First of all, why Urner?

 

Uri is a canton in Switzerland spanning between Gotthard pass or tunnel in the South and Luzern lake to the North. The largest town is Altdorf. And the main language is swiss german. For the skiers you must note that the largest and most known ski resort in Canton is in Andermatt. And close to that lies the start of our ski traverse – Realp. You can get there by train easily.

 

How do the days go?

 

The first day is a transfer to Albert – Heim Huette. And if you get there sooner you could ski one of the lines in the short but steep north face of the Schafberg.

The second day starts with skiing and skinning towards Lochberg. Our clients this time decided they did not need the summit and we skied the steep slopes from Winterlucke. Otherwise you do some ski mountaineering and an easier descent down towards the artificial lake.

 

The third day is the Sustenhorn day. The marvellous descent down the glacier must be earned by first tackling the steep terrain above the Chelenalphutte. On the way to the Steingletscher Hotel we tackled a steep couloir to finish the day on the easier lower slopes.

 

Followed by an ascent to the winter ski touring summit of Funffingerstock and a descent down to Sustli Hutte. There is a cheeky little steep section here and there but nothing too crazy:)

And the last day is the Grande Finale. The skitour to Grassen where we put the bootcrampons on. So that we can finish the week in style. The descent is part of the Titlis Rundtour – one of the most famous Freeride/Skitours in the world. There are big slopes, rodeo through the trees and sometimes carrying the skis. We end up in Engelberg where we have a nice meal to reflect the week behind us.

Why is it called the ‘’Skiers Haute Route’’?

 

Skiing through some amazing scenery and steep slopes and the last thing is what characterises the Urner Haute Route. You must be capable of at least side slipping a 45 degree narrow couloir with confidence, because doing it on a 6th day with a heavy backpack will not feel great.

Compared to the classic Haute Route where there is not much skiing – some say, there is less distance to cover and the mountains are some places steeper and more challenging and thus it is called that way.

 

So if you have the legs, stamina and motivation to do it, let us know and we will make this trip happen for you next time.

 

See you on the slope