Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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46.42000°N / 7.53000°E |
Route Type:
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Snow/Glacier |
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Time Required:
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One to two days |
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Difficulty:
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Easy |
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Approach
Wildstrubel is an excellent ski mountain with many different ascents and descents. Many variations are possible. I want to describe a tour that is recommended early spring. when the snow still reaches Kandersteg. Instead of sleeping at the Laemmern or Schwarenbach hut, sleep at the Hotel Wildstrubel on the Gemmi pass (2314 m). It can be reached from south (Valais) by means of a cable car or from Leukerbad (no descent possible) or from Kandersteg - Schwarenbach (see main page). From Schwarenbach climb to the Daubensee, a mile long lake, full of ski tracks for cross country skiers. From there a lift leads to the hotel. It is open only during ski and hiking season, but a small dorm is open all year around.
If you arrive too early on Gemmipass, climb the nearby Daubenhorn (2942 m) or just to the ski depot at 2850 m with an perfect view on the ildstrubel: an excellent preparation for the following day.
Daubensee were visited by Sherlock Holmes and Watson, when a rock broke lose. Holmes assumed an enemy attack.
Gemmi pass offers a wonderful view on the Alps of Valais (Monte Rosa, Matterhorn, etc.)
Route Description
From Gemmi pass glide easily and fast to the east slope of the Wildstrubel (cross country tracks). Now put the furs on your skis and just climb up the couloir directly showing to the Wildstrubel. Do not follow the track to the Laemmern hut, but leave it ca. 1 km to you right. Soon you will enter the tracks from that hut which follows the left (north) side of the Wildstrubel glacier. At ca. 3000 m you can chose which of the three peaks you want to climb.
Descent the same way, but at 2500 m keep left to the Laemmern hut. Enter the Laemmerental that leads up to a saddle at 2900 m. This route is known under the name of Roter Totz. The descent follows the Ueschinen valley and ends near Kandersteg at 1200 m.
Advantage of this route: ascent and descent touch different valleys but end where you started. Long descent of 2400 m.
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Essential Gear
Ski equipment, avalanche gear, no ropes. First slope early in the morning can be icy. Ideal in March.
Link for books and maps:
Literature and Maps
Books:
Alpine Skitouren: Waadt-Freiburg-Bern, Verlag Swiss Alpine Club, in French or German
Map Nr. 263 Ski: Wildstrubel 1:50'000