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Urner Alps Traverse: Chelenalp Hut to Steingetscher Hotel

A magnificent long glacial descent, with an optional high summit, the Sustenhorn (3502m).

Also in Uri, Switzerland

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
12 km
Ascent
1.2 km
Descent
1.7 km
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
1.9 km
High Point
3.5 km
Gradient
36˚
Urner Alps Traverse: Chelenalp Hut to Steingetscher Hotel Map

From the hut you are going straight up on S facing slopes. It is common to do this initially with either crampons on your feet or maybe ski crampons if skinning. The initial steepening eases, and you can continue more easily to the obvious col above, the Sustenlimi at 3078m. If people are tired or the weather is suboptimal you can ski down straight from here to the Steingletscher Hotel, but the obvious prize above is the Sustenhorn. You barely drop the far side of the col, before continuing up gentle slopes to the L of the Vorder Sustlimihorn peak above you. These steepen slightly in the mid section, but you can skin all the way to the summit at 3502m, with a wonderful view in all directions, particularly to the giants of the Bernese Oberland to the SW. Ski down following your ascent route, almost to the Sustenlimi, but then angle down to the R. You need to weave a complex line, avoiding the worst of the crevassed glacier, passing close to the toe of a large rocky buttress, at about 2950m. You are heading NW, N then NE underneath some picturesque seracs. The glacier steepens up again briefly, at about 2500m, before becoming more gentle again. The final difficulty is getting off the toe of the glacier at about 2200m. It is then very gentle past the Steinsee lake then down to the Steingletscher Hotel at 1850m, on the hairpin of the road leading to the Sustenpass.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between March and April

Features

  • Alpine
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Glacier kit

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area