(MS)
The ascent from Realp through the Witenwasseren valley is the standard route to the hut in winter. It is relatively save from avalanches with only a moderate gradient in altitude (31/2 -4 hours, 1040 m ascent).From Realp through the Witenwasseren valley in direction to Oberstafel. From 'Hintere Schweig' a relatively avalanche-safe path is marked with 33 poles. A sketch of the winter ascent incuding the azimuths is found here and a GPS tracklog and maps here. Less strenuous ascent through the lonely Witenwasserental (lonely at least in winter). Route 13 of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).
(GS)
More strenuous alternative to the ascent through the Witenwasseren valley. Needs more favorable conditions than the marked path to the hut (5-51/2 hours, 1380 m ascent, 440 m descent)From Realp through the Witenwasseren valley in direction to Oberstafel. From 'Hintere Schweig' a relatively avalanche-safe path is marked with 33 poles. Near "Ober Chäseren", after pole no.20 leave the normal route and turn to the right ascending the Stelliboden (Pt. 2209). In south-western direction - across slopes of moderate steepness, passing Pt. 2560 - ascend the NE ridge of the Rottällihorn which is reached a short way above Pt. 2821. Now on the rock-covered ridge to the summit either with or without skis. From the summit of Rottällihorn descend to the Rottälli pass and from there on foot (or in very good conditions also with ski) across the NE ridge to the Stellibodenhorn. From the Stellibodenhorn back to the Rottälli pass and directly to the hut.
(GAS)
Very beautiful, but quite long tour. (7-71/2 hours, 1900 m ascent, 2080 m descent form the Gemsstock; from the Gotthard Hospice: 4-5 hours, 1400 m ascent, 750 m descent)From the Gemsstock (2961,3 m) ski down to the Schwarzbachfirn and - after re-ascending around 60 m to the Gafallenlücke (2829 m) - down to the 'Guspis'. Passing the Chrummegg ascend to the south to the Gloggentürmli (2692 m). Ski down across the Alpe della Prosa to the concrete dam of the Sella lake and follow the road to the Gotthard pass (2091 m). The Gotthard pass can also be reached by bus or car if the pass road is opened again in the early summer (end of may or beginning of june, depending on the amount of snow left from winter). From the Gotthard pass follow the small valley of the Ri della Valetta to Pt. 2255 and continue to Pt. 2386. Continue in southwestern direction up to the Valletalücke (Pt. 2643). Descend westward steeply (35°) to a small lake (2480 m). Ascend the broad crest of Pizzo Lucendro (2962 m) by heading at first to the west then in south-western direction to the summit where the last few meters have to be gone on foot. From the ski depot descend north to a gap south of pt. 2853 m. To the west - through the couloir - and the following wide slopes ski down to pt. 2370 m and to Oberstafel (2220,5 m), where the last 3/4 hours ascent to the hut is marked with poles.
In the summit slope of the Pizzo Lucendro
(GAS)
Worthwile, less frequented access to the Rotondo hut. Recommended only at avalanche-save conditions (of the Motto Bartola: 5-51/2 h, 1780 m ascent, 750 m descend). Combination of the routes 445a and 189d of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).From Airolo (1141 m) on the Gotthard pass road to Motto Bartola (1527 m, parking lot). Continue on the road up to a large curve supported by pillars above the village of Fontana. Beyond the curve the road will soon be left in NW direction towards Rosso di Fuori (2128 m). Continue this direction first on flat ground, then steeply up to Pt. 2430. Turn westward and climb parallel to the Cresta del Poncionetto to the glacier through a series of beautiful basins. Continue to the summit on the snow ridge, either on skis or by carrying the skis on the rucksack. Descend from the ski depot to the north into a gap south of point 2853 m. Descend westward through the couloir and the following wide slopes down to Pt. 2370 m and down to Oberstafel (2220,5 m), where the last 3/4 hours ascent to the hut is marked with poles.
(SGAS)
Less frequented, steep route, nevertheless very worthwile. Recommended only at avalanche-save conditions. (6-7 hours, 1950 m ascent, 750 m descend). Combination of the routes 445b and 189d of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).From Villa-Bedretto (1362m, bus stop) to Orello where the Ri di Cavanna is crossed climb to Nostengo (1421 m) and Carniscio. Now very steep and strenuous in north-eastern direction to Cantina (1773 m), where the terrain reclines again. Turn north, later north-east, to Rosso di dentro (2090 m) and to Rosso di fuori. Continue steeply up to Pt. 2430. Turn westward and climb - parallel to the Cresta del Poncionetto - to the glacier through a series of beautiful basins. Continue to the summit on the snow ridge, either on skis or by carrying the skis on the rucksack. Descend from the ski depot to the north to the gap south of point 2853 m. Descend westward through the couloir and the following wide slopes down to Pt. 2370 m and down to Oberstafel (2220,5 m), where the last 3/4 hours ascent to the hut is marked with poles.
(GAS)
Interesting route through a high-alpine scenery crossing a pass between the Tessin and the canton of Uri . Beautiful tour even if Pizzo Rotondo is not climbed (4 hours, 900 m ascent, 350 m descend) .Climb from the Capanna Piansecco on an wide crest towards the south-west spur of the Chüebodenhorn. Below this spur ascend steeply to north-east and climb towards the Passo di Rotondo (Pt. 2764). From the Passo di Rotondo the summit of Pizzo Rotondo can be climbed on the route described farther back (description of route) . Descend in northern direction traversing below the north west spur of the Pizzo Rotondo and on a gentle slope climb back to the Witenwasseren pass (2819 m). Ski down from the Witenwasseren pass across the Witenwasseren glacier and down to the hut .
(MAS)
A relatively simple traverse from the Hotel Tiefenbach to the Rotondo hut (5 hours, 1100 m ascent, 650 m descent).From the Hotel Tiefenbach (2106 m) move up the pass road to the Furka pass (2431 m) and traverse the rather steep NE flank of the Blauberg, across points 2552, 2621 and 2650 to the ridge between point 2808 and 2745. From there descend to the Mutten glacier and follow it up to the Leckipass (Pt. 2892). Now ski down directly to the hut.
(MAS)
A worthwhile possibility to get to the Rotondo hut from the Hotel Tiefenbach. More strenuous and definitely longer than the aforementioned route (6-7 hours, 1350 m ascent, 950 m descent). Combination of the routes 196d and 196b of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).Ascend from the Hotel Tiefenbach (2106 m) on the pass road to the top of the pass (2431 m). From the pass (2431 m) continue south-west, later in southern direction on a small road crossing the steep rock slope of the Blauberg and the Griegufergrat until Pt. 2494 in the valley of the Mutten glacier is reached. On hard snow this passage can be quite delicate and challenging. On the wide and moderately steep valley bottom up to the Mutt glacier and to the western summit ridge (attention: bergschrund). Leave you skis at Pt. 3005 and go to the summit. Descend on the south ridge into the gap between the Gross Muttenhorn and Pt. 2983 of the Chli Muttenhorn. From there across a nameless glacier down to the Mutten glacier (crevasses !). The Mutten glacier is reached at about 2500 m, from where the Leckipass (Pt. 2892) is climbed. Ski down from the Leckipass directly to the hut.
(GAS)
Significant summit with a high alpine touch (750 m ascent and descent, 5 hours). Route 195 of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).Turn east at the Rotondo hut (2571 m) across the Witenwasseren glacier to the Witenwasseren pass (2819 m). Now descend approximately 60 meters and move around the SW ridge of the Witenwasserenstock across the terrace of the Geren glacier to the shoulder at Pt. 2775. Descend to the foot of the western rock ridge of Pizzo Rotondo, turn around it and climb up to the Passo di Rotondo until Pt. 2764 (this point is also reached from the Capanna Piansecco, see route description here). Climb north-west of the canton border across the wide slope below a significant red wall, where the skis are deposited. Without skis through the steep couloir to the summit. Here using the rope can be recommended. Return to the hut on the same route.
(GAS)
worthwhile summit with high-alpine touch, a lot easier than Pizzo Rotondo, with a fantastic view (650 m ascent and descent, 4 hours)Turn east at the Rotondo hut (2571 m) across the Witenwasseren glacier to the Witenwasseren pass (2819 m). Now descend approximately 60 meters and move around the SW ridge of the Witenwasserenstock across the terrace of the Geren glacier to the shoulder at Pt. 2775. Again slightly downwards to the foot of the western rock ridge of Pizzo Rotondo. Traverse at practically the same altitude around the western ridge of the Chüebodenhorn. From there climb up to the canton border and to the summit. Return to the hut on the same route.
(MS)
Short ski route to the mountain next to the Rotondo hut (500 m ascent and descent), 2 hours incl. return to the hut)From the Rotondo hut turn south into a saddle 200 m south of the Leckipass (2892 m). From this small pass climb the north ridge of the Gross Leckihorn to the summit cross, depending on conditions with ski or on foot. On the same way back to the hut.
(GAS)
From the Rotondo hut Pizzo Lucendro forms a perfect pyramid - a challenging ski route with very beautiful descent the north side (the descent along the ascent route is somewhat easier). However, this tour requires favorable snow conditions (700 m ascent, 300 m descent, 21/2 -3 hours; including the return to the hut 1000 m ascent and descent, 41/2 - 5 hours). Route 189d of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).Ski down from the Rotondo hut to the upper end of the Witenwasseren valley (to approx. 2260 m). Now up the NW slope of Pizzo Lucendro to the gap south of Pt. 2853. Beyond the gap move south on the Ghiacciaio di Lucendro until you reach the ski depot on the east ridge. Then without skis to the summit. Descend along the ascent track or to Ronco. (description of route to Ronco). GPS track-log and maps here.
(GAS)
recommendable ski route with magnificent view on the Goms and the Bernese alps (31/2 hours, 900 m ascent and 300 m descent to reach the summit; 5 hours and 1200 m ascent and descent, if you return to the hut). Route 196a of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).From the Rotondo hut to the Leckipass (Pt. 2892). Descend to the Mutten glacier to approx. 2500 m. Climb towards the Muttenhorn NE ridge, first on the wide slopes, then parallely to the ridge on the glacier slope (crevasses) into the gap (approx. 2940 m) between Pt. 2983 of the Chli Muttenhorn and the Gross Muttenhorn. Leave the skis and proceed on foot to the highest point. Descend on the ascent path or descend to Realp across the Stotzigen First (description of route) . GPS track-log and maps here.
(MS)
Worthwhile route to the point where the cantons Uri, Tessin and Wallis meet, and which also marks a watershed from which the water flows into three seas (600 m ascent and descent incl. return to the hut, 2 hours up to the west summit Pt. 3025,0 m)Climb from the Rotondo hut on the Witenwasseren glacier in direction to the Witenwasseren pass. Traverse below the Witenwasserenstock to the south-east and climb up to the NE ridge, which is reached between the points 2908 and 3025 near two old military huts. Now follow the ridge to the main summit, Pt. 3082 m, (attention: cornices), first with skis later without. Return to the hut on the ascent way, or rappel down 20 m from a small gap west of the east summit (chain) and descend via the Pizzo Pesciora in the Bedretto valley (route description). GPS track-log and maps here.
(MS)
Relatively simple and short ski route with interesting view into the Bedrettotal. Descending from the summit to Oberstafel this is an ideal start to climb Pizzo Lucendro (route description) (500 m ascent and descend with return to the hut)Climb from the Rotondo hut on the Witenwasseren glacier in direction to the Witenwasseren pass. Traverse south-east below the Witenwasserenstock and climb up to the Hüenerstock. From the Hüenerstock descend either following the ascent track to the hut or ski down in eastern direction to Oberstafel.
(MS)
Shorter ski tour leading on top of two almost 3000 meter peaks behind the hut (3 hours with return to the hut, 400 m ascent and descent)From the Rotondo hut along the Rottälligrat in south-western direction to the Leckipass. Before the Leckipass is reached, turn right to the Rottällipass (approx. 2900 m) and then south-west to the summit of the Stellibodenhorn (2988 m). Go back to the Rottällipass and climb the Rottällihorn (2910,5 m). From the Rottällipass descend to the hut following the ascend way.
(MS)
Worthwhile ski route through the Muttental. Due to the north orientation one can expect good snow conditions even in springtime. (5 hours with return to the hut, 1000 m ascent and descend).From the Rotondo hut along the Rottälligrat in south-western direction to the Leckipass. Before the Leckipass is reached, turn right to the Rottällipass (approx. 2900 m). Continue to the Rottällihorn (2910,5 m). From the Rottällihorn descend through the NE flank on the Stellibodenalp (Pt 2209). Climb the upper part of the ridge on foot if avalanche conditions are not favorable. From the Stellibodenalp (Pt 2209) either descend and climb up again to the normal path along the poles or climb back along the descend route to the Rottällihorn and from there to the Rotondo hut.
On the Summit of the Grosses Leckihorn
(MS)
A delightful tour with excellent view and ideal ski slopes (5-6 hours to Realp, 700 m ascent, 1900 m descent Routes 196a, 196b and 196c of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).Climb from the Rotondo hut the Leckipass (Pt. 2892). From here the Gross Leckihorn ( 3065,3 m) can be climbed across the north-ridge in 1/2 hours. Descend to the Mutten glacier to an altitude of approx. 2400 m. From there move up into the small valley, which leads to Pt. 2562, later turn in north-eastern direction to Pt. 2616 (be careful where you lay the track if the conditions are not avalanche-save). Continue on the large terrace below the Stotzigen First. From here you have two options. Option one (recommended): Go on in direction to Schattmigen First and continue into the saddle between the points 2690 and 2747 and from there ascend to point 2747. From point 2747 (the summit) descend to Realp. Option two (easier, and without climbing the summit 2747 m): Go to Pt. 2285,5, and ski down on ideal slopes to Realp. From point 2747 the actual summit (Pt. 2752,3) can be reached on foot. It also includes a short and relatively easy rock climbing part. GPS track-log and maps here.
(MS)
The descent from the Stellibodenhorn is well known for its powder snow (or at least good snow conditions) even late in the season due to its north-sided slopes (1 1/2 hours and 400 m ascent up to the summit , 1 1/2 hours and 1500 m descent from the summit to Realp). Route 194a of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).From the Rotondo hut along the Rottälligrat in south-western direction to the Leckipass. Before the Leckipass is reached, turn right to the Rottälli pass (approx. 2900 m) and then south-west to the summit of the Stellibodenhorn (2988 m). Descend northwest from the Rottälli pass across a nameless glacier (crevasses). Keep right and move around the rocky ridge of the Rottällihorns. Ski towards Pt. 2565 and from there to the Stelliboden and Stellibodenalp (Pt 2209). Continue to Ober Chäseren and finally to Realp.
(MS)
The descent from the Rottällihorn is also well known for its powder snow (or at least good snow conditions) even late in the season due to its north-sided slopes (1 1/2 hours and 400 m ascent up to the summit , 1 1/2 hours and 1500 m descent from the summit to Realp).From the Rotondo hut along the Rottälligrat in south-western direction to the Leckipass. Before the Leckipass is reached, turn right to the Rottälli pass (approx. 2900 m). Continue to the Rottällihorn (2910,5 m). From the Rottällihorn descend via the NE flank ton the Stellibodenalp (Pt 2209). Climb the upper part of the ridge on foot if avalanche conditions are not favorable. From the Stellibodenalp (Pt 2209) continue to Ober Chäseren and finally to Realp. GPS tracklog and maps here.
(GAS)
wonderful tour from the Rotondo hut in the Tessin. (600 m ascent, 1600 m descent, 2 1/2 hours up to the summit, 4 hours until Ronco). Routes 444a and 444b of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).From the Rotondo hut (2571 m) across the Witenwasseren glacier to the Witenwasseren pass (2819 m). Descend approximately 60 meters around the SW ridge of the Witenwasserenstock and climb up again to the Passo dei Sabbioni. This point is also reached by rappelling down from the Witenwasserenstock (route description). Now - without skis - climb up a steep of snow field on the north side of Pizzo Pesciora, until to the ridge between the Gerenhorn (3078 m) and Pizzo Pesciora (3122 m). Leave the skis on the ridge and continue on the SW ridge to the summit. Descend from the ski depot in direction Loeite dei Piani (approx. 2100 m) and further to point 1867. From there, on the trail, descend to Ronco (bus stop). The part from Pt. 1867 needs a good snow cover to be done with skis, but it also is easily done on foot.
The Pizzo Rotondo from the Chüebodenhorn
(GAS)
worthwhile tour into the Tessin with the possibility to climb the significant Pizzo Rotondo with its high-alpine touch (750 m ascent, 1500 m descent, 5 hours). Routes 195 and 443 of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).Turn east at the Rotondo hut (2571 m) across the Witenwasseren glacier to the Witenwasseren pass (2819 m). Now descend approximately 60 meters and move around the SW ridge of the Witenwasserenstock across the terrace of the Geren glacier to the shoulder at Pt. 2775. Descend to the foot of the western rock ridge of Pizzo Rotondo, turn around it and climb up to the Passo di Rotondo until Pt. 2764 (this point is also reached from the Capanna Piansecco, see the route description here). Climb northwest of the canton border across the wide slope below a significant red wall, where the skis are deposited. Without skis through the steep couloir to the summit. Here using the rope can be recommended. Descend from the ski depot passing the Alpe Nuova to approx. 2350 m, from there traverse rather delicately below the ridge of the Chüebodenhorn (Pt. 2349) in direction to the Capanna Piansecco. From the Capanna Piansecco descend through a steep basin, which leads to All' Acqua.
(GAS)
worthwhile tranverse into the Tessin, fantastic view to the Bedretto valley and the surrounding mountains, easier than the route across Pizzo Rotondo (650 m ascent, 1400 descent, 4 hours)Turn east at the Rotondo hut (2571 m) across the Witenwasseren glacier to the Witenwasseren pass (2819 m). Now descend approximately 60 meters and move around the SW ridge of the Witenwasserenstock across the terrace of the Geren glacier to the shoulder at Pt. 2775. Descend to the foot of the western rock ridge of Pizzo Rotondo. Move around the west ridge of the Chüebodenhorn. From there climb up to the canton border and on to the summit. From the summit descend to the Gerenpass, then continue southwards to Capanna Piansecco and further through a steep basin, which leads to All' Acqua.
(GAS)
Interesting and worthwhile route to the Tessin. (4-41/2 hours, 900 m ascent, 1800 m descent)Ski down from the Rotondo to the upper end of the Witenwasseren valley (to approx. 2260 m). Now up the NW slope of Pizzo Lucendro to the gap south of Pt. 2853. Beyond the gap on the Ghiacciaio di Lucendro move to the south until you reach the ski depot on the east ridge. Climb the summit without skis. Descend north of the ski depot trough the basin of the Cresta del Poncionetto to Rosso di Fuori. Continue to the Gotthard pass road to Motto Bartola and Airolo (railway station).
(GAS)
A challenging ski tour if you also climb Pizzo Rotondo - a lot easier without it (without Pizzo Rotondo: 330 m ascent, 900 m descent, 2 1/2 -3 hours, including Rotondo: 500 m ascent, 1100 m descent, 3-3 1/2 hours)From the Rotondo hut (2571 m) across the Witenwasseren glacier to the Witenwasseren pass (2819 m). Now descend approximately 60 meters of altitude moving around the SW ridge of the Witenwasserenstock. Traverse across the terrace of the Geren glacier reaching the shoulder east of Pt. 2775. Then again ski slightly downwards to the foot of the western rock ridge of Pizzo Rotondo and around it to the Passo di Rotond at pt. 2764 (this point can also be reached from the Capanna Piansecco, see the route description here). Move up to the north-west along the border of the canton across a wide slope until you reach a significant piece of red wall, where the skis are deposited. Climb up the steep couloir on to the summit. Using the rope might be recommended. The descent leads down from the ski depot across the Alpe Nuova to approx. 2350 m. A rather delicate traverse below the ridge of the Chüenbodenhorn (Pt. 2349) finally leads you to the Capanna Piansecco.
(MAS)
Relatively easy route from the Rotondo hut to the Hotel Tiefenbach (4 hours, 650 m ascent, 1100 m descend). Route 198 of the SAC Skitourenführer Zentralschweiz-Tessin (1993).Ascend from the Rotondo hut to the Leckipass (Pt. 2892) and ski down to the Mutten glacier to approx. 2400 m. Climb up again to the 'Deieren Aelpetli' and on to the ridge which is reached between the points 2808 and 2641. Now ski down to the Furkapass across the little lakes at pt. 2650 and 2641 and along the rather steep NE flank of the Blauberg. From there to the Furka Pass 2429 and down on the pass road to the Hotel Tiefenbach 2106m.
Basically all routes described here are also possible using Telemark skis. However there are some parts on these tours where the perfect control of this technique is essential. For telemarking we particularly recommended the normal ascent from Realp and the descent across Leckipass and Stotzigen First back to Realp, whereas the ascent up to the Oberstafel is faster and easier using waxed skis without climbing skins. For the other ascents skins are the better choice. More about telemark skiing you'll find here: www.telemark.ch.