Somewhat away from the hustle and bustle of the posh Swiss ski resort of Davos, on the Flüela Pass just behind the gondola station of the "Pischa" ski area, there are plenty of opportunities for ski tourers. One of the most rewarding tours is the ascent to the Sentisch Horn. The tour offers various options for different skill levels on both the ascent and descent and the predominantly north-facing exposure means there is a good chance of good snow.
Ascension
The tour starts at an altitude of approx. 2000 m in front of the barrier of the closed Flüela Pass (Tschuggen). The ascent begins along the pass road until you reach a small yellow house on the right. This is marked on the map as "Wägerhus". Turn right here in the direction of ascent and start the ascent with a left turn behind the first steep step. Once you reach the steep step, turn right and continue north until you reach another steep step.
After the second steep step (marked "Tälli" on the map), you reach a wide, flat area. Here you can now clearly see your destination, the Sentisch Horn. The normal route leads in a wide arc first to the right and then behind the north-western neighboring summit from the north-western side to the summit ridge. Another option for the ascent is the path up the main slope. This leads from the very flat area below the Horn, turning slightly to the left in the direction of ascent, to a yoke between the main summit and the western side summit, where it meets the normal route. If you choose this ascent, you should not only make a good assessment of the avalanche risk for the main slope itself, but also for the gullies from the main summit that lead into the slope.
Descent
Shortly after the main slope, which becomes somewhat narrower in the upper part, meets the normal route at the ridge, you have the option of continuing up to the summit and skiing one of the gullies from the summit, or choosing the descent through the main slope. Some of the gullies from the summit are very steep and require stable conditions for safe skiing. Some of them are not completely continuous and may require a jump, depending on the snow conditions. However, the gullies are easy to see from below, so you can get a good idea of your line in advance. On the descent, you can keep left after the main slope in the direction of descent and, after a very flat section, reach a final steeper section, which then ends at the pass road further towards the starting point than the ascent track. In this area there are various downhill options through varied terrain. Depending on the snow conditions and avalanche situation, it is advisable to choose your possible descent route during the ascent.
Information
Difficulty (5-level scale): **(*) depending on the choice of descent and ascent
Special dangers: When assessing the avalanche risk, also consider the gullies from the summit into the main slope
Equipment: normal touring equipment, possibly crampons in spring
Exposure: north, north-east
Altitude difference start and finish: approx. 2000 m | 2827 m
Altitude difference uphill and downhill: approx. 800 to 900 altitude meters depending on the start on the pass road
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Best time of year: January to April
Accommodation: Various accommodation in Davos or Klosters
How to get there:
Drive from Davos towards the Flüela Pass and Pischa gondola. On the approach road, leave the Pischa gondola on your left and continue along the pass road for approx. 3 km, past the "Tschuggen" inn, until you reach the barriers of the closed pass. There are about 20 parking spaces at the barrier.
Public transport: From Davos train station, take the bus in the direction of the "Pischa" gondola. From the gondola you can either walk (approx. 3 km) or hitchhike with other tourers to the closed pass.
