Glacier splendor and Eiger north face between First and Bort

The «Sässeli-Lift», which the Boss-Buebe once sang about in a folk music classic, was replaced by a gondola some years ago, but the ride from Grindelwald to First remains an entertaining experience. The saying «Everyone skis» no longer applies as strictly as before, since in recent years more hikers have also taken the gondolas in winter.
Upon exiting at the First mountain station, user flows quickly diverge. While the board carriers head downhill or further up with the Oberjoch-Express, hikers proceed briskly past the ski slopes into the winter silence northwest of the mountain lodge. From the Gummihitta, it is about 20 more minutes west until the paths fork: straight ahead towards Bachalpsee–Faulhorn, left down towards Bort.
The descent has some quite steep sections in the first part. Those sledding should take appropriate care and restraint to avoid endangering themselves and others unnecessarily. A stop at the sun-dried huts in Bachläger is worthwhile. The view of the snow-covered peaks of Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn is pure enjoyment. The descent continues to Waldspitz with a considerably gentler gradient. The cozy restaurant is a paradise for sledders and hikers on sunny winter days.
The further descent is mostly through the forest, with some snowy alpine meadows at Nodhalten. At Räckholtertor, hikers and sledders separate. Those who wish to sled down to Grindelwald (if there is enough snow) keep to the right and thus reach Chrisegg (point 1520; see route 5a). Those on foot maintain the altitude and reach Niderbaach through open forest, and from there continue to the Bort gondola station.