Ski tour Arvigrat 2014 m
Contents
The Arvigrat is a varied ski tour on the border between Nidwalden and Obwalden. Thanks to the Wirzweli cable car, many vertical metres can be saved, resulting in a scenic, leisurely tour with a short ascent and a long descent.
The route leads across open slopes, sparse forests and the wide ridge of the Arvigrat summit. The long descent towards Kerns or Dallenwil is particularly fine. When snow conditions are good, it ranks among the most rewarding tours on the border between Nidwalden and Obwalden.
Tour information
Region: Wirzweli, Dallenwil
Category: Ski Touring
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆☆ (3/6)
Season: December – March
Ascent: 800 hm
Departure: 1450 hm
Start Wirzweli (1200 m above sea level)
Summit Arvigrat (2014 m a.s.l.)
Exposition: North-west / West
Highlights: Scenic border ridge, little ascent thanks to the mountain railway, long valley run and numerous variations.
Route description
The starting point is the top station of the Wirzweli cable car. From there, the route leads via Dürrenboden and broad slopes to the Arvigrat. The ascent is technically easy and offers magnificent views of the Central Swiss Alps.
The descent is either back to Wirzweli or – which is much more rewarding – down the wide north-western slopes to Kerns or Dallenwil. Depending on snow conditions, various options are available.
Highlights
- Ideal leisure tour with mountain railway assistance
- Wonderful view of Nidwalden and Obwalden
- Long valley run
- Various ascent and descent options
- Quiet touring area away from the major classics
Requirements
The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced ski tourers.
You should:
- be able to ski safely in deep snow
- mastering the first hairpin bends
- have experience with avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- have a normal baseline level of fitness for around 800 metres of ascent
Hazards
The route runs mostly through open terrain. Depending on the snow conditions, wind-slab and gliding snow can be an issue. The long valley descents require careful tour planning.
Out with a mountain guide
The Arvigrat is an ideal tour for anyone who wants to enjoy as many descent metres as possible with minimal ascent. As a local mountain guide, I know the various routes and will choose the finest line depending on the snow and avalanche conditions.
In good conditions, the tour can be brilliantly combined with a long descent to Kerns or Dallenwil.
Book this tour with a mountain guideFAQ
Can I ski down from the Arvigrat to Dallenwil?
Yes, but only rarely now. In recent years, the snow cover in the lower part has often no longer been sufficient. However, when there is enough snow, the valley run down to Dallenwil is one of the finest parts of the tour and is definitely recommended.
Is it worth turning off to Kerns?
Yes, absolutely. The long descent to Kerns is the highlight of the ski tour for many. Afterwards, you can get back to Stans station by bus or comfortably by a Nextbike hire bike.
Is it worth going down through the Heitletswald?
Probably not. The Heitletswald north of the Heitletsboden is very densely overgrown. The terrain is quite manageable as an ascent route, but there are much nicer options for the descent.
Is the cable car to the Miserengrat (Vorderegg) still in operation?
No. The former cable car to the Miserengrat (Vorderegg) has been out of service for many years.
Is the route from Vorder Rossboden easy?
No. The route via Vorder Rossboden is more demanding than it appears on the map. Depending on snow conditions and personal ability, short sections where you have to carry your skis are necessary. Anyone mainly looking for great descents is better off choosing the route with the long valley run down to Kerns – it is one of the finest options on the Arvigrat.
