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Urner Alps Traverse: Albert Heim Hut to Chelenalp Hut

A variety of routes over a high pass to a N facing descent, then a long drag up to a remote hut.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
14 km
Ascent
1.5 km
Descent
1.7 km
Duration
7-8 hrs
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
3.1 km
Gradient
43˚
Urner Alps Traverse: Albert Heim Hut to Chelenalp Hut Map

From the Albert Heim Hut descend in an arc R-wards below the hut to about 2360m, before putting skins on. You are now heading N then NW to a col at 2852m called the Winterlucke. This is a reasonably steady climb, up to about 30 degrees. You have a couple of options here. For strong skiers, good snow and a stable snowpack you can descend directly the far side, though this is a lot steeper than the alternative, at 40-45 degrees, and it can be quite a rocky entry. Safer and perhaps more aesthetic is to put skis on your packs and crampon up to the top of the peak to your R, the Lochberg (3074m). It is a great ski down to the NE into the Alpigrensee, in the direction of the Goscheneralp reservoir. Exit the slopes R as you are heading for the dam wall, with a final steepening to get down onto the dam wall itself. Cross the dam and climb up about 100m the far side to gain the easy open bench above the steep ground next to the reservoir. You now need to head W for several kilometres above the reservoir, then up the valley floor beyond to about 2050m, before final steep slopes to the hut. This last climb is S facing late in the day, so it is best to stick to the rocks to avoid the soft snow, arriving at the Chelenalp Hut at 2350m. It has a very short spring season of having a guardian, so check your dates or carry food if only the winter room is open. For a slightly shorter day you can go over a pass further to the NE and miss out the peak- the Lochberglucke. It also misses out the technical ridge, but you always have the option of skiing down a little the far side then climbing the peak from the NE side.

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between March and April

Features

  • Bowl
  • Alpine
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area