Lauterbrunnen

By: Jesse Hall - Additional photos: Heidi Miguel

By KAVU

August 20^th, 2024

In July, I got to head back to one of my favorite places on the planet. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland is a beautiful, deep valley, carved out between huge limestone walls, and like a "dream" every time I visit.

When people think of the massive and iconic north faces of the Swiss Alps, most think of the infamous Eiger. But, just behind it's shadow is this secret playground of cliffs and waterfalls, seemingly made for adventure, and calling for any BASE jumper, paraglider pilot, speed flyer or climber to explore in search of experiences of a lifetime.

I've had the luck to travel and jump here many times over the years. During this trip, the goal was to share epic flying, and opportunity to grow as pilots.... with some good friends, and some experienced students who wanted to fine-tune their big-mountain flying skills.

Dylan Grigg, Philip Moessinger, Kurt Watson and fellow KAVU team bird, Scotty Bob and I stayed in a classic mountain hostel for a "true Swiss BASE experience". We spent our days flying from most of the classic Valley exits, and even got to do two helicopter loads (jumps).... one over the Eiger and one over it's neighbor, the Jungfrau. We also made one side trip to fly the "crack" in Waldenstadt, which is always memorable!

One night during our trip, a wild thunderstorm rolled through the valley, reminding us of how much power is held in nature, and in natural places such as Lauterbrunnen. It reminded us to slow down, and synch with the rythm of this place.

Slower is faster.....

I think the best part of a trip like this is always to see lots of old friends, and of course, to meet many new ones. Jumping has a way of creating bonds that are hard to explain to people who don't jump.

It's as if life changes after every single flight... and that powerful experience cannot be explained, but can only be shared....

All in all..... this was another epic trip.... and I already can't wait to get back to the Swiss Valley again, to experience more of this beautiful place!