Bivio, the pearl on the Julier, certainly deserves its name from a ski tourer's perspective. Situated at almost 1'800 m above sea level on the eastern main Alpine ridge, the touring season starts quite early here. Namely as soon as the first low-pressure systems from the north or south have covered the rocky area with enough white snow. And thanks to the high and sheltered location, it only ends late in spring. Countless worthwhile tour destinations along the Julier Pass do the rest. Piz Lunghin is certainly one of them and is one of the most beautiful panoramic peaks accessible from Bivio.
Ascent
The easiest way to the summit is from the ski area in Bivio. Two single rides at 9,- Sfr each take you comfortably from the parking lot at the south-eastern end of the village up to Mot Scalotta. In really good conditions, there are nice, short descents to Alp Tgavretga and - mostly by pushing - through the valley of the same name back to the ski area. But Bivio is hardly a real freeride paradise, even if there are a few nice lines to be found.
So the first descent is more of the best starting point for the counter-climb up to Piz Lunghin. But that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy these 400 meters of altitude. On the contrary, when does a tour ever start with a rewarding descent? It's just that you should keep to the south-east to reach the small bridge at point 2167 at Alp Tgavretga. Of course, you can also do without the ascent and descent and ascend directly from Bivio to Alp Tgavretga.
Here you can put on your skins and from now on head over the gently undulating slopes of Alp da Sett towards Motta da Sett and continue through the high valley that is now opening up to Pass Lunghin at point 2645. Here it is worth pausing for a moment to enjoy the view of the mighty peaks all around. If you now feel the urge to urinate, you can decide whether to send your excess bodily fluids northwest via Eva da Sett, Julia and the Rhine into the North Sea, southwest to the Maira and thus into the Mediterranean, or east to the Black Sea via the Inn. We recommend taking the wind direction into consideration.
From the pass, the route continues over the north-western flank of Piz Lunghin and with a few hairpin bends up to the ridge shoulder. The classic ski tourer sets up his ski depot here, but it is well worth loading the skis onto your backpack or shoulder for the rest of the way to the summit, as the first steep turns down from the summit are just as worthwhile - at least if the avalanche conditions permit - as the summit itself. The small summit plateau offers magnificent views of the lakes of Sils and Silvaplana, the winding beauty of the Maloja Pass and even the upper Bergell. But there are also rugged mountain beauties that present themselves like pearls on a string along the eastern main ridge of the Alps.
Descent
After resting on the summit, you return to the ascent route via the small summit slope and along this route back over Pass Lunghin and the subsequent high plateau. Now it is worth deviating slightly from the ascent route and heading for the north-western slopes below point 2456. A few turns later at the bottom of the valley, the route continues flat along the hiking trail through the Tgavetra valley back to the ski area. If you enjoyed powder on the descent, it's usually a tedious push out here. If firn was the goal for the day, it may be that it runs reasonably well.
Alternative
A direct ascent from Maloja is also possible. From Cadlägh, follow the En or Inn up to the Lägh dal Lunghin to join the route from Bivio in the north-eastern flank of the Lunghin. A few more meters in altitude are compensated by significantly less distance. However, as the route mostly runs through steep south-facing slopes, the snow conditions and quality as well as the avalanche situation are not always ideal. The standard route is much less problematic here.
In addition, there are numerous really rewarding tour destinations around Bivio. Piz Turba, Scalotta, Neir and Surgonda are just a few of the well-known names in the area.
Information
Difficulty (5-level scale): **
Special hazards: none
Average gradient/maximum gradient: 12°/ 33°
Exposure: SE / W-NW-N
Altitude difference start and finish: 1770 m | 2780 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: 610 m | 1000 m
Duration: 3 h
Best time of year: December - April
How to get there: From Chur via Thusis, Tiefencastel and Savognin Up to the Julier Pass to the parking lot at the end of the village of Bivio. Also easy to reach with the post bus.
Topographical maps: Swiss Map 25 sheet 1256 "Bivio", sheet 1276 "Val Bregaglia, SwissMap 50 ski touring map sheet 268 S "Julierpass"
Other recommendations: plan a week for everything worthwhile around the Julier
