Ski tour «Titlis Rundtour»
The Titlis round tour is one of the most spectacular high-alpine ski tours in Central Switzerland. It combines freeriding, ski touring and alpinism into a unique circular tour around the Titlis.
Short ascents alternate with long descents, glacier sections, couloirs and two short abseil points. At the end, a nearly 2,000-metre north-facing descent awaits back down to Engelberg – a fitting finale to one of the most varied ski tours in the region.
Contents
Tour information
Region: Titlis, Engelberg
Category: ski mountaineering tour
Difficulty: ★★★★☆☆ (4/6)
Season: December – April
Ascent: 600 hm
Departure: 2,000 hm
Start Little Titlis (3032 m above sea level)
Goal: Engelberg (1,053 m a.s.l.)
Exposition: South / North / East
Highlights: One of Engelberg's most spectacular high-alpine ski tours featuring a glacier crossing, two short abseil sections, steep couloirs and a descent of nearly 2,000 vertical metres all the way down to Engelberg.
Route description
We take the first cable car up to Klein Titlis. After a short climb we reach Gross Titlis and then descend via the south side towards Titlisjoch.
Via several steep couloirs and short abseil sections, we reach the Chli Glacier. The route then leads across the Wendel Glacier up to the Grassenbiwak.
Following a short break, the long final descent via the Steinberg or – depending on conditions – via one of the alternative routes leads back down to Engelberg.
The tour combines almost every type of terrain that Engelberg has to offer: freeride, glacier, ski touring, couloirs, abseiling and long powder snow descents.
Highlights
- One of Engelberg's most varied ski tours
- Round trip starting at Titlis and finishing in Engelberg
- Two spectacular abseils
- Magnificent glacier landscape
- Almost 2,000 vertical metres of descent
- combination of freeriding and ski mountaineering
Topos
Topo of the Titlis round tour with the first and second couloirs for abseiling.
Topo of the second couloir of the Titlis circular tour with the abseil points.
Requirements
The Titlis ski tour is aimed at experienced ski tourers and freeriders.
You should:
- ski safely in deep snow
- Master hairpins
- To have experience on glaciers
- know simple abseiling manoeuvres
- be sure-footed and not prone to vertigo
- master safe skiing in terrain up to 35° steep
Hazards
The tour leads through high-alpine terrain with glaciers, couloirs and steep slopes.
Avalanche danger, crevasse fields and snow conditions must be carefully assessed. The two abseil points and navigation in glaciated terrain require alpine experience.
Out with a mountain guide
The Titlis round tour is not a classic ski tour, but an alpine undertaking.
As a local mountain guide, I decide on the best line choice depending on the snow and avalanche conditions. Along the way, you benefit from local experience, efficient rope handling and safe route selection.
Should I already be fully booked, I would be happy to organise a mountain guide from my personal network upon request.
FAQ
Is the Titlis circular tour more difficult than the Big 5 freeride runs?
Yes. Alongside very good skiing, the tour requires experience on glaciers, in abseiling and in alpine terrain.
Do you need to know how to abseil?
Yes. When you are out and about yourself.
No. On a guided tour, that is organised and explained by the mountain guide. Basic knowledge is helpful, but not a requirement.
How long does the Titlis round trip take?
Depending on the conditions, the tour takes around 7 hours, of which about 2 hours are spent ascending.
Does one need crampons?
Yes and no. Crampons are only required if the route features hard firn conditions and/or icy patches.
Similar tours
If you like the Titlis circular tour, you might also be interested in these high-altitude ski tours:
