Known as the “skiers traverse” this route is known for it’s incredible terrain! The Urner Traverse is sometimes called the “Skiers Haute Route,” and if you know us then you know we like to ski and ride. The route covers 40 miles through the lesser traveled Urner Alps. These mountains are known for higher snow totals than other part of the European Alps. We will do the traverse over 5 days starting in Andermatt staying in 4 alpine huts before ending our journey in Engelberg.
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 5 days / 5 nights
Location: Andermatt, Switzerland
Dates: TBA
Private trips available upon request. Cost varies.
This is a group trip, cost assumes a minimum ratio of 2:1 guest:guide. Maximum ratio 4:1. Minimum of 2 guests required to run this trip. 25% non-refundable due at time of booking. Total balance due 90 days prior to trip start date. No refunds inside of 90 days.
The Urner Traverse is for skiers and splitboarders ready to take on a multi-day hut-to-hut adventure across Switzerland’s rugged alpine terrain. You’ll need solid fitness, efficient touring skills, and the ability to ski varied off-piste conditions with a pack on.
It’s perfect for:
Day 1 – Realp to Albert Heim hut – A short train ride from Andermatt brings us to the village of Realp, where we will walk to the trailhead and start our traverse. Day 1 is modest and typically allows us to lighten our packs at the hut before riding off of Chli Bielenhorn (9646’) or Obere Bielenlucke (10656’). Stats – 3.2mi 3419’
Day 2 – Albert Heim hut to Chelenalp hut – Leaving early from the hut, we will descend to reach the start of the Lochberg skin. From the summit, a variety of decent options exist for a 4200’ descent to the Goscheneralp dam. From here, we will skin up the valley to the Chelenalp hut for dinner and some rest. Stats – 7.5mi 4875’
Day 3 – Chelenalp hut to Steingetscher hotel – Today, we skin uphill directly from the hut, aiming for the Sustenlimi at 10098’. From here, it is possible to descend, but with the right conditions, we will opt to summit the Sustenhorn (11489’) and descend 5250’ to the hotel Steingetscher. Stats – 7.2mi 3780’
Day 4 – Steingetscher hotel to Sustli hut – Usually the most complex day of the tour. Today, we climb Ober Valley and eventually pass beneath the Fünf Fingerstock, pass through the Obertal Pass, and descend the Chli Sustli glacier before climbing to the Sustli Hut. Stats – 3.6mi 4698’
Day 5 – Sustli hut to Engelberg – Truly a highlight of the traverse, despite our time in the mountain coming to a close. We leave the hut and traverse up to the Stössensattel and then wrap around a glacier to the ridge on Grassen before the long and wild descent into the final valley that leads to Engelberg. Mostly north-facing, the final leg of our tour drops us over 6000+’ into Engelberg. Stats – 5.75mi 6026′
Trip Includes:
Not Included:
Red River Adventures will provide if needed:
A full equipment list will be emailed at time of reservation. Here’s a preview.
What you should pack:
