Freeride tour of the week | Madrisa circuit

'A cross-border and unifying joint effort that documents our long-standing friendship'' this is how the Madrisa circuit is described on the border signs and we don't know exactly whether this refers to our friendship or that of the two countries. However, we did not choose the cross-border route this time, as the avalanche situation does not invite particularly steep adventures. But even so, the tour is worthwhile, especially in such perfect weather! Clouds and wind are forecast for the afternoon and we first do a few off-piste runs in the Madrisa area (Klosters). There is also a tour ticket (one ascent) which includes the Gargellen lifts, but if there is still some time and good snow, then it is worth buying the day ticket despite the hefty price in order to enjoy a few more runs in the Madrisa area. At the station, you are asked to fill in the obligatory tour forms. We then recoup the proud ticket prices later over a delicious lunch at the Schafberghüsli in Gargellen. There is a lot of discussion all day about whether the Madrisa circuit is cheaper to do from Austria or Switzerland!

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Tour description

No matter where you start the tour, you should finish at the starting point, otherwise it doesn't officially count as a Madrisa tour! As mentioned, we started in the Madrisa area and after the rewarding powder turns, we got ready for the ascent to the Schlappiner Joch in the late morning. We start at just under 2100 m and the 100 m up to the pass pass by quickly. In tricky conditions, you should pay attention to the steep slopes below the Madrisa and not spend too long on the traverse. A worthwhile extension of the tour is the ascent to the Schlappiner Spitze, which we skip due to the avalanche situation. In addition, it is already quite uncomfortable here at the Joch and we only quickly tear the skins off our skis in the strong wind and packed snow to then enjoy the 400 m down into the Valzifenztal. This slope is also not without danger, but can be skied quite safely. Then comes the highlight of the tour: you have to push or skate up to the piste at an altitude of approx. 1700 m with little gradient. However, we all agree that the turns beforehand were still well worth it.

Now comes the leisurely part: take the gondola up to the Schafberghüsli for lunch! Don't miss out on the delicious smuggler's pan (how do they know???) or a full-fledged Leberkäs with fries. Not to mention the delicious dessert (nougat dumplings with vanilla ice cream are highly recommended!) You'll probably feel like us: What, so late already? We still have to get up to the St. Antönier Joch! So off we go in the lift, down into the Tälli and with skins towards the Joch (2379 m). The almost 300 m climb takes a little longer than usual - probably because of the strong headwind and not because of the nougat dumplings. Even at the next border crossing at the top of the St. Antönier Joch, we don't have to expect long check-in queues; fortunately, because a strong wind is blowing here too and we are happy to get on quickly. That's why we turn down the extension offer with a short ascent to Riedchopf and head straight down to St. Antönien. Of course, you should allow time for the obligatory Calanda in the café opposite the bus stop before getting on the bus to Küblis, from where you can take the train back to Klosters.

Conclusion

Always worthwhile and if you haven't done the Madrisa circuit yet, you should do it as soon as possible before the borders to Switzerland are closed again! After doing the math, we think that the Marisa circuit is cheaper from Austria to Switzerland. But only if you smuggle the smuggler's pan across the border yourself! Two more important tips: In spring and at weekends, you should expect long queues at the border crossings! And, with the new timetable, the bus to train stop in Küblis is no longer long enough to run to the kiosk and get some food!

Information

Difficulty (5-level scale): **
Duration: 5-6 hours
Exposure: SW, N, E, W
Best time of year: January to April
Direction: Depending on the starting point, either in Switzerland via the Rhine Valley and in Landquart from Klosters, or in Austria through the Montafon to Gargellen.

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Freeride tour of the week | Madrisa circuit

Cross-border classic

Tour description

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