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Berner Oberland Haute Route

Grindelwald

The Berner Oberland offers some of the most spectacular ski touring terrain in the Alps. Vast glaciers, high alpine passes and legendary peaks create an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Bernese Alps.

This is big mountain ski touring at its finest. Travelling across the largest glacier system in the Alps, we move through an extraordinary landscape of ice, rock and snow surrounded by iconic summits such as Jungfrau, Mönch and Aletschhorn.

The combination of exceptional scenery, long glacier descents and classic mountain huts has made the Berner Oberland Haute Route one of the great ski touring traverses of the Alps.

Whether you are looking for a classic alpine journey, outstanding ski touring or simply wish to experience one of Europe’s most impressive mountain regions, the Berner Oberland delivers a truly memorable adventure.

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Program

The Berner Oberland offers some of the most remote and spectacular ski touring terrain in the Alps. Vast glaciers, isolated mountain huts and high alpine summits create a true wilderness experience in the heart of Switzerland.

The itinerary is always adapted to current weather, snow and glacier conditions. Several route variations are possible depending on the objectives and experience of the group.

The program below describes one of our favourite traverses through the less visited eastern part of the Jungfrau region.

Unlike many classic ski traverses, parts of this route involve unguarded mountain huts where simplicity and self-sufficiency are part of the experience. Firewood must be prepared, snow melted for water and meals carried in by the group, creating a genuine alpine expedition atmosphere.

DAY 1

From Grindelwald we take the train to Jungfraujoch before descending into the vast glacier landscape surrounding Eismeer. After crossing high alpine terrain, we continue towards Schreckhornhütte for our first night in the mountains.

DAY 2

A spectacular glacier journey towards Finsteraarjoch and Nass Strahlegg. Depending on conditions, several ski descents are possible before reaching Aarbiwak, one of the most remote mountain shelters in the Bernese Alps.

DAY 3

Ski touring beneath the immense north face of Schreckhorn towards Nässihorn (3,741 m). Overnight at Glecksteinhütte with magnificent views above the Grindelwald Valley.

DAY 4

A demanding and rewarding day crossing beneath Rosenhorn before descending towards Gaulihütte.

DAY 5

The traverse concludes with one of several possible descents towards Rosenlaui or Guttannen, bringing an end to an unforgettable journey through the glaciers of the Berner Oberland.

Dates for season 2027

Please contact us for info!

Note:

Please feel free to contact us about requests. Mid April to mid May is good period of the season to this tour.

Travel

Flights to Zürich and train transportation to Grindelwald are not included.

Accommodation

Four nights in mountain huts, including remote and unguarded alpine shelters.

Level required

This program is intended for experienced ski tourers with solid off-piste skiing skills.

Participants should be comfortable skiing slopes up to 40 degrees in a variety of snow conditions and capable of ascending more than 1,400 vertical metres per day.

Previous experience of glacier travel is required. Familiarity with crampons, ice axe and basic rope work is highly recommended.

The ability to travel efficiently in steep terrain, perform kick turns confidently and contribute positively to group decision-making and hut life is essential.

This is a demanding ski touring expedition designed for motivated and experienced mountain skiers.

Group size

Maximum 6 guests per guide.

Larger groups are operated with two IFMGA Mountain Guides.

Duration

• 5 days of ski touring
• 4 nights in mountain huts

Season

Mid April – mid May.

Insurance

Participants are responsible for arranging appropriate travel, accident and rescue insurance.

Price

Custom departures from CHF 1,900 per person.

Pricing depends on group size and chosen itinerary.

Included:

• 5 days of guided ski touring
• IFMGA Mountain Guide

Not Included:

• Travel to Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch
• Mountain hut accommodation
• Ski touring equipment
• Travel and rescue insurance

Into the wild equipment list

Please contact us if you need to rent anything of the list below.

Technical Equipment
  • Ski-touring equipment; skis, skins, ski-crampons, poles, ski-touring boots
  • Transceiver, probe, showel
  • Crampons, harness, ice-axe

Other Equipment
  • Backpack 35-40 liters
  • Headlamp
  • Warm hat & sunhat
  • Warm jacket
  • Underlayer, mid layer, extra socks
  • Jacket (wind and waterproof)
  • Trousers (wind and waterproof)
  • Thin and warm gloves
  • Ski-googles and sunglasses

  • Water bottle 1 liter
  • Thermos
  • Snacks, Bars
  • Blister kit & painkillers: Including Compeed blister plasters and elastoplast or similar
  • Sunscreen
  • Earplugs: If you sleep together in the dormitory at the mountain station and there is a lot of movement.
  • Sleeping sheet for the huts