Detail
Lauenen - Arpelistock (3036 M.a.s.l)
- Linear route
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
- Insider tip
- Summit route
- Refreshment stops available
A 2-day tour with overnight stay in the SAC Geltenhütte or a 1-day tour for ambitious ski tourers
From Lauenen the route goes through the flat moor landscape. Here in Rohr, ski tourers, winter hikers and cross-country skiers come together to enjoy the nature reserve. Soon the route goes off the slope and follows Sommerstrasse towards Lauenensee and over Legerlibrügg passing it to the east.
The summer hiking trail takes you through the forest to the valley floor of Undere Feisseberg. On the western bank of the Geltenbach, the tour continues into the valley, passing by frozen waterfalls through the mountain landscape to Nüwe Berg. Through a right turn the first cliff wall on the southern end of the valley floor can be avoided, the second wall is doable thanks to a trail carved into the rock. One must be careful here, especially at Geltenschuss, where the route passes behind the waterfall, it’s often very icy!
On the other side of the stream, the route climbs towards the SAC Geltenhütte. Those who have chosen the 2-day tour relax here, enjoy the view from the terrace and continue the tour the next day (maintenance times and further details about the hut can be found below). Ambitious ski tourers will enjoy the „Geltikafi“ and continue on their way.
From the SAC Geltenhütte the route goes along the Furggebächli through the Furggetäli. Between Arpelihore and Hüenerhürli it crosses what’s left of the Gelten glacier towards the Arpelistock. The area now really turns into a high alpine landscape – no trees grow anymore, the surroundings are rocky and rugged. The tour continues over the ridge to the summit of the Arpelistock at 3,035 m. The flat summit is the boundary between the cantons Bern and Valais and offers a wonderful panorama onto the Alps.
The descent leads back to the SAC Geltenhütte via the Rottäli and Furggetäli and then goes upwards until Lake Lauenen. From there follow Sommerstrasse back to Lauenen.
- Ski touring equipment: touring ski-boots, touring skis with touring bindings, ski poles, skins, ski crampons
- Climbing harness
- Avalanche transeiver
- Backpack, shovel, probe
- Warm weatherproof clothing
- Warm gloves and warm hat
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Warm drinks
- Snack (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
- Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
- It is forbidden to walk on the ski pistes.
- Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
- Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.
Lauenen is accessible from Gstaad with the Postauto or by car.
More information on gstaad.ch.
Here you will find further ski tours.
