Suburbs of Fletschorn - Easy Ski Tours in Simplon

A gentle approach to ski touring the Fletschorn Massif, between the Simplon and Saas valleys in the canton of Valais.

Francesco Sortino

Images

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Description

This collection of itineraries, never dull and always rewarding thanks to the surrounding environment offers you some of the most classic climbs in the presence of the imposing and legendary Fletschorn, a continuation of the Weissmies and Lagginhorn chain. We therefore collected classic itineraries such as the ascent to the Galehorn, with its characteristic antenna overlooking the wide peak, or the less known Schilthorn, often ignored because of the more famous and near Boshorn. The Simplon area allows you to find tracks for all tastes and abilities, offering always satisfying panoramas and glances over the majestic surrounding massifs.

The tracks presented here are characterised by the always excellent snow in both winter and spring, thanks for the optimal orientation of these mountains. A wide variety of options in the descent opens virtually infinite degrees of freedom by modifying the difficulty levels with just small deviations, between couloirs and short-steep-slopes, or alternating between comfortable and wider valleys or more scenic traverses.

These slopes are also frequented by chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) which, especially in the early hours of the morning, often meet in the more flat areas. Thanks to the repopulation of the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) started years ago it is also possible to make rare encounters with one of the symbols of the Alps.

Speaking of logistics, the always favorable exposure allows you to find good conditions even at times later than usual and in the town of Varzo, you can linger with taverns and small local food and wine companies to soothe the lephatics of these climbs.

An important factor before planning a trip in this area concerns the verification of the Swiss military exercises, which on some days prevent access to some ski routes. You can check the dates of the exercises by calling the Sempione Hostel (useful base for multi-day trips):

Phone +41 (0) 27 979 13 22 Fax +41 (0) 27 979 14 79 simplon@gsbernard.ch

Adventures

Madehorn

An all-season, all-challenges route.

Galehorn

A quick but not trivial adventure along steep slopes to a panoramic summit

Schilthorn

A panoramic tour at the foot of the Fletschorn