TouringTip | Alvier | PowderGuide

The St.Gallen Rhine Valley is not exactly a highly frequented touring area, yet the Alvier is visited relatively often. On the one hand, the view from the summit is pretty awesome, on the other hand, the Alvier offers pretty cool downhill options despite the relatively easy ascents. As most of the descents face north, the season lasts relatively long.

Ascent

The starting point for our variant is the hamlet of Hüseren, or rather a hairpin a little behind the village, where we found a suitable parking space. We were already a little later in the season, so we had to tackle the first 100 vertical meters with our skis off. The ascent leads along a road to the last houses, from where we follow the meadow towards the first pre-summit, the Hurst. Before reaching the highest point, we traversed the slope and climbed further up through the somewhat steeper southern side of the Chopf into the terrain chamber between the Chopf and our main destination, the Alvier, roughly at the level of the summer hiking trail. In this section there are always some steeper steps, which are easy to pass with a clever choice of line. We skied on to the ridge, which leads over the summit structure from the south.

The skis have to be shouldered/bound for the summit structure. This last section is often windswept due to the exposure of the summit. In some places, a steel cable for the summer trail peeks out through the snow. Depending on the conditions, it may be worth taking crampons and possibly an ice axe with you for this section.

After a short time, the ascent flattens out and you walk a few more meters to the summit.

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The descent

We opted for the direct route in a north-easterly direction from the summit. This descent is still a little steep at the start and requires stable avalanche conditions. At an altitude of around 2100 m above sea level, we continued to the left in exciting, couloir terrain that leads into the Imalschüel basin.

Variants

Depending on the snow and weather conditions, there are several variants on this tour. The classic descent route leads northwest away from the summit. In critical conditions on the north-facing slopes, there is the option of skipping the summit and arriving at the Barbielengrat (see map).

An alternative, much more frequently used starting point is the Berghaus Malbun.

Conclusion

The St. Gallen Rhine Valley is generally relatively snow-sure. This tour can therefore be done between the first snowfall and relatively late in the season. The ascent is entertaining and the terrain varied. In addition to the interesting descent, the special thing about this tour in my eyes is the view, which is incredibly spectacular. Depending on the avalanche report and the weather, the tour can be changed relatively easily. In many places, the route described leads through, or close to, terrain with a gradient of over 30°. The risk of avalanches must therefore be constantly monitored. The descent directly from the summit in particular requires stable conditions.

Information

Note: Although Hüseren is located in Switzerland, there is no public transport up there! The Gemsli restaurant in Hüseren offers guests a shuttle service from Sevelen. We didn't use it, but I'm confident that if you ask nicely and ensure a stop for refreshments, you'll be able to take advantage of it as a ski tourer.

Difficulty (5-level scale):***(*)

Special dangers: As always, it's important to pay attention to the avalanche situation. The descent directly from the summit leads through very steep terrain. The ascent also requires safe walking in the final section.

Exposure: mostly north

Altitude difference start | finish: Hüseren 1050 m | Alvier 2341 m

Altitude difference ascent | descent: approx. 1450 vertical meters

Duration: 5 hours

Best time of year: December - March

How to get there: Take the Sevelen exit from the freeway between St. Gallen and Sargans. In the village of Sevelen, head towards Sevelerberg. After the hamlet of Hüseren, you can park in the hairpin bend at point 1042.