlag