Ascent
From the moment I first laid eyes on this striking rocky gully, it never left my mind. It took time before I finally had the chance to climb the Canal del Emperador—a rare gem in Central Switzerland. Few couloirs here stretch 500 meters between sheer rock faces, and in such dramatic dimensions, this one is likely unmatched. Even more remarkable is its short approach—but short doesn’t mean easy! A little ascent, dizzying exposure, and some abseiling are all part of the adventure.
But let's start chronologically. Our trip starts at the Bannalp cable car in Oberrickenbach (900 m), which swiftly carries us up the first 800 meters of elevation. From the mountain station, we skin up a steady 700 vertical meters to the summit of Chaiserstuel. This route, marked on SAC maps, is a well-traveled path—rarely untracked due to the area's popularity among ski tourers.
Reaching the summit, we soak in a breathtaking panorama of the Brisen and surrounding peaks. Then, it’s time to drop into the shadowy north face of Chaiserstuel. But first, we enjoy a few glorious turns to the west, eventually arriving at the abseil point. Caution: This spot is not always immediately visible, and there is a real risk of falling.
For a smoother descent, we recommend two 60-meter half/double ropes, which allow for a single rappel rather than three shorter ones. However, longer ropes also increase the risk of snagging! Solid abseiling skills are essential, as is proper safety gear and the right ski or snowboard setup. In steep, exposed terrain like this, preparation is key.
