The insider tip par excellence for a long freeride descent over 1800 vertical meters, ideal in March as a final descent after a great freeride day on the Schilthorn. Every time, you will be amazed at how little snow there is and how powdery the snow still is here on the steep north-facing slopes in spring. And this even after 3 weeks of dry spells. The wild Soustal also has a lot to offer in terms of scenery. Below you will find the tour description in the form of an excerpt from the book "Freeride Guide Jungfrau Region"
Descent
There are several variants for the descent:
1. (variant 30a in the Freeride Guide): From the terrace of the Schilthorn mountain station, descend the stairs and head to the north-facing slope. Ski down this slope to P. 2759 and then traverse along the rocks, staying as high as possible. Then climb steeply on foot for about 30 meters to the saddle of the connecting ridge between P. 2759 and Schwarzbirg. You can carry your skis for a short time or strap them onto your backpack. Then ski down the beautiful steep north-western slopes into the Soustal valley.
2. (Variant 30b in the freeride guide): After leaving the terrace of the Schilthorn mountain station, first descend the steep south face slightly and then traverse along the Schilthorn west ridge until you reach the saddle before P. 2828. Step up 10 m here. From there, descend the long and expiring steep slope in the fall line down into Soustal.
On reaching Soustal, follow the Sousbach stream on the flat in both cases as far as Alp Oberberg. Then, instead of following the stream, follow the summer hiking trail through a rocky gully 100 m east of the stream and continue to Alp Sousläger at P. 1704. Pass the alpine huts and then descend north of P. 1698 via the forest aisle until you reach the forest road. Follow this road to P. 1417, where it joins the Sulwald-Isenfluh toboggan run. Follow the toboggan run (road) down to Isenfluh (valley station of the Isenfluh-Sulwald cable car). The post bus stop is right here. If you are too early, there is a restaurant right next to it.
PowderGuide information
Difficulty (5-level scale): ****
Special dangers: Danger of falling on the southern slope of the Schilthorn
Maximum steepness: 40°
Exposure: NW/NE
Altitude difference start and finish: 2970 m | 1161 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: 10-30 m | 1800 m
Duration: 2 hours
Best time of year: End of February to beginning of April (earlier it is often blown off and stony, later the skis have to be carried to Isenfluh in the lower part)
How to get there: By car or train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen, if necessary continue by post bus to Stechelberg. Then take the mountain railroads from Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg up to the Schilthorn. Return from Isenfluh by post bus to Lauterbrunnen. (Timetable at www.sbb.ch Reservation approx. 90 min. before departure recommended +41 79 788 51 20). It is best to travel by train or leave the car in Lauterbrunnen, where you will return in the evening.
Topographical maps: Swiss Map 25'000 sheet "1248 Mürren" or "2520 Composition Jungfrau Region". A 50'000 map is also integrated in the Freeride Guide Jungfrau Region.
Other recommendations: The Soustal can also be reached via the Bietenlücke (variant 29 in the Freeride Guide Jungfrau Region).
Book tip: This tour is taken from the "Freeride Guide Jungfrau Region" by Roger Fischer www.freerideguide.ch
