Some Sundays just line up. Fresh snow overnight, not a cloud in the sky, and a group of friends ready to go. That’s how it was on 1 February, when the Hiking Buddies and I set off from Realp to ski tour up the Rottällihorn (2914 m).
Starting in Realp
Realp sits at the top of the Urseren valley in canton Uri, close to the Furka Pass. It’s a small village, but it’s a great base for ski touring, with routes heading up into the mountains in several directions. We met there in the morning, clicked into our skis and started skinning up.
Fresh tracks and blue skies
The fresh snow made everything quiet and bright. As we climbed, the views kept opening up across the surrounding peaks, and the higher we got, the better they became. With blue skies the whole way, it was hard not to stop for photos every few minutes.
That’s the best part of touring with a group: you share the work of the climb, the laughs on the breaks, and the reward at the top.
The way down
After all that effort uphill, the descent in fresh snow was the payoff. It’s the moment every ski tourer looks forward to, and on a day like this it didn’t disappoint.
Tips if you want to try it
- Check the avalanche bulletin at slf.ch before you go, especially after fresh snow.
- Go with people who know the area, or with a guide if you’re new to touring.
- Carry the basics: avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, and know how to use them.
- Start early to make the most of the snow and the light.
A real Sunday. Can’t wait for the next one.