The Brudelhorn is such a second-category destination. A varied, albeit rather long ascent leads to the summit, from where you can enjoy a great view of the giants of the Aletsch region. A somewhat exposed start to the descent gets the adrenaline pumping before you can let it run over wide open slopes. Finally, a perfect larch forest and a steep forest descent down to the valley await your probably already burning thighs. Not far from the starting and finishing points, you can end the day on a beautiful sun terrace.
What more could you want?
Ascent
From the starting point at the train station, head towards the Mossmattebächi ravine - at P. 1428 turn left into the forest and follow the hiking trail to the small hut in the clearing of Unner Flesche (good resting place) - continue to the flat terrain terrace of Altstafel - through less steep, hollow-rich terrain past P. 2333 in the direction of Distelgrat - in good conditions up the slope west of P. 2729 to the foot of the summit structure, or choose a more defensive option east of the same point - up to the large summit cross.
Descent
The best descent in safe conditions is the direct northern descent. From the summit, descend somewhat exposed to the north and along the ridge - the ridge breaks off steeply, depending on the conditions you can also ski less steeply further left - over flatter cruiser terrain back to the ascent track, which you meet at Altstafel - through the very sparse larch forest at the top, then steeper down to the valley. Watch out for a rocky ledge in the forest, which has to be avoided - at the bottom of the valley on the trail back to the station.
Information
Difficulty: Ascent ** / Descent ***
Average/maximum steepness: Steep in the northern descent from the summit, at 160 m altitude 37° - 39°
Exposure: N
Altitude metres uphill and downhill: 1450 m
Duration of ascent: 5 hours
Best time of year: December to March
Map: Touring map 07 Obergoms, also available here as .pdf
Literature: Ski & amp; Snowboard Touring Atlas Switzerland, available at www.helveticbackcountry.ch
Hereis a report from the tour in January 2015 with more pictures
