The Bernina Massif is the most extensive high altitude glacier touring region in Eastern Switzerland. Big days and complicated terrain make this a challenging and rewarding venue for experienced ski tourers wishing to enjoy a week of great summits and superb glacier skiing.
Starting Point We start and finish in Pontresina, just a few Km from St Moritz.
Sample Itinerary Subject to weather and snow conditions, the plan for the week is as follows:
Day 0
Sat
PM, meet in Pontresina - discuss plans, sort food and kit, overnight in valley.
Day 1
Sun
Early train to Diavolezza - from where we make an acclimatisation tour up to the shoulder of Piz Palu in order to get a great N facing run back down again. Overnight at Berghaus Diavolezza at the top of the lift system.
Day 2
Mon
Ascent of Bellavista (3888m) and Piz Argient (3945m) via La Fortezza and then on to the Marco E Rosa hut.
Day 3
Tue
If conditions are good, the plan is to climb Piz Palu (3901m) and ski on down into Italy to the Marinelli hut.
Day 4
Wed
A long climb back into Switzerland via the Fuorcla de la Sella, before climbing La Sella 93564m) to ski a great run down to the Coax hut.
Day 5
Thur
Ascent of Piz Gluschaint (3594m) before enjoying the long run down in to Val Roseg, then an afternoon skin up to the Tschierva hut.
Day 6
Fri
Ascent of Piz Tschierva (3546m) before traversing around Piz Misaun and making the ultra classic descent down to Morterasch.
Food and Accommodation We run all of our tours on a guiding & instruction only basis to allow you maximum flexibility with accommodation options. Details of recommended hotels in Pontresina are provided with your joining instructions. The guide will book all hut accommodation for the tour, which you simply paid for as we go along.
TravelWe start and finish in Pontresina, just up the road from St Moritz. St Moritz is easily reached by train from Zurich, or other airports in Switzerland - check out the Swiss Federal Railways website for timetables and information.
Fitness This is a long tour which includes some big (1000m+) climbs and possible sections of roped climbing. You can expect to be skinning for 3-5 hours a day (see fitness level 3). We advise you to prepare well in advance with regular training and ideally some skiing.
Skiing AbilityYou need to be a good off piste skier (see: ski ability level 3+) with previous touring experience, including some roped climbing or cramponing experience.
Equipment We will supply you with a full kit list. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing, a rucsac and ski mountaineering skis, boots and kit (local hire is available). We are delighted to be working on this tour with Back Country UK, who provide excellent service and advice as a leading retailer of ski mountaineering equipment in the UK.
