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TouringTip | Flüela Schwarzhorn

Classic above Davos

by Steffen Kruse 01/15/2017
At 3,147 m, the Flüela Schwarzhorn is the highest peak in the landscape around Davos, a classic in winter and summer and popular with young and old alike. The mountain got its name because the black pyramid on the summit is the most striking feature when viewed from Davos.

The mountain has certainly become very popular because it is an "easy" 3,000-metre peak to climb and, as long as the Flüela Pass is open, you only have to conquer a few metres in altitude. In general, however, there are many different ways to climb the Schwarzhorn. The easiest and quickest is certainly from the Flüela Pass. From the summit you have a magnificent panoramic view of the Alps. Despite being quite busy, it is definitely worth a visit and you will always be able to find a free and fresh patch of snow, as the terrain is very extensive.

Ascent

If you are coming from Davos, you will first enjoy the Flüela Pass summit (2,383 m above sea level) before heading slightly downhill again. In summer, the Postbus stop at the Schwarzhorn junction is clearly visible, but in winter these signs are missing. Nevertheless, you can almost always see the ascent tracks on the right-hand side. Only very few people will be able to take the first lane here. Parking bays are often specially cleared, so please make sure you use them and don't just leave your car on the road. This will result in at least a hefty fine or the car will be re-parked at great expense... What reads funny is unfortunately sometimes reality.

So, let's get down to business, the further down the road you park, the further you can ride down later! On the ascent, keep heading S/SW and climb up a steep step to a small lake (P.2418). Then it's a leisurely walk along a basin before you have to tackle a steeper passage to the right (west). Shortly afterwards you can already see the Schwarzhornfurgga (saddle P. 2880). In my opinion, this is the trickiest passage, as the danger is often not recognizable and the trail of the standard route passes right through this tricky part. The danger here comes from significant snow loads that are not easy to recognize, so if in doubt, don't follow the tracks, but climb briefly to the right (north) onto a small ridge before following the standard route again. Once you reach the saddle, stick to the south ridge and follow it to the summit.

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Descent

Keep your eyes open during the ascent, then you will see one or two variations, otherwise along the ascent route. The couloirs directly and east of the summit are wilder stories and are not described in more detail here, just like the descent into the Dischma valley.

Information

Difficulty (5-level scale): **
Special dangers: Steep before the Schwarzhornfurgga
Average steepness/Maximum steepness: 30°-35°
Exposure: NE,S
Altitude difference start and finish: 3,147 m | 2.300 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: 850 m
Duration: 2.5 h
Best time of year: Early winter or late winter (as the pass is then open)
How to get there: From Davos in the direction of Engadin (Susch, Zernez....)
Topographical maps: Swisstopo ski touring map 258 S Bergün/Bravuogn
Other recommendations: Sunrise tour
Literature: including SAC Skitouren Graubünden Süd

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