If the terrain around the well-known spa resort of Leukerbad seems unsuitable for freeriding, these worries evaporate as soon as you arrive in the ski area. The Torrenthorn in particular proves to be a cooperative mountain that offers never-ending freeriding enjoyment with a short ascent from the top station of the old platter lift down to Albinen.
Ascent 1
The ascent begins at the top station of the old platter lift below the Torrenthorn and is not too technically difficult. The summit of the almost-three-thousander is quickly reached via P. 2899. If you're not a fan of summit conquests, don't climb all the way to the top and prepare for the descent on the ridge.
Descent 1
The first descent leads through the south-facing basin via the south-eastern slope east of P. 2865 to Wysse See. The south-east slope is a tough one and should not be underestimated!
Ascend 2
The following flat ascent past P. 2415 and over the pass to Horlini is again unproblematic, but you quickly need to lock your ski bindings again. 1100 meters of the finest freeriding await!
Descent 2
The descent first leads to the Chermignon Alp and over the forest clearing to the west of the Alp down to Albinen. Here, too, you can take a shortcut by not climbing up to Horlini at 2,451 m but descending from the pass (2,397 m) directly south-east to the alp.
Information
Difficulty: **
Exposure: W, SE
Altitude start and finish: 2,750 m | 1.300 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: 360 m | 1800 m
Duration: approx. 2 hours
How to get there: Public transport: SBB to Leuk, bus to Leukerbad. Private transport: highway to Sierre, cantonal road via Leuk - Leukerbad or cantonal road from Goppenstein car transport via Leuk - Leukerbad.
Topographic maps: Swisstopo National Map LK 1:25'000 sheet 1267 Gemmi, Swisstopo National Map LK 1:25'000 sheet 1287 Sierre, Swisstopo Ski Touring Map LK 1:50'000 sheet 263S Wildstrubel, Swisstopo ski touring map LK 1:50'000 sheet 273S Montana
Tip: Leukerbad is a spa paradise, so be sure to enjoy the various thermal baths after freeriding.
Book tip: This tour comes from the book "The most beautiful freeride tours in the Swiss Alps" which is available here.
