Davos offers a huge playground not only for the world's important people, but also for ski tourers. As soon as the road to Dürrboden is open, you can enjoy this dream tour without any major logistical effort.
Ascent
From the large (free) parking lot in Dürrboden (2,007 m), you can take a look at the north side of the Scalettahorn with binoculars and then start over a small bridge and along the initially flat summer trail towards the Scalettapass (footpath on the right). Shortly before the pass and before your hips are dislocated from constantly traversing the slope, keep left and continue up to the flat plain below the Scalettahorn. From there, there are two ways to reach the summit: The most sensible option is to ascend the ridge via a narrow, steeper snow field between point 2,933 m and the Scalettahorn. From there, follow the ridge to the summit. You often need crampons for the last few meters. (However, you don't have to climb to the summit to be able to ski the north-facing slopes.)
Caution! Although the ascent route does not run over particularly steep slopes, you should be aware of the danger posed by the slopes above.
Descent
The descent along the ascent route is not particularly beautiful and is not recommended when it is warm during the day due to the steep slopes under which you move in the lower part of the tour.
The north-facing descent is more interesting: you ski from the summit - actually better from a plateau a few meters below - into the north-facing slopes and down into the Gletschertälli via the line selected from the parking lot. (The steep, often rocky descent directly from the summit also ends in this line). Then flat (but without pushing) back to Dürrboden. You can enter the north-facing slopes from several places on the ridge.
Caution! The north-facing slopes are very steep and can only be skied in absolutely safe conditions. But it's worth waiting for good conditions. The mountain is not overcrowded and powder snow is plentiful on the steep north-facing slopes.
Tips
Attention! The road to Dürrboden through the Dischma valley is closed in winter and only opens to traffic in spring. Information about the road can be found on the website of the mountain inn in Dürrboden here.
The tour runs completely above the tree line. Good visibility is required for orientation.
Motivated hikers can first ascend from the Scalettapass towards the Chüealp glacier (heading west) and then tackle the Scalettahorn after a rewarding descent back to the pass.
The tour can also be done in winter, but then as a day tour with greater logistical effort: From the Walserhuus behind Sertig, you first walk a long flat stretch into the Chüealp valley, climb up to the Chüealp glacier at the end and then descend from there towards the Scalettapass. From there as described above. Then out of the Gletschertälli to the previously organized cab that will take you back to the Walserhuus. However, the problem here is that you cannot see the steep northern slopes beforehand and, in an emergency, the way back via the Chüealptal and the west-facing descent could be softened by the sun!
Information
Difficulty: ***
Average steepness/maximum steepness: up to a maximum of 35 degrees on the ascent; on the descent around 40 degrees in the upper part - depending on the line chosen
Exposure: N
Altitude difference start and finish: 2000 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: approx. 1050 m
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Best time of year: May to June
How to get there: From Lake Constance via the A13 to Landquart. Take the main road 28 to Davos. After Davos turn left towards Dischmatal. On the Dischmastraße (winter closure!) to the Dürrboden parking lot.
Topographic maps: Swisstopo 1217 Scalettapass
