Wendel Gap 2774 m
The Wendenlücke is one of the most popular short high-altitude ski tours and freeride destinations around Engelberg. With just around 260 vertical metres of ascent, it offers an impressive alpine tour that can be ideally combined with the mountain cable cars.
The striking rock pinnacle at the Wendenstafel is one of the region's best-known photographic subjects. Together with the varied descent to Lake Engstlensee and the magnificent views of the Titlis, the Wendenstöcke and the Bernese Alps, the Wendenlücke is one of the classic routes at the Jochpass.
Contents
Tour information
Region: Titlis, Engelberg
Category: ski mountaineering tour
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆☆ (3/6)
Season: December – April
Ascent: 260 hm
Departure: 950 hm
Start Jochpass (2564 m a.s.l.)
Summit Wendenlücke (2774 m above sea level)
Exposition: North-West
Highlights: Short ascent, prominent Wendenstafel, varied descent to Engstlensee, ideal for freeriders.
Route description
Starting point is the Jochpass top station. First, a short, steep slope is usually negotiated on foot. The route then leads across wide slopes and hollows with a comfortable gradient to the Wendenlücke or the Wendenstafel at 2,774 metres.
The view extends over the Titlis, the Wendenstöcke and the Bernese Alps. The subsequent descent leads via open northern slopes towards Engstlensee. Depending on snow conditions, various options are available. Due to the undulating terrain, good navigation skills are required.
Highlights
- One of the finest short freeride ascents around Engelberg
- Striking Wendenstafel as a landmark of the tour
- Long powder snow run down to Lake Engstlen
- Ideal in combination with the Titlis cable cars
- Often still good snow when other classic routes are already tracked out
Requirements
The Wendenlücke is suitable for good freeriders and ski tourers.
You should:
- be able to ski safely in deep snow
- Master hairpins
- manage short carrying sections with ease
- Have experience in alpine terrain
- to enjoy varied descents
Hazards
Navigation on the descent towards Engstlensee is not always straightforward. Especially in poor visibility, there is a risk of ending up in steeper or rock-strewn terrain.
As with any high-altitude ski tour, avalanche danger and snow conditions must be carefully assessed.
Out with a mountain guide
The Wendenlücke is ideal for freeriders who want to gain their first experience of short ascents. As a local mountain guide, I know the various routes around the Jochpass and am happy to combine the tour with further freeride descents depending on the conditions.
Along the way, you will receive tips on track laying, climbing technique and safe route selection in off-piste terrain.
FAQ
Is the Wendenlücke a ski tour or a freeride descent?
Both. Thanks to the mountain railways, the ascent is only around 260 vertical metres. This makes the tour an ideal combination of freeriding and ski touring.
Is the Wendenlücke suitable for beginners?
For good deep-snow skiers, yes. The ascent is easy, but the descent requires confident skiing in unpisted terrain.
What was the Hillary Step?
The short, steep «rise» in the first part of the ascent behind the Jochstock. A steep track or a short «bootpack» often awaits you there.
How long does the tour take?
Using mountain railways, the tour takes around two to three hours and is ideally suited as a half-day trip or in combination with other routes.
When is the best time of year?
The best conditions usually prevail between December and April.
Similar tours
If you like the Wendelücke, you might also be interested in these tours:
- Titlis round trip
- Gross Titlis
- Reissend Nollen
- Urner Haute Route
- Big 5 Freeride Engelberg
- Steintäli Freeride
