Ski tour Chli Spannort 3140 m
Contents
The Chli Spannort is the wilder and more alpine alternative to the Gross Spannort. The striking rock towers dominate the upper Engelberg valley and offer an impressive ski mountaineering tour with a steep summit couloir, a secluded glacier landscape and a high-alpine atmosphere.
Unlike the Gross Spannort, the route does not lead over a rocky ridge, but rather through a narrow summit couloir directly to the highest point. The tour requires safe conditions, experience in glacier terrain and a liking for steeper high-altitude ski tours.
Tour information
Region: Engelberg, Spannort
Category: ski mountaineering tour
Difficulty: ★★★★☆☆ (4/6)
Season: January – April
Ascent: 2056 hm
Departure: 2056 hm
Start Fürenalp (1084 m above sea level)
Summit Chli Spannort (3140 m above sea level)
Exposition: North-West / North
Highlights: Steep summit couloir, impressive glacier landscape, seldom-climbed high-altitude ski tour and magnificent view of the Spannort group.
Route description
The ascent starts at Fürenalp and leads through the Spannorttal valley to the Spannorthütte SAC. From there, the route climbs via the Spannort glacier towards the summit.
The final metres of altitude run through the prominent summit couloir. Depending on the conditions, these are completed on skis or on foot with crampons. After reaching the summit, the descent follows the same route back down into the Engelberg valley.
Highlights
- Solitary high-altitude ski tour in the Spannort region
- Impressive summit couloir
- High alpine glacier landscape
- Great view of Gross Spannort and Titlis
- Challenging alternative to the Gross Spannort
Requirements
The ski tour to the Chli Spannort is aimed at experienced ski mountaineers.
You should:
- be able to ski safely in steep deep snow
- Bring glacier experience
- be able to walk safely in crampons
- have good kick-turn technique
- have a very good level of fitness for over 2,000 metres of elevation gain
Hazards
The tour leads over glaciated terrain with crevassed areas. The summit couloir is steep and prone to rockfall in unfavourable conditions. Safe snow conditions and careful tour planning are prerequisites.
Out with a mountain guide
The Chli Spannort is one of the most demanding high-altitude ski tours around Engelberg. As a local mountain guide, depending on the snow and glacier conditions, I choose the optimal route and decide whether the summit is to be climbed on skis or on foot.
Along the way you'll benefit from efficient rope handling, safe route selection and my many years of experience in the Spannort region.
Should I already be fully booked on your preferred date, I would be happy to organise a mountain guide from my personal network.
FAQ
Is the Chli Spannort more difficult than the Gross Spannort?
Yes. The Chli Spannort requires confident movement in the steep summit couloir and is generally climbed less frequently than the Gross Spannort.
Does one need crampons?
Yes. For the final ascent, crampons and an ice axe are part of the standard equipment.
Can the tour be done in a day?
Yes. Very fit alpinists can reach the summit as a day trip from the Fürenalp. However, the tour is more commonly done with an overnight stay in the Spannorthütte.
When are the best conditions?
Usually between January and April. The determining factors are safe avalanche conditions and a well-snowed-in summit couloir.
Similar tours
- Ski touring Gross Spannort
- Ski tour Gross Titlis
- Ski tour Titlis round tour
- Ski touring Reissend Nollen
- Urner Haute Route
- Gross Spannort Mountain Hike (Summer)
