Ski tour Surenenpass – Eggenmandli 2447 m
Contents
The ski tour to the Surenen Pass is one of the finest spring tours around Engelberg. The long ascent through the Surenental leads through an impressive mountain landscape and ends at the historic crossing between Obwalden and Uri. Those who climb a little further will reach the Eggenmandli and be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Uri Alps.
The descent back to Engelberg offers wide slopes and enjoyable skiing terrain. Particularly rewarding, however, is the north-facing descent to Bristi in the canton of Uri – a long and varied valley run for good snow conditions.
Tour information
Region: Engelberg, Surenental
Category: Ski Touring
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆☆ (3/6)
Season: December – March
Ascent: 820 hm
Departure: 1400 m ascent
Start Fürenalp (1850 m above sea level)
Summit Eggenmandli (2447 m a.s.l.) / Surenen Pass (2291 m a.s.l.)
Exposition: South-East / South / West
Highlights: Historic Alpine pass, scenic summit, long descent to Engelberg or north-facing dream descent to Brüsti.
Route description
The starting point is the top station of the Fürenalp cable car. From there, the route initially leads down the valley through the wide Surenental. A pleasant incline leads to the historic Surenen Pass.
Those who wish to extend the tour can climb up to the Eggenmandli in just a few minutes. From there, an impressive panorama opens up over the Engelberg valley and the Uri Alps.
The descent is either via the ascent route back to Engelberg or – when conditions are safe – down the north face to Bristi in the Canton of Uri.
Highlights
- Historical transition between Engelberg and Uri
- Magnificent view from the Eggenmandli
- Long and scenically impressive tour
- Marvellous spring ski tour
- Departure to Bristi as an alpine alternative
Requirements
The tour is suitable for ski tourers with some initial experience.
You should:
- be able to ski safely in deep snow
- Master hairpins
- have a good basic level of fitness for around 800 metres of ascent
- have experience with avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
Hazards
The route is technically easy, yet avalanche risk and snow conditions must be carefully assessed. Particularly the descent to Bristi requires safe conditions and good orientation.
Out with a mountain guide
The ski tour to the Surenen Pass is ideally suited as a leisure tour or spring classic. As a local mountain guide, I decide depending on the snow and avalanche conditions whether the return journey to Engelberg or the impressive descent to Bristi is the better choice.
Along the way you receive tips on track laying, tour planning and avalanche assessment.
FAQ
Is the extra climb up to the Eggenmandli worth it?
Yes. The short detour takes only a few minutes and offers a much nicer view than the Surenen Pass itself.
Can you ski down to Brüsti?
Yes. In good snow conditions, the north-facing descent to Bristi is one of the finest variations of the tour.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. The route has no technical difficulties and is well suited for ski mountaineers with initial experience.
When is the best time of year?
The tour is usually undertaken between December and March. Especially in spring, the Surenental often offers excellent firn conditions.
The tour is usually undertaken between December and March. Especially in spring, the Surenental often offers excellent firn conditions.
Similar tours
- Walegg ski touring
- Ski tour Wissberg
- Zieblen Ski Tour
- Ski Touring Schafberg & Graustock
- Urner Haute Route
