Todi Alps : 18th April, 2009

Skiing in an undisturbed wilderness. Quiet refuges, peaks to yourselves and untracked descents

Climb and ski from the Todi - the highest mountains in the Glarner Alps at 3614m

This is a wild and beautiful ski tour in the Glarner Alps in central Switzerland. The enormous Dolomitic cliff walls seem to hide these mountains from the outside world and protect the secret for the fortunate few. This really is a little known gem.

The well kept secret is a real benefit when it comes to refuge life as there are so few other skiers. It is not uncommon to have the refuges entirely to yourselves. Two of the refuges may be unguarded although good provision and Swiss facilities make this an enriching experience and certainly not a chore. Portage of food is minimal thanks to arrangements we make with other guardians

The Glarner Alps are full of skiable mountains: Gemsfairenstock, Clariden, Gross-Schärhorn and the Tödi itself. The terrain is demanding with some complex glacial terrain and steep climbs. Some of the days are long if the all peaks are attempted. Some of the descents are amongst best we have done on any ski tour.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Fly to Zurich
We collect you from Zurich airport and drive over to our meeting point in the village of Urnerboden. We meet up with Remi, our guide, and plan the weeks skiing.

DAY 2 - Rabius to Punteglias
The tour begins with a long climb from Rabius roadhead at 957metres, to the col, Fuorcla Biala at 2850 metres. The climb is steady through the trees at first before opening out into the immense cirque of Alp da Glivers whose steep slopes you climb to the col. The descent down to Punteglias(2311m) is not long but after such a long climb on a first day, it is enough. At this small charming refuge you will feel as if you have been invited to someones house who has not been able to be there.

Day 3 - The Todi-3614m
Another big day with 1500 metres of climb but this time you will climb to the magnificent Pointe Russein summit of the Todi. This is a traverse which takes you over two cols and across the Gliemsfirn glacier. The final ascent on this day is straightforward leaving you with enough enegy to enjoy the fabulous descent down through the tumbling seracs and surreal ice forms of the Biferten glacier which leads down to the Fridolinshutte(2111m) 1500 metres of skiing are your reward.

Day 4 - Planurahutte and peak Clariden(3268m)
This is a slightly shorter day of climbing with only 1100 metres if you do the Clariden peak. It is possible to leave some kit at Planurahutte which you pass at 2947 metres for lunch, to make the final ascent easier. The peak is the most northerly point of this tour and gives fantastic views to the South over the terrain you have covered. The refuge is perched on a small ridge surrounded by the impressive expanse of the Hufifirn glacier.

Day 5 - Fuorcla da Cavrein to the Cavardiras Cabane
After an early morning descent of the Hufifirn glacier we climb to the Fuorcla da Cavrein at 2884 metres. There is then a fabulous descent down the South facing valley on steep and open slopes. The steady climb from 1814 metres at 2649m is through a winding valley with steep sided slopes. The refuge is unguarded but extremely welcoming. We will get the woodburner going on arrival, share a cold beer and a snack and the refuge will feel like our cosy home within minutes..

Day 6 - Oberalpstock(3327m)-
This is a day of great variety and interest with some fantastic ski descents. The traverse which leads us out of the refuge and across the Brunnifirn glacier brings us to the slopes which we must climb to the peak of the Oberalpstack. The peak gives great views across to the Clariden and the Todi which we have already climbed. The descent to the Fuorcla da Strem Sura(3127m) is just a taste of what is to come. This is a day of 1600 metres of down for only 1000 metres of up. That’s a good deal! After the joys of descent we must climb steeply over the Chruzlipass(2347m), before beginning yet another descent to the Etzlihutte where we will this time be welcomed by a guardian.

Day 7 -Fuorcla Nair(2830m)
The final day again presents you with far more descent than climb, reward for your efforts earlier in the week. There is a steep 850 metre climb to the col, Fuorcla Nair before the mountain opens out in front of you down the South facing slopes all the way to the railway station in the hamlet of Rueras.

DAY 8 - Fly back to London
You are transferred back to Zurich Airport to connect with flights back home.

Please Note: This itinerary may be altered if conditions, weather forecasts or the overall fitness of the group are judged to put the safety of the group at risk. Pyrenean Mountain Tour Guides reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary without notice. These changes will be explained to the group as and when they occur.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING NEEDED FOR THIS TREK
We recommend that people joining this trek are equipped with the following:

Technical equipment
Ski Touring Skis with Touring Bindings
Ski Poles
Skins (with good glue!)
Ski Crampons
Crampons
Ski Strap (for tying top of the skis together when carrying on rucksack)
Avalanche Transceiver
Snow Shovel

Clothing suggestions
Thermal underwear- 1 set as a base layer
Fleece
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof over trousers
Warm hat
Warm gloves
Warm walking socks
Sun hat or peaked cap
Sunglasses/Goggles

Other useful items
40-60 litre rucksack (needs side straps so that you can carry skis)
Head torch and batteries
Sun block for face and lips
Personal First Aid kit (plasters,compede, paracetamol)
Water bottle or Platypus
Penknife

Optional items
Change of clothing to include: underwear,tracksuit bottoms/ long-johns,dry shirt, spare socks.
Camera and film
Paperback novel
Maps
Ear plugs(there is always one snorer)
Snack bars/dried fruit/chocolate
Sheet sleeping bag (if you like them...)

Some Clients Also Recommend
Wet Wipes

Ski Touring Equipment Hire
Pyrenean Mountain Tours offer a full equipment hire pack. You can hire everything you need for this tour or individual items at the costs shown in the table below. We are unable to provide equipment "last minute" so you need to book what you need well in advance.

Please remember to carry as little gear as possible. A heavy rucksack will make the trip hard work and less fun.