The Skiers Haute Route. Engelberg is famous for high altitude, glacier skiing, dramatic scenery, & “The Big 5” off piste ski runs
This hut to hut traverse of the Eastern Swiss alps is regarded as one of the best in the European Alps, if not the whole world and is referred to as the ‘Skiers Haute Route’.
Crossing from Andermatt to Engleberg through some high and remote alpine terrain is an area renowned for its substantial snow fall is a great choice for the dedicated ski tourer looking to maximise their time in descent and also explore a wild and remote area. The tour travels through some technical terrain with long ascents but each ascent is rewarded with a stunning descent.
- 7 nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the Hotel Central in Engelberg.
- Accommodation is in twin rooms, (or singles with a supplement of £300.00)
- 6 days Guided skiing & coaching on & off piste using the lift system and day touring to some delightful cols and summits.
What's included
Whats included - Your trip includes guiding, half board accommodation in either huts or hotels. We handle the logistics so you can concentrate on the adventure.
Accommodation
3 nights at an Andermatt hotel, 4 Nights in the mountain huts.
Food & Drink
Half board accommodation
Expert Guiding
6 days of expert Guiding by IFMGA guides who are also BASI Ski instructors.
Local Transport
Local transport
Not Included: Travel to/from Andermatt, Swiss Rail travel from Andermatt to Realp and Engleberg to Andermatt, lift passes, insurance, lunches, ski touring and mountaineering equipment.
Travel Suggestion: Andermatt is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps and is easily accessible by Switzerland’s excellent rail network. Fly into Zurich Airport, take the to Andermatt (approx. 2–2.5 hours) via Göschenen.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Shakedown
Find our ‘ski legs’, get comfortable with our group, practice use of safety equipment, and size up the off piste terrain
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Andermatt
Day 2 Warm up day on the famous Gemsock area in Andermatt. This is a chance to regain your ski legs and undertake some essential safety training.
Day 3 Realp to Albert Heim Hutte.
e leave Andermatt on the local Swiss train, passing through Hospental and getting off the train at Realp at the base of the closed Furka pass road. A steady skin up this closed road leads to the tiny hamlet of Tiefenbach where we leave behind civilisation and climb to the comfortable Albert Heim Hutte, where we will spend the night.
Day 4 Albert Heim Hutte to Chelanalp Hut.
Leaving the Hutte a short descent leads to a long and steady climb to the summit of Lochberg 3079m. The final ridge to the summit is quite technical and will often require the use of crampons. From the summit a steep and interesting descent leads to the reservoir of Goscheneralpsee, which we will cross via the dam wall. A gentle skin leads to the Chelanalp Hutte for there night.
Day 5 Chelanalp Hut to Steingletscher Hotel
Leaving the Hutte this day aims to climb to the summit of the Sustenhorn 3502m. Our ascent is through some steep terrain but eventually leads to the spectacular glacial plateau of the Sustenhorn and a long and enjoyable descent and a comfortable night in the Steingletscher hotel which sits on the closed Sustenpass road.
Day 6 Steingletscher Hotel to Sustli Hutte
Leaving the Steingletscher Hutte we once again skin up a closed road heading for the elusive summit of the Fünffingersstock 2993m. From the summit we ski and journey through some very complex terrain heading for the Sustlihutte which is gained after a short skin, where we will be rewarded with a warm welcome and delicious cakes.
Day 7 Sustli Hutte to Engleberg/ return to Andermatt via Train.
Our final day starts with a a climb up the Stossensattel which gives access to the glacier leading to our final summit of Grassen 2945m. From here a long ski descent under the impressive Titlus mountain leads to the valley and a short bus ride into the village of Engleberg. After lunch we take the Swiss rail train system back to Andermatt and a final night to celebrate a stunning ski traverse.
Day 8 Depart after breakfast.
Participant Requirements
Fitness
8 to 10 hr days with 1000m skinning and skiing off piste. Mountaineering experience.
Ski Level
Advanced Skier
Equipment
Skis and boots suitable for touring plus mountaineering equipment such as harness, crampons and ice axe.
