A rare chance to enjoy a week of hut based touring in the high mountains in midwinter. At this time of year, North Facing powder descents are far more common - in an area which boasts dozens of superb ski peaks. Starting near Andermatt, we traverse the range across into Italy and back - taking in the best peaks and ski descents along the way.
Starting Point For ease of travel, we meet at the start of the week in Brig on the Swiss side of the region. Brig is easily reached by road, or by train direct from Geneva airport.
Sample Itinerary Subject to weather and snow conditions, the general plan for the week is as follows - See Photos of the Region.
Day 0
Sun
PM, meet in Brig - discuss plans, sort food and kit, overnight in valley.
Day 1
Mon
Early train to Andermatt, from where we take the lift system up and tour across to the Rotondo hut.
Day 2
Tue
Day tour from the Rotondo hut - there are numerous good possibilities in this area: Witenwasserenstock, Piz Lucendro, Rottallihorn, Muttenhorn - our final choice to suit the best snow conditions.
Day 3
Wed
Traverse the Witenwasseren pass and Rotondo pass, before making the long descent to All' Acqua for lunch. PM skin up into Italy and down to the Maria Luisa Hut (hot showers and a nice bar!)
Day 4
Thu
Day tour from the Maria Luisa hut - there are numerous big, steep ski days from here - including the Basodino and Corni di Nefelgiu amongst others.
Day 5
Fri
To exit the range we follow an intricate route eastward toward the Cristallina, before heading north down a superb big descent into the Val Bredetto in Switzerland. PM Bus and train back to Brig.
Food and Accommodation We run all of our tours on a guiding & instruction only basis to allow you maximum flexibility with accommodation options. Our recommended hotel in Brig is the Hotel Europe *** which is just 80m from the railway station. You are however free to make other accommodation arrangements if you choose (Brig has various other hotels available). The guide will book all hut accommodation for the tour, which you simply pay for as we go along.
Travel Brig is easily reached by reliable Swiss public transport direct from Geneva airport - check out the Swiss Federal Railways website for timetables and information.
Fitness This is a big touring week which includes 8 hour days and some long (1000m+) climbs. 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, proficient in soft deep snow (see ski ability level 3+) with previous multiday ski tours already under your belt in order to join this tour.
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.
