The tour to the Flüela Wiishorn, one of the 460 3,000-metre peaks in the canton of Graubünden, is very popular and easy to reach from Davos thanks to the Flüela Pass road. For those in good shape, she recommends the descent towards Jöriseen, which usually offers good powder conditions thanks to its northern exposure, and the ascent back to Wäschchuchi and from there the descent back to the car.
Ascent
Start from the Flüela Pass road. If the pass is still closed, from the parking facilities at Tschuggen (point 1964 m), which requires a longer walk along the road to Rossboden below the Wägerhuus. Otherwise you can also park near the entrance. Please note that even when the pass is closed for the winter, BMW holds driver training courses here! This is usually not a problem on the ascent in the morning, but on the descent it's a good idea not to take the road back to Tschuggen!
From the road, ascend eastwards to point 2437 m, from where you reach the basin west of the Flüela Wiishorn via a terrace under the rocky spur at point 2712 m. Turning right, you now ascend to the Winterlücke at Pkt. 2787 m. From here the route leads over the harmless Jörigletscher to the ski depot at Pkt. 2941 m. The direct traverse is not problematic and avoids the small crevasse zone, if it still exists at all due to the glacier shrinkage. From the ski depot, climb via the north-east ridge to the pre-summit (approx. T5/L). Depending on the conditions, crampons and ice axes are recommended; experienced mountaineers can usually do without a rope. From the pre-summit to the main summit, there is a short but exposed snow ridge that requires good surefootedness and a head for heights! Once you reach the summit, you have a wonderful view of the nearby Flüela Schwarzhorn, Piz Linard to the north-east and Piz Vadret to the south-west. If you want to immortalize yourself in the summit book, you will find it in the cairn on the pre-summit.
Descent
On reaching the summit, there are several options open to you. The best option is certainly the descent from the pre-summit in a northerly direction to the southern shore of the large Jörisee. However, this is only feasible in very good conditions. Otherwise, descend via the north-east ridge to the ski depot. If you are still fit, you can also head north from here to the large Jörisee. Otherwise, follow the ascent route back to Tschuggen.
If you have opted for the Jöriseen lakes, the powder dream is followed by a 280-metre ascent to an actually nameless crossing at Pkt. 2771 m. However, as it is frequently used by local ski tourers, the name "Wäschchuchi" has become established. From the southern shore of the large Jörisee at approx. 2490 m, climb southwest towards the small lake at point 2571 m. Turning right, you reach a small gap in the ridge to the south of the Wäschchuchi from where you ascend to point 2771m. This is a good place to enjoy the view back to the Wiishorn and to fortify yourself for the second descent. This wonderful firn descent leads through the Müllersche Tälli to the southwest to the pass road and from there back to Tschuggen. As already mentioned, BMW SUVs roar around on this road during the day, so please do not take the road back to your car.
Information
Difficulty:***
Average/maximum gradient: 30°/ 45°
Exposure: SE, SW, N
Altitude difference start and finish: 1964 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: 1120 m without Wäschchuchi, with 1400 m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Best time of year: March - May
Addresses: Destination Klosters Davos: info@davos.ch, Tel. +41 (0)81 415 21 21 | info@klosters.ch, Tel. +41 (0)81 410 20 20
How to get there: Take the A3 highway to Landquart, exit Davos. From Davos in the direction of the Flüela Pass to Tschuggen.
Topographical maps: Swiss National Map Sheet 1197, Ski Touring Map 248S.
Book tip: SAC Ski Tours Graubünden South
