The Journal
Hiking Escapes with The Alpinists (2) – Piz Fess
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JOIN PHOTOGRAPHER JON GULER ON HIS EXPEDITION TO THE SOURCE OF THE RHINE RIVER AND HIKE TO PIZ FESS, THE MOUNTAIN WITH AN ATTITUDE
As we follow the Rhine from Schaffhausen back to its source at the Tomasee (Lake Toma/Lai da Tuma), our crew from The Alpinists discovers the Signina mountain range. Now that we’re close to the popular ski resort of Laax, “The Alpinists”, the Swiss outdoor photography community, turn their lenses on Piz Fess the mountain with an attitude. Deemed inaccessible in 1894, Piz Fess has remained a mystery that continues to draw adventurers. Because of its split horns, it is affectionally known to locals as “Good Fess” (2,874 m) and “Angry Fess” (2,880 m).
The Alpinists’ photographer Jon Guler takes us on a panoramic hike and shares his favorite spots along the way, as featured in the group’s book, “Lost in the Alps”. Join our expedition as we explore the mystical Piz Fess against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss landscape.
— Iconic design: The Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371604 with a stainless-steel case and gold-plated hands and appliqués
— Jon Guler at “Good Fess” Summit (right), confronting “Angry Fess”
— Piz Fess overlooking the Signina mountain chain
JON GULER ON HIS FAVORITE PLACES AROUND PIZ FESS
“In my search for new and exciting landscapes, I came across a particularly beautiful one in Graubünden. At 2,881 meters in altitude, Piz Fess rises at the southern end of a plateau and is the highest peak in the Signina mountain chain. Its 360-degree view cemented this mountain’s status as a must-see on my fall excursion.
No sooner said than done: Despite a less-than-ideal weather forecast in October, I set out with a few like-minded friends to photograph this mysterious mountain in its breathtaking surroundings. However, we were greeted by rain showers and dense fog with sub-zero temperatures that lasted the entire four-hour climb. The fantastic views would have to wait. But the sunrise made up for it: The clouds had turned into a wild sea of fog below us, and the sun basked the whole landscape in an impressive morning glow.”
THE HIKING ROUTE
The hike begins at the church in Tenna, from where you take the road in the direction of the Tenner Alp. The path winds upward through meadows and pastures until it branches off from the alpine road at the upper huts and heads south towards Tälli. As it leads into steeper terrain, the path gets narrower and narrower until the landscape opens up at the Tälli hut.
After crossing the Tällibach Creek, the trail climbs steeply for about an hour to the Schneeböda, and then slowly plateaus up to the summit. At an altitude of 2,874 meters, you will have reached your destination: rocky Piz Fess (known locally as Bös Fess) is now, in fact, a few meters above you and bears the summit cross, but it remains inaccessible. On a clear day, you can see the two side valleys: Val Lumnezia and Safiental. To descend follow the same route back to the start.
— Jon Guler’s hiking map of Piz Fess
Discover more hiking secrets in The Alpinists’ book “Lost in the Alps”.
— In the early morning hours, follow the mountain trail to the split horns of Piz Fess
— The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Ref. IW388103
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