Lenzerheide - Arosa - Tschiertschen - Ski Safari

Swiss Alpine Adventure Verified partner Explorers Choice
Author’s recommendation

Track types
Safety information
Even though the ski areas sell a ticket for this route none of the slopes are avalanche controlled. I have seen signs of previous avalanche activity every time I have done the tour and it should only be attempted in stable safe conditions by persons with at least some basic avalanche training and an ability to read a 1:25000 map. It goes without saying that this tour should not be attempted without at least an Avalanche Transceiver, Shovel and Probe being carried by each group member.Tips and hints
Start early, especially in March when the sun warms some of the slopes quite quickly.For more of our favourite tours remember to check out www.swissalpineadventure.com - tours.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From point 2775 decend South-Eastwards into the bowl south of Älplihorn passing just south of point 2553. (Upper section ~35deg) As you approach the valley floor turn the valley turns to the north and flattens off considerably. (Caution: there are very steep slopes above which have produced recent avalanches each time I've been there)
As you continue Northwards the terrain will eventually get a little steeper and drop you down to the valley floor just above Älplisee. At this point, depending on snow conditions and how many tracks there are in front of you, you may need to pole or skate to get past the lake. Snowboarders may need snowshoes at this point if there are no tracks infront of them.
Once past Älplisee traverse in a North-East direction roughly towards point 2229. From here you can descend the North East slope to one of the river crossings just west of the Hörnli valley station. (Once again you pass under some steep terrain on this leg which needs to be assessed for Avalanche Danger).
Take the lift to Hörnli and then descend into the Urden Valley just south of the lift station. Drop directly west and then slightly North to pass West of the Urdensee and directly past the Alp huts by Urder Augstberg. Just North of these huts there is a couloir (~30-35deg). Take this Couloir and keep going to the valley floor where you will eventually meet a road that you can ski until you join a piste at the Tschiertschen ski area. Follow this piste to the valley station in Tschiertschen.
In Tschiertschen take the Two seat lifts (Waldstafel and Hüenerchöpf), from Hüenerchöpf take the piste towards the Jochalp pull lift. At the top of the Jochalp lift follow the flat piste to the left towards the restaurant and then ski South Westwards towards Foppa.
At Foppa will join a hiking path and you may need to skate (snowboarders will need sticks or to walk) until the path gets once again steep enough to descend to the Parpan lift. (At Foppa it is also possible to walk westwards over a small hill and descend directly to Churwalden if there is enough snow).
Alternative Option from Tschiertschen. It is also possible to take the Gürgaletsch pull lift in Tschiertschen and then walk around Stelli to point 2369 where you can descend a west facing couloir (~40deg at the top) which will help avoid some skating to return to Parpan. This route should only be attempted with a guide or with experience in assessing the avalanche risk on the day.
There are alternatives for each section of this route. The freeride map may be your freind in giving you other ideas.
Note
Public transport
Lenzerheide is accessible by Post Auto from Chur. Buses leave every half hour at x:00 and x:30. You will want to get off the bus at the Stop "Rothorn Bahn".Getting there
Take the A3 to Chur, Exit Chur Sud/Lenzerheide and folllow signposts for Lenzerheide. Shortly after passing Valbella the car park for the Rothorn lift will be on the left hand side.Parking
Parking is available at the Rothorn valley station.Coordinates
Equipment
It is possible to do this tour without having to put skins on skis, however snowboarders will appreciate having at least telescopic poles if not snowshoes or a splitboard with them.Avalanche conditions
Statistics
- 3 Waypoints
- 3 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Photos from others