Urner Haute Route Ski Tour Overview

A high level traverse right in the middle of the Swiss Alps that connects two of the most famous freeride resorts in Switzerland. The Urner Haute Route, or high route, cuts a swath from Andermatt to Engleberg in central Switzerland, a ski region known for holding the most powder and deepest snow pack in all of the Alps. On the Urner Ski Tour we go from South to North which means we are ascending the South Slopes and descending to colder, more powder prone, North aspects.

Between three famous Swiss passes, The Gotthard, Oberalp an the Furka, this region of Switzerland has become know for perhaps some of the best ski touring and freeride skiing in Europe. Beginning in Andermatt, we visit four cozy high alpine Swiss huts along the way before finishing up in Engelberg, home to fantastic off-piste or freeride skiing. We build in an extra day in Engelberg for flexibility while on the tour so we can spend a day sampling some of the amazing lift-served backcountry ski descents that Engelberg has to offer. It also gives us some flexibility on the tour in case of inclement weather.

The Swiss huts on the Urner Haute route are cozy traditional affairs. some with amazing views. They provide all of our bedding, food and drinks allowing you to travel light across some the most spectacular ski touring terrain in Switzerland.

The Urner Haute Route ski tour is a great alternative to the more famous Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt for those looking for perhaps more challenging ski touring with less crowds. Or for those who have done an Alps ski tour or two and are looking for something different.

IAG’s IFMGA guide Paul Koubek leads most of the Urner Haute Route ski tours. Join us in March for this special Alps ski tour!

 
 
 
 
 
 

URNER HAUTE ROUTE SKI TOUR SKILL & EXPERIENCE LEVEL

For the Urner Haute Route ski tour we recommend expert skiers with previous multi night backcountry ski touring experience. You should be comfortable skiing double black diamond runs at a resort in any conditions including powder, crud, crust and hardpack. Excellent physical condition required.

URNER HAUTE ROUTE SKI TOUR GROUND TRANSPORTATION & LODGING

We will provide you with logistical support for travel to Andermatt from your airport (transfer not included). We run a mostly all-inclusive package trip for your convenience that includes all lodging, lift tickets and huts as well as most meals.

 

 

2025 URNER HAUTE ROUTE SKI TOUR DATES

March 7-14

Custom dates available for individuals and groups. We specialize in custom Alps ski trips. 

COST: $3100

INCLUDES

  • One day Lift ticket in Engelberg

  • Three nights 3-star hotel in double occupancy accommodations while in the town of Andermatt and 2 nights hotel in the town of Engelberg with breakfast included; One night prior to the tour and two nights afterwards.

  • Dormitory-style lodging at the mountain huts with breakfast, small pack lunch, and dinner included

  • Bus transfer from Engelberg to Andermatt

  • IFMGA certified ski guide and all the guide's expenses

 

Prefer a private trip? No problem at all. We specialize in designing custom trips for you or your group.
Contact us for a quote!

For more info on this trip please fill out the form below:

THE INTERNATIONAL ALPINE GUIDES DIFFERENCE

For over 40 years IAG/ASI team have been ski guiding in many of the great mountain ranges of the world. Founded by the Bela & Mimi Vadasz in 1979, we are one of America’s original ski gudsing companies bringing skiers to the Alps of Europe. As one of the most experienced American mountain guiding companies operating hut to hut ski tours & off piste skiing in the Alps of Europe we bring to you the highest standards in the mountain guiding industry. All of our ski guides operating in the Alps are Internationally certified IFMGA ski guides as required by law. Our extensive worldwide experience, adherence to the highest standards, as well as our approachable down to earth guiding philosophy all combine to give you, our valued guests, the best mountain experience possible.

All of our ski programs are developed and supervised by Internationally licensed IFMGA guide Dave Miller, our owner and technical director. Dave has a long skiing history in the European Alps spending part of his childhood living in Europe and having learned to ski there almost 50 years ago. Dave has over 12 years of experience ski guiding in the Alps including 16 Haute Route Ski Tours under his belt. We know the Alps!

URNER HAUTE ROUTE SKI TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1
Travel day to the small resort town of Engelberg, Switzerland. We will meet in the early evening at our hotel.

Day 2
Freeride day in Engelberg! (unless we use this day while on the tour). One of Europe’s best freeride (lift served backcountry) resorts we have many famous runs to choose from including the 6500 foot Galtiberg descent, the Laub and many more. We then enjoy a final apres ski party and dinner.

Day 3
We take an early morning train ride toi the quaint town of Realp where we embark on the Urner Haute Route. We ascend throughout to the Albert Heim hut with its expansive views where we spend the evening.

Day 4
Today is a bigger ski mountaineering day with the objective of climbing the Lochberg, possibly using boots crampons and ice axe. Once on the summit it is an over 4000 foot descent towards the Goshneralp dam and on to the Chelenalp hut for the night.

Day 5
Another bigger day with the biggest descents of the Urner Haute Route. We embark on a long climb up to the summit of the Sustenhorn. From there it’s a long 5,000 foot glacier descent down to the Steingletscher Hotel where we spend the night. A truly spectacular descent.

Day 6
Today we skin up to the Obertal Pass and then descend the Chli Sustli glacier. Then it’s another ascent to the Sustli Hut where we spend the evening.

Day 7
A mostly downhill day. Leaving the Sustli Hut we traverse up to the Stossensattel and on to the Grassen. Then it’s a 6,000 foot descent down the Furenalp, just up the valley from Engelberg. There we take a short bus ride to our hotel in Engelberg.

Day after the Urner Haute Route tour ends
Depart Engelberg

Urner Haute Route Ski Tour Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, group strength, and a myriad of other factors.

We also guide the classic Haute Route Ski Tour from Chamonix to Zermatt