Ski tour Brunni & Urirotstock 2952 m
Contents
The Brunni and Urirotstock are among the most impressive ski mountaineering tours in Central Switzerland. The striking peaks form the end of the Engelberg valley and inspire with long descents, a high alpine atmosphere and magnificent views over the Uri Alps.
The classic tour is usually carried out as a two-day trip with an overnight stay in the Rugghubel hut. Thanks to the Bannalp cable car, the crossing can also be done as a demanding day tour if conditions are good. In particular, the north-facing descent to St. Jakob is one of the finest powder snow descents in the region.
Tour information
Region: Engelberg, Bannalp / Uri
Category: ski mountaineering tour
Difficulty: ★★★★☆☆ (4/6)
Season: December – March
Ascent: 800 hm
Departure: 1,800 hm
Start Bannalp (1,700 m above sea level) or Rugghubelhütte SAC
Summit Brunnistock (2,952 m a.s.l.) / Urirotstock (2,928 m a.s.l.)
Exposition: South-West / North-East / North-West
Highlights: Two prominent three-thousanders, an impressive traverse, a long powder snow descent to St. Jakob and a magnificent view over the Uri Alps.
Route description
The classic route starts on the Bannalp and leads via the Rugghubel hut towards the Engelberger Lücke. From there, one climbs via the Schlosstocklücke to the Brunnistock and/or to the Urirotstock.
After ascending the summit, the impressive north-facing descent follows, passing the Gitschenhörelihütte down to St. Jakob im Isenthal. In safe conditions, this descent is among the finest in Central Switzerland.
As a day tour, the route can also be combined with the Bannalp cable cars.
Highlights
- Two impressive peaks on one tour
- One of the finest north-facing descents in Central Switzerland
- High Alpine atmosphere with very few people around
- Overnight stays possible at the Rugghubel hut
- Marvellous view over Engelberg and Uri
Requirements
The tour is aimed at experienced ski mountaineers.
You should:
- be able to ski safely in steep deep snow
- Bring experience on glaciers and in alpine terrain
- Being able to use crampons and ice axes safely
- have very good stamina for long touring days
- To enjoy challenging ski mountaineering tours
Hazards
The summit flanks are steep and frequently wind-scoured. Avalanche danger, hard snow conditions and changeable conditions demand careful tour planning.
The north-facing descent to St Jakob should only be undertaken when conditions are safe.
Out with a mountain guide
The Brunni- and Urirotstock belong to the most beautiful, but also more demanding ski mountaineering tours around Engelberg. As a mountain guide, depending on the snow and avalanche situation, I choose the ideal route and decide whether the traverse or a circular tour is the better choice.
Along the way you benefit from local experience, safe rope handling and an optimal line choice.
Should I already be fully booked on your preferred date, I would be happy to organise a mountain guide from my personal network.
FAQ
Are the Brunniplot and Urirotstock usually climbed together?
Not necessarily. That makes for a very long tour. The «large Bannalp circular tour» is usually done to the Brunnistock, where the skiing is better. The ridge on the Uri Rotstock is often blown bare and is not so well suited for skiing.
Is the tour possible as a day trip?
Yes. With the Bannalp cable cars, the tour can also be completed in one day under good conditions, although it is reserved for very fit ski tourers.
Is the descent to St Jakob difficult?
Yes. The north descent requires safe avalanche conditions as well as very good skiing ability, but is never exposed.
Similar tours
- Schlossberg ski tour
- Ski touring Gross Spannort
- Engelberger Haute Route ski tour
- Urner Haute Route
- Ski tour Chli Spannort
