Haute Route Berner Oberland West

Die Skihochtour in der wilden und ruhigen Landschaft

Haute Route Bernese Oberland West – A High Alpine Ski Touring Adventure

This spectacular ski traverse through the western Bernese Oberland takes you across dramatic glacier landscapes, majestic peaks, and cozy mountain huts. With daily ascents of up to 1,400 vertical meters, the tour is perfect for ambitious ski tourers with solid fitness and some alpine experience. Depending on snow and weather conditions, the route can be adjusted or extended flexibly.

Starting point: Gstaad (individual arrival the evening before, overnight stay in a hotel)
Meeting point: Bottom station of the Glacier 3000 cable car on the first touring day

Dates & PricesRoute & ReqirementsImportant InfosMaterial

Included in the Price:
Organization, guiding, guide’s expenses

Not Included in the Price:
Rental equipment, travel to/from meeting point, accommodation in mountain huts, food and beverages in huts, transport and lift costs

For private groups, we are happy to provide a customized offer.

5 Days – 4 Nights in Mountain Huts – Peaceful Alpine Wilderness

Day 1: Glacier Warm-Up with a View – Arpelistock (3,035 m)

Our tour begins in style: we take the Glacier 3000 cable car up to a high plateau. After a first glacier descent, we climb via Col du Sanetsch and the Arête de l’Arpille to the panoramic summit of Arpelistock. A scenic descent leads us to the Geltenhütte.
Highlight: Stunning 360° views from the Arpelistock summit
Elevation: approx. 900 m ascent, 1,700 m descent

Day 2: Classic Glacier Scenery – Wildhorn (3,248 m)

A steady climb over gentle glacier slopes brings us to the Wildhorn. From the summit, breathtaking views over the Valais and Bernese Alps await. A long descent to the Wildhornhütte makes for a rewarding day.
Highlight: Iconic summit with incredible alpine views
Elevation: approx. 1,400 m ascent, 1,100 m descent

Day 3: From Valley to Valley – Schnidehorn

From the Schnidejoch we ascend the distinctively shaped Schnidehorn. A varied descent into the valley follows. Depending on time and energy, an additional summit is possible before climbing to the beautifully located Wildstrubelhütte — perfect for rest and mountain hut ambiance.
Highlight: A modern hut in a spectacular setting
Elevation: approx. 1,150 m ascent, 700 m descent

Day 4: Summit Traverse – Wildstrubel (3,244 m)

The day starts with a short ascent to a remote military installation, followed by a crossing of the vast Glacier de la Plaine Morte. The climb to the western summit of the Wildstrubel is demanding, but the view is well worth the effort. Stronger participants may also include the central summit. A long descent to the Lämmerenhütte is one of the week's highlights.
Highlight: Expansive glacier terrain and thrilling descents
Elevation: approx. 900 m ascent, 1,100 m descent

Day 5: Scenic Finale – Rote Totz (2,845 m)

Our final ascent takes us to the quiet summit of Rote Totz. Depending on snow conditions, we descend all the way to Kandersteg or via the Schwarenbachhütte to the Sunnbüel cable car. A spectacular ending to a high alpine dream tour.
Highlight: Solitary summit with views over the Kander valley and a long final descent
Elevation: approx. 550 m ascent, up to 1,800 m descent

Technical Requirements

You should have excellent off-piste ski technique in terrain up to 35–40° steep. You can manage all kinds of snow and slopes — even if it's not with perfect turns, side-slipping works too. No style points are awarded here.
Climbs of up to 1,500 vertical meters with skins should be enjoyable for you. Short, steep sections where skis need to be carried on your backpack are part of the adventure and should not intimidate you.
You should be comfortable using ski crampons on hardpack snow and able to make kick turns in steep terrain without falling. Practice beforehand is highly recommended.

Mental & Physical Requirements

Skiing day after day is more demanding than a single tour with 1,500 meters of ascent. Even though the classic Urner Haute Route may involve fewer vertical meters, this tour is more technically and physically challenging — even more so than the famous Chamonix to Zermatt route.
We strongly recommend regular ski tours and endurance training to prepare. This will make the experience more enjoyable and less tiring. Basic alpine skills are helpful but not mandatory.
You should be familiar with avalanche equipment (beacon, probe, shovel) and basic avalanche awareness.

A full avalanche safety set (beacon, probe, shovel) and a basic alpine touring kit are mandatory. If external conditions force us to cancel the planned tour, we will offer an alternative tour.

Can I join as a splitboarder?

Yes, that’s possible. However, you need to be in excellent physical shape, have strong downhill skills, and be confident with kick turns using crampons in steep terrain.

When should I arrive?

We recommend arriving the day before in Gstaad or Les Diablerets. That way, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take public transport to the cable car station in the morning.

Am I fit enough for this tour?

Skiing several days in a row is more demanding than a single-day tour with 1,500 meters of ascent. Even though some routes like the Urner Haute Route have fewer vertical meters, this one is more challenging, both physically and technically — more so than the classic Chamonix to Zermatt route. With regular training and ski touring beforehand, you’ll enjoy it a lot more.

What happens if the tour gets cancelled?

We’ll always try to carry out the tour. If conditions don’t allow it, your guide will organize an alternative program, possibly covering part of the route. The final decision is made by the mountain guide.

What kind of skis should I bring?

We recommend lightweight touring skis that are still fun to ski on the descent. A width of 90 to 100 mm underfoot is a good choice.

What is included in the price?

Included in the price are the mountain guide’s fee and expenses.

Not included are overnight stays in huts (around CHF 80 per night), food and drinks in the huts, rental equipment, and transport or lift costs.