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Urner Haute Route

Andermatt - Engelberg

The Urner Haute Route is one of Switzerland’s finest ski traverses, combining spectacular mountain scenery, comfortable mountain huts and outstanding ski touring terrain.

Over five days we travel through the remote mountains between Andermatt and Engelberg, crossing glaciers, high alpine passes and some of the most rewarding ski terrain in the Central Alps. The route is often referred to as the “Skiers’ Haute Route” due to the consistently high quality of the skiing throughout the traverse.

Each day offers a unique combination of ski touring, alpine scenery and mountain hospitality, with overnight stays in traditional Swiss mountain huts located deep in the heart of the range.

Having guided the Urner Haute Route more than 35 times, we adapt the itinerary to current conditions while preserving the character that has made this route one of the classic ski touring journeys in the Alps.

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Program

The mountains between Andermatt and Engelberg offer a vast network of glaciers, alpine passes and ski touring objectives. Depending on weather, snow conditions and group ability, several route variations are possible.

Our objective is always to create the best possible traverse while preserving the character of the Urner Haute Route. The itinerary below describes the classic route.

We recommend arriving in Engelberg the day before departure. The tour finishes in Engelberg around lunchtime on the final day, allowing onward travel later the same afternoon.

DAY 1

Transfer from Engelberg to Realp. From the Furka Valley we begin our ascent towards Albert-Heim-Hütte (2,543 m), beautifully situated beneath the granite peaks surrounding the Furka Pass.

DAY 2

Crossing high alpine terrain, we ascend Lochberg (3,074 m) before enjoying a long descent towards Göscheneralpsee. Overnight at the remote and spectacular Chelenalphütte (2,350 m).

DAY 3

The highlight of the traverse. A magnificent ascent of Sustenhorn (3,505 m), one of the great ski touring peaks of the Central Alps, followed by a long glacier descent to Steingletscher. Overnight at Hotel Steingletscher.

DAY 4

Ascent of Fürfingersstock (2,993 m) and excellent skiing towards the historic Sustlihütte (2,257 m), located high above the Meiental Valley.

DAY 5

A final ascent of Grassen (2,946 m) before the classic descent back towards Engelberg, completing one of Switzerland’s most celebrated ski traverses.

Dates for season 2027

29/3 – 2/4, 5-9/4, 12 – 16/4

Note:

Please feel free to contact us about requests. Mars and April is good period of the season to do this tour.

Travel

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

Accommodation

Four nights in traditional Swiss mountain huts located deep in the heart of the Central Alps.

Level required

Participants should have previous off-piste and ski touring experience and be comfortable skiing in variable snow conditions.

A good level of fitness is required, with typical touring days involving 5–7 hours of movement and long alpine descents.

Group size

Maximum 6 guests per guide.

For larger groups, the tour is operated with two IFMGA Mountain Guides.

Individual skiers are welcome to join scheduled departures, subject to availability.

Duration

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

Season

Beginning of Mars – end of April.

Insurance

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

Price

CHF 1,500 per person

Included:

• 5 days of guided ski touring
• IFMGA Mountain Guide

Not Included:

• Travel to Engelberg and Realp
• Mountain hut accommodation (approximately CHF 350)
• Lunches and beverages
• Ski touring equipment
• Travel and rescue insurance

Urner Haute Route equipment list

Please contact us if you need to rent anything of the list below. Crampons, ice-axe, harness rent price: 25 CHF/piece

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

Other Equipment
  • Backpack 30-40 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