Engelberger Haute Route ski tour
Contents
The Engelberger Haute Route is one of the most impressive high-altitude ski tours in Central Switzerland. In two days, it links the most famous peaks and glaciers around Engelberg to create a varied crossing with a high-alpine character.
The first day leads from Klein Titlis via the Grassen to the Grassen Bivouac. The second day features the ascent of the Gross Spannort, before the long descent back to Engelberg forms the grand finale. Glaciers, ridges, easy climbing and fantastic descents make this route an unforgettable high-altitude ski touring experience.
Tour information
Region: Engelberg, Titlis
Category: ski mountaineering tour
Difficulty: ★★★★☆☆ (4/6)
Season: January – April
Ascent: 1,920 hm
Departure: 3740 hm
Start Little Titlis (3,028 m above sea level)
Goal: Engelberg (1084 m above sea level)
Exposition: North / North-West / South-East
Highlights: Two-day high-alpine ski tour with an overnight stay at the Grassen Bivouac, ascent of the Gross Spannort, impressive glacier landscapes and a long descent to Engelberg.
Route description
The tour starts on the Klein Titlis. Crossing the Wendelgletscher, the route leads to the Grassen and on to the Grassenbiwak, where the night is spent.
On the second day, the route leads over the Bärenzähnli and the Schlossberglücke to the Spannortjoch. After the ascent of the Gross Spannort, there is the long descent through the Spannorttal back to Engelberg.
The Engelberger Haute Route connects the most beautiful high-alpine landscapes around the Titlis and is one of the most varied ski mountaineering tours in the region.
Highlights
- The finest high-altitude ski tour around Engelberg
- Overnight stay in the legendary Grassen bivouac
- Ascent of the Gross Spannort
- Glaciers, ridges and easy climbing
- Over 3,700 vertical metres of descent in two days
Requirements
The Engelberger Haute Route is aimed at experienced ski mountaineers.
You should:
- be able to ski safely in deep snow
- Bring experience in glaciated terrain
- Being able to use crampons safely
- master easy climbing
- to have a very good level of fitness for two long days of touring
Hazards
The route leads through high-alpine terrain with glaciers, crevasse fields, steep slopes and short climbing passages. Safe avalanche conditions and experience in alpine terrain are prerequisites.
Out with a mountain guide
The Engelberger Haute Route is one of my absolute favourite tours. It combines almost all the scenic highlights around the Titlis into a unique ski mountaineering tour.
Thanks to my many years of experience in the field, we can flexibly adapt the route to current snow and glacier conditions. Along the way, you will benefit from efficient rope handling, local knowledge and a safe choice of route.
Should I already be fully booked on your preferred date, I would be happy to organise a mountain guide from my personal network.
FAQ
How many days does the Engelberg Haute Route take?
The classic route takes two days with an overnight stay at the Grassen bivouac.
Do you have to stay overnight at the Grassen Bivouac?
Yes. The bivouac is an important part of the tour and provides an ideal starting point for the second day of the trip.
Is the tour harder than the Urner Haute Route?
The Engelberger Haute Route is more technical and alpine. Glaciers, ridge sections and the ascent of the Gross Spannort require more alpine experience.
Do you need climbing experience?
Yes. On the Gross Spannort, easy climbing up to UIAA grade II is required.
Similar tours
- Ski touring Gross Spannort
- Ski tour Chli Spannort
- Ski tour Titlis round tour
- Urner Haute Route
- Ski tour Gross Titlis
