A wilder, more demanding alternative to the classic Haute Route, through the remote Urner Alps from Andermatt to Engelberg.

The Urner Haute Route is a challenging and scenic multi-day ski traverse through the Urner Alps of central Switzerland, from Andermatt to Engelberg, with breathtaking views of peaks like the Dammastock and Sustenhorn. More remote and more demanding than the classic Haute Route, it is known for its technical ascents and descents.

Four skiing days with three hut nights on half-board. Advanced level — descents up to 40° and up to 1,400m of ascent per day, with moderate mountaineering skills.

The route works well because of the way the terrain we traverse: for most of the time we climb sun-exposed southerly slopes in the morning and ski north-facing snow on the way down. That is the reason the skiing here holds its quality so far into the season.

Itinerary

Day 1Realp → Albert Heim Hut
We start at Realp (1,538m), a few kilometres down the valley from Andermatt, with a transceiver check and a look over everyone’s kit. The climb is steady and unrelenting, taking us out of the valley and into properly alpine terrain on the slopes below the Schafberg (2,590m). A short descent and one last rise bring us to the hut. With energy left over, Chli Bielenhorn (2,940m) makes a good extension.
Overnight Albert Heim Hut (2,543m)
Day 2Winterlücke → Chelenalp
The day we go deep into the range. A short descent to begin, then the long pull to the Winterlücke (2,852m) and on to the summit of Lochberg (3,075m) — the finest viewpoint of the traverse. The descent towards the Chelenalp is steep in places and runs out at around 1,800m, after which the skins go back on for the climb to the hut. The Bergseehütte is the alternative for this night.
Overnight Chelenalphütte (2,350m)
Day 3Sustenlimi & Sustenhorn
For many the day of the trip. Across the broad Brunnenfirn to the Sustenlimi (3,078m), and if the weather and the snow allow, on to the highest point of the traverse — Sustenhorn (3,502m), or its neighbour Gwächtenhorn (3,420m). The reward for a 3,500m summit is a magnificent descent of the Steingletscher to the alpine hotel on the Susten pass road, closed to traffic through the winter.
Overnight Steingletscher Hotel (1,865m)
Day 4Fünffingerstöck → Engelberg
A last steady climb to the toothed ridge of the Fünffingerstöck (2,993m). From here, in good conditions, a superb steep descent towards the Wendengletscher, then a short ascent to the Grassen bivouac (2,647m). What follows is one of the longest descents in the Alps — close to two vertical kilometres down into the Engelberg valley, and the finale of the popular Titlis Rundtour as well.

Trip options

Five days via the Sustlihütte

After the night at Steingletscher we head for the beautifully placed Sustlihütte (2,257m) instead, adding a day to the traverse and leaving the Grassen descent into Engelberg for day five.

Over the Dammastock (3,630m)

Strong parties can extend the route over the highest peak in the Urner Alps. It reshapes the whole itinerary — nights at the Tierberglihütte or on the Dammagletscher — and asks for excellent technique on crevassed glacier terrain.

Starting from Göscheneralp

Rather than Realp, we start from the dam at Göscheneralp and cross to the Chelenalphütte on a longer first day, missing out the Albert Heim Hütte.

The Bergseehütte variant

On day two we head for the Bergseehütte (2,370m) rather than the Chelenalp, which opens up excellent alternative descents in the Göscheneralp valley.

Day tours from the huts

The terrain around every hut on the route gives good single-day skiing. Adding a day or two of touring on light packs extends the trip and lets you settle into the altitude without moving camp each morning.

Requirements & gear

Up to 1,400m of ascent per day carrying everything you need, with descents up to 40° in variable high-mountain snow. Advanced level — the traverse is generally reckoned harder than the classic Chamonix–Zermatt route. Alongside the skiing you need solid avalanche knowledge, the ability to read terrain, and the judgement to make decisions in complex alpine ground; moderate mountaineering skills (crampons and ice axe) are used most days.

Complete ski-touring kit
Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
Crampons
Ice axe
Harness
Ski crampons (harscheisen) — the mornings are often hard and icy
Glacier kit; rope and group equipment provided

Included

4 days guiding with an IFMGA mountain guide
3 overnights with half-board
Transfer of belongings from Andermatt to Engelberg
Group equipment

Not included

Transport to Andermatt and from Engelberg (the Swiss train system works like a charm)
Drinks, lunch and snacks
Insurance (accident, mountain rescue, travel, illness) is the participant’s responsibility — we recommend membership of the Swiss "Rega" rescue service.

Costs

Length	1 person	2 people	3 people	4 people	5 people
4 days	CHF 2,600	CHF 1,400CHF 2,800 total	CHF 1,000CHF 3,000 total	CHF 800CHF 3,200 total	CHF 680CHF 3,400 total
5 days	CHF 3,250	CHF 1,750CHF 3,500 total	CHF 1,250CHF 3,750 total	CHF 1,000CHF 4,000 total	CHF 850CHF 4,250 total
6 days	CHF 3,900	CHF 2,100CHF 4,200 total	CHF 1,500CHF 4,500 total	CHF 1,200CHF 4,800 total	CHF 1,020CHF 5,100 total
7 days	CHF 4,550	CHF 2,450CHF 4,900 total	CHF 1,750CHF 5,250 total	CHF 1,400CHF 5,600 total	CHF 1,190CHF 5,950 total

The trip is priced for the group; the figures show what each person pays at that party size. Ask about anything not listed.

Photos

Enquire about this trip

Chamonix → Zermatt

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Silvretta Traverse

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Urner Haute Route — Andermatt to Engelberg