Ski tour · Jochstock · Jochgletscher · Steintal
Wendenlücke / Wendensattel – map, topos and route
A short ascent leads from Jochstock via the Wendenlücke into the Steintal valley. The name Wendensattel refers to the same pass. Despite the few meters of elevation gain, the tour is challenging: the access is steep, and on the other side, the right line must be found through a rocky terrain.
- Difficulty
- ZS · steep mountain pass
- Time required
- Approx. 1 hour of ascent from the Jochstock top station
- Ascent
- Approx. 260 m
- Descent
- Approx. 850–950 m · depending on the exit
- Start
- Jochstock chairlift top station · approx. 2,510 m
- Tour destination
- Wendensattel · approx. 2,775 m
- Aspect
- North-facing ascent · descent into Steintal
Times and elevation gain are approximate figures for the route described. Allow additional time for variants, lift rides and the return journey.
Understand the line
Map and Topos
The maps and topos show the approach, key passages and descents in context. Open the original images to read small labels and save the maps offline before your tour.
Interactive ski touring map
Open the full-size map on swisstopo ↗
The lines drawn show the terrain. Determine the exact route based on current snow conditions, closures, and protection zone regulations; use an up-to-date topographic map for navigation.
From the starting point to the destination
Route description
Jochstock top station – traverse
From the top station, traverse behind Jochstock. Follow the line on the map and topo carefully: Jochpass and Jochstock are different starting points.
Towards Jochgletscher
Ascend the steep approach, which exceeds 35° in places. Hard or icy snow may require ski crampons or an ascent on foot with suitable equipment.
Wendensattel
Continue through the upper terrain to Wendenlücke at around 2,775 m. Before descending, check the Steintal line and your planned exit against both the map and topo.
The return is part of the tour
Descent and variants
Descend through Steintal towards Engstlen. Rock steps and different exits require careful route finding; simply following someone else’s tracks is not enough. Coordinate your connection to the Engstlen lifts and return to Jochpass with lift operating hours. Cross the lake only on routes that are explicitly open and authorised.
What matters
Key points and planning
The descent is longer and more complex than the short ascent suggests. Safe passage depends strongly on snow cover and visibility. Conditions must be suitable both for the approach and for the rocky terrain in Steintal.
Check the avalanche bulletin and weather forecast for the relevant elevations and aspects. Plan your timing around snow conditions, warming and lift operating hours. Existing tracks do not replace your own assessment.
Appropriate to the route and the conditions
Equipment and requirements
- Touring skis with climbing skins and suitable ski crampons; confidence in operating your bindings.
- An avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel for each person, plus practised companion-rescue skills.
- An up-to-date offline map, navigation tools, first-aid kit, bivouac bag and adequate warm and weatherproof clothing.
- Confident off-piste skiing, fitness and sufficient reserves for the entire route.
- For hard or icy steep sections, plan to carry crampons and an ice axe; depending on the route, a helmet, harness and rope may also be needed for protection. You must be proficient in the techniques required.
Frequently asked questions
Are Wendenlücke and Wendensattel different passes?
In this route description, both names refer to the same pass above Steintal.
Do the 260 meters of elevation gain begin at the Jochpass?
This figure starts at the Jochstock chairlift top station at around 2,510 m. The ascent from Jochpass would be longer.
Traveling together
Wendenlücke / Wendensattel with a mountain guide
Would you like to take this guided tour? When planning, we adjust the destination, route, and pace to your experience and the current conditions. You can request your preferred date through the ski touring offer.
